Background
The Luxury Collection, previously a Starwood brand and now part of Marriott International, comprises more than 100 properties worldwide. This hotel opened in March. Marriott already has a property in the Armenian capital, in Republic Square, as well as one in the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor.
What’s it like?
The hotel has a 19th-century neoclassical façade on Abovyan Street. The interior is completely new and was created by Alexander James International at a total cost (including building works) of US$54 million. There are traditional Armenian details throughout, most noticeably the vases in the public areas, which are copies of ones in the History Museum, and in the coloured geometric tiling in the lobby and lifts, intended to evoke the mountainous country around Yerevan. The marble reception desk has also been cut in a way that suggests mountains.
I arrived in the early hours from Moscow and was quickly checked in, taken to my room and left alone to catch up on some sleep. The staff were excellent, recommending good restaurants and helping to book day trips to the surrounding sites, which are an essential part of any trip to Armenia.
Where is it?
At the foot of Abovyan Street just before it descends into Republic Square, the centre of Yerevan and the place all tourists will head to in their first few hours in the capital. It’s about half an hour’s drive from the airport. The hotel also has a back entrance on to the pedestrianised shopping street of Northern Avenue.
Rooms
There are 114 rooms and suites over ten floors, with the gym and pool on level 11 and the restaurant on 12. Most look out either on to Abovyan Street or neighbouring Pushkin Street, although a few overlook an internal courtyard (some of these are long-stay studios with kitchens). Rooms have a modern look with geometric carpets, framed stone carvings on the walls and dark-wood wardrobes.
Entry-level Superior rooms (33 sqm) have large flatscreen TVs with satellite channels, free wifi, bottled water, minibars, Nespresso machines, tea facilities, laptop safes, robes, separate baths and showers, twice-daily maid service and good soundproofing. Next up are the 38 sqm Deluxe and Deluxe Twin rooms, followed by Grand Deluxe (45 sqm) and various suites.
Food and drink
Gabriel’s patisserie has its own street entrance, while Gabriel’s bar and lounge serves an all-day menu, cocktails and afternoon tea. The Library is a comfortable place to relax with a drink. On the top floor is Italiano, the main restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has a bar and a terrace from where, on clear days, you can see Mount Ararat in Turkey.
Meetings
There is almost 400 sqm of event space on the level below ground, with two of the rooms joining together to form a sort of mini ballroom. A members-only bar on the level below is occasionally used for private events.
Leisure
On floor minus three is the Alexander Spa by Anne Semonin. The 11th floor has a pool with views across the surrounding rooftops, plus a spa bath and good-sized gym.
Verdict
A luxury hotel that gives a sense of historic Armenia, while providing all the comforts of a top-class property. The location is hard to beat.
Fact box
Best for Luxury in a historic city that is just opening up for tourism
Don’t miss Having a meal on the terrace with views across the roofs towards Mount Ararat
