Ani Resort

The setting and nature are beautiful, and the staff are friendly. The food was okay, though the breakfast coffee was extremely cheap and low quality. The cottages are missing basic details: no bedside tables or lamps, no balcony chairs or table, and the beds are short. Our two-floor cottage also had a tiny bathroom, and the door locks didn't work. It feels like it was built by people with little hospitality experience. I'd give the location 5, staff and food 3.5, attention to detail 1, and 3 overall.

The rooms were clean, though they had a bit of a Soviet style, and the staff were courteous. But there wasn't much to do in all that open green space, and there were only a few plastic chairs, which guests ended up competing for. Some hammocks, comfortable chairs, or a swing or two could make it a peaceful place for a weekend. The guitar evening was so loud in reception that we had to leave; having it outside around a fire with comfortable seating would have worked better. Management needs to come up with ideas to bring people back. I wouldn't return without a few small but necessary changes.

The nature around the hotel is beautiful, but we came for a good rest on my birthday, Dec. 21, and had a bad experience. Even with a discount, we paid 28K AMD ($58), which felt very expensive for what we got. The hotel was almost empty, yet the sauna wasn't working. The pool and bubbling pool were cold, and the latter only got turned on after we asked. The changing rooms were nearly freezing. Of the two showers by the ladies' room, only one had hot water, and neither shower in the men's room did, so my husband couldn't shower. That evening, dinner time was changed and we were told it would be in the karaoke hall. When we arrived, about 60 people, including the owners and staff, were having a party there. The loud, awful music and chaotic atmosphere were very disturbing, even though there was plenty of food. We later learned it was the staff's New Year party, and they'd combined it with the guests' dinner. It was kind of them to include us, but not professional. No one asked whether we wanted to join the party or eat separately. The music was so loud that we went back to our room and couldn't sleep.

The price was jaw dropping, and we had a wonderful stay. It’s one of the best places to stay in Armenia, with peaceful, quiet surroundings and beautiful nature. The staff were very friendly, and the food was delicious. Thanks to the Ani resort team.