Hotel Russia

We came from Australia and spent a couple of days at Hotel Russia in Tsaghkadzor. We had a fantastic stay, and it exceeded what we expected. The rooms were very clean and comfortable. Meals were included at the buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with lots of tasty dishes and desserts to choose from. There was plenty to do at the hotel too: free entry to two children's playrooms, ping pong tables, a heated saltwater pool kept at a comfortable 30°C, and a fully equipped gym. They also provided a complimentary trip to the ropeway and back, which made things easier. The staff were kind, respectful, and always happy to help. In the evenings, a pianist and violinist played live music on the first floor, making the space feel warm and elegant. Guests would gather to dance or just listen. The service made every part of the stay feel special. We'd happily recommend Hotel Russia Tsaghkadzor for a memorable visit, and can't wait to come back.

The gym and one of our rooms were especially troubling. The equipment looked rusty, dated, and possibly unsafe, while another room had such a strong smell that staying there was difficult. Our assigned room also had dirty sheets marked with unsettling red spots, which made me question the hotel's hygiene. The staff came across as unfriendly and unhelpful, and the food selection was narrow with small portions. This was nowhere near what I expected from a place calling itself five-star, and I can't recommend Hotel Russia.

At lunch there was only one meat option, pork, with no chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. I don't eat pork, but ended up having it because there was nothing else. The food names weren't even displayed beside the dishes, and the service was very poor. I've never encountered anything like this.

The bed was comfortable, and the rooms were spacious and very clean. That was about all I liked. There were no robes, which seems hard to square with a five-star rating, and the food was pretty average, maybe suited to people looking for a cheap filling meal. The hotel was extremely noisy because of very impolite guests, and staff did nothing about it. Nobody greeted us or showed us where to sit or wait when we arrived, and no one helped with the luggage or opened the door. I don't know how this place got called five-star. I will never go back.