OWL Hostel and more

The bowling and games area, with a bar there too, gave us a nice way to spend the evenings. Both restaurants connected to the hotel were excellent, and the street has many of Tsaghkadzor’s popular places to eat. The hotel isn’t by the ropeway, but they arranged free transfers there and back. Snow conditions weren’t great, though that didn’t spoil our trip. We’d asked for a room with a bathtub and got a huge one. Staff were lovely and helpful, and even though we arrived at 2am, check-in was quick and easy. Breakfast was included as a continental-style buffet, but it started late for us, from 9:30 to 11:30, while the ropeway opens at 9. We really enjoyed our first visit to Armenia and plan to come back next winter.

On our first day, I urgently needed the bathroom, but my family and I found there was no lock on the door. While I was using it, a hotel staff member came in to deliver toiletries without knocking. We stayed four nights in room 105.

The hotel is modern, convenient, and very clean, with good quality overall. There’s no air conditioning in the rooms. My single room felt a little small, especially the bathroom, and the street-facing rooms get some road noise. I’d still recommend it.

The breakfast was the best in the area, and the price felt worthwhile. There are two well-known restaurants downstairs, though they’re really one kitchen with two names for separate dining halls, plus the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant for included breakfast and paid dinners. They also have Xbox games, American and Russian pool tables, and two bowling lanes. The hotel sits in the middle of town. Mornings were frustrating: hot water took 10-15 minutes to come through, then still wasn’t warm enough. In cold weather, drafts came through plenty of cracks and the rooms were only just warm enough to sleep. The place needs proper repairs. It’s one of the better choices around, as long as you’re prepared for some water and heating issues.