Armenia (A) - accommodation

[pineapple stu]

Post any information on accommodation in Armenia in here. I'll try keep a summary of the main links in this post.

Other links -

Flights (or other means of getting there) (http://foot.ie/threads/131650-Armenia-(A)-flights)
Charter travel (incl tour operator bookings, charter buses, taxis, etc) (http://foot.ie/threads/131651-Armenia-(A)-charter-travel)
The game (match tickets, kick off time, directions to the ground, etc) (http://foot.ie/threads/131652-Armenia-(A)-the-game)
Places (towns, internal travel, reccies, etc) (http://foot.ie/threads/131653-Armenia-(A)-places)
Pubs (things to do, other chat) (http://foot.ie/threads/131654-Armenia-(A)-pubs)
General (things to do, other chat) (http://foot.ie/threads/131558-Armenia-(A)-general)

Hotels
Marriott
Congress (Best Western) - fully booked?
Metropol
Golden Tulip

Hotels in Yerevan search engine (http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/hotels_yerevan/hotels_yerevan_eng.php)

[pineapple stu]

Some info from the draw thread in the Ireland forum -

Posts 128,129 and 131 (http://foot.ie/threads/126507-Euro-2012-draw?p=1317173&viewfull=1#post1317173)

[OneRedArmy]

I stayed in the Marriott right slap bang in the middle of the hugely impressive Republic Square in Yerevan. I expect the team may well stay there. Nice spot if a bit pricey (no surprises there), location is fantastic.

[RodgenotPodge]

For those thinking about going to the game in Yerevan, I recommend the Congress (Best Western) Hotel. A fraction of the price of the Marriott but only a few hundred meters away. Nice staff, good rooms, great internet, good gym, pool and very nice restaurant. There are other hotels that are OK too but the Congress is my favourite. I go 3-4 times a year on business.

[gspain]

For those thinking about going to the game in Yerevan, I recommend the Congress (Best Western) Hotel. A fraction of the price of the Marriott but only a few hundred meters away. Nice staff, good rooms, great internet, good gym, pool and very nice restaurant. There are other hotels that are OK too but the Congress is my favourite. I go 3-4 times a year on business.

Thanks for the tip. We're all booked in there. Easy to book online, I booked one double instead of a twin by mistake - rang them up and they sorted it out straight away. Staff were very helpful on the phone which was nice. Looking forward to this one. Reckon this will be the best trip of the campaign. Not really looking forward to going back to Skopje or Moscow.

[RodgenotPodge]

That's great - enjoy!

Yerevan is OK - big city but the centre is compact and well laid out. Weather should be lovely in September. You will be 3 minutes walk from Republic Square and most of the restaurants and attractions are in the area between there and the Opera - about 10 minutes stroll. The stadium is also within walking distance of the hotel.

[StretchRyan]

All have the above hotel booked, should be nice out by the pool, Podge what is the local brew like and is there many decent bars??

Since the draw this was always my number one to get too.

[RodgenotPodge]

The local brews are fine Kotayk, Kilikia, Erebuni - all lager types. They do decent wines as well but Armenia's big thing is brandy.

Its not so much a pub scene - bars tend to be a bit dark and lacking in atmosphere - but its very much a cafe society so at that time of year it will all be outdoors. Lts of that around the Opera and on some nice pedestrianised streets.

[ArdeeBhoy]

For those thinking about going to the game in Yerevan, I recommend the Congress (Best Western) Hotel. A fraction of the price of the Marriott but only a few hundred meters away. Nice staff, good rooms, great internet, good gym, pool and very nice restaurant. There are other hotels that are OK too but the Congress is my favourite. I go 3-4 times a year on business.

According to some American site, that's a mere $46000-odd a night!!!

[newrynyuk]

According to some American site, that's a mere $46000-odd a night!!!

A missing decimal point, presumably. I've booked the Best Western Congress too and it only cost me £46.00 a night.

[Paulie]

Me + 3 booked into the Best Western, Tuesday - Saturday. Bring it on.

[BradyIsMyHero]

A missing decimal point, presumably. I've booked the Best Western Congress too and it only cost me £46.00 a night.

Ditto - but watch out for add-ons, local taxes etc

Note - now coming up as fully booked!

[Junior]

Best Western Congress coming up as fully booked as stated above, though it would appear that this is down to charters just block booking the rooms at the moment.

Further rooms will become available as no doubt they will be released. If anyone cancels a room booking that they are not going to use can you give me a shout.

Cheers, Junior

[ArdeeBhoy]

Jnr.
Have details of a deal from a gent of mutual acquaintance, with certain prominent facial hair, which will fwd. in due course....

[horsebox1977]

Booked the Metropol which is across from the Best Western -
here is a good site to look to see what hotels are available.
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/hotels_yerevan/hotels_yerevan_eng.php

[RodgenotPodge]

I'll be in Yerevan week after next. This time I'm staying in the Golden Tulip which is even more central. My client made the booking and seems to get a good rate there, although on paper its more expensive than the BW Congress. A colleague stayed there recently and liked it a lot so keep it in mind if anyone is still looking. I'll send some feedback after June 20th. I'll be there for 10 days this time so if anyone has any questions or research they need doing....

[newrynyuk]

Come September, by the time we come back into town after the match, the other games will be kicking off in western Europe. So see if you can find a centrally located bar with a big screen where we might be able to watch these, RodgenotPodge. Thanks.

[horsebox1977]

I'll be in Yerevan week after next. This time I'm staying in the Golden Tulip which is even more central. My client made the booking and seems to get a good rate there, although on paper its more expensive than the BW Congress. A colleague stayed there recently and liked it a lot so keep it in mind if anyone is still looking. I'll send some feedback after June 20th. I'll be there for 10 days this time so if anyone has any questions or research they need doing....

Can you find out if the ATM's dispense money easily enough either with Visa\Master or Cirrus cards?

[Junior]

Best mode of Transport To and From Airport and the ATM Question above.

[RodgenotPodge]

The ATM question is easy - loads of them and they take Laser, Visa, Mastercard etc. Not sure about airport transport (I get picked up) but I'll check. I reckon taxis would be the simplest - its not far and Yerevan is cheap.

One tip; you need to get a visa on arrival - its only about 5 Euro but you have to fill in the form (with your local address etc.) and you have to pay in local money. There is an exchange desk in the arrivals hall and I think an ATM (I'll try to remember to check when I arrive next time). It ony takes a few minutes but its quicker if you are prepared. I don't think you can get Armenian money very easily outside the country.

The World Cup will be on when I'm next there so it should be easy to spot the places that have big screens.

[Paulie]

One of the lads in my group is staying in the Golden Tulip and as far as I can remember, it's costing him about €150 a night. The rest of us are staying in the Best Western where we got the 4 nights for the cost of 3 nights deal. I think that came to about €200 each (each in our own room) which is grand.

[RodgenotPodge]

Wow, on that basis the BW Congress is much the better deal for September. I think the outfit I work with get both hotels for much the same rate but I'll be able to compare value for money next week.

[Junior]

The BW Congress has been fully booked for some time now - though they are compiling a waiting list. I think the likes of Abbey / 747 have probably block booked the rooms and they will be released when they dont sell out the packages they are offering.

[RodgenotPodge]

I'm in Yerevan now. I'm staying at the GoldenTulip which is certainly more grand and a bit more central than the Congress. However from the prices quoted above, the Congress is the better deal and would still be my choice. 10 minutes walk to the Stadium and 10 minutes in the other direction to the area around the Opera which is is where it all happens - lovely bars and cafes in the park. All have big screens for the World Cup and should have them for your visit too.) The weather is glorious and should be in September too so its a good scene..

As far as I can see there isn't an ATM in the Arrivals Hall but there are 2 money exchanges and it is quick and easy. You need to get your cash, then fill in the visa form and go to the visa windows, Cost is 3,000 AMD which is about 6 Euro at the moment. It just takes a few minutes. There is a sign for the Bus outside but its only 10 minutes to the city and taxi are cheap.

If anyone has any questions, let me know. I'm here for the next week

[newrynyuk]

RodegenotPodge, what's the going rate for a taxi from the airport into the centre of Yerevan?

[RodgenotPodge]

Max you should pay is 5,000 ADM - about €10. All the proper taxis are metered but from the airport they will usually agree a price. Its the best bet as it will take you directly to your hotel. If the airport taxis are being difficult and you are not in a hurry, you can always take the bus; you will probably still need a taxi to find your hotel but that should be only 600-1,000 in the city centre. Generally there doesn't seem to be too much of a rip-off culture in Armenia. Most folk are pretty decent.

I watched Germany-England last evening in Astral and it was great. Another good spot is Atlantic, which is the first place in the park by the Opera as you come up the big pedestrianised street from the main square (it is directly opposite Od Erivan restaurant complex.) But there's loads of places.

[OneRedArmy]

RodgenotPodge, quite a number of our party were ripped off on taxis from the airport (although no sense of it happening anywhere else).

As you say, agree a price up front and make sure you get a taxi rather than some lad's private car.

Also spot on on the service. Very "relaxed" and also a Communist hangover that they don't equate increased consumption with a money making opportunity!

I'm sorry I'm going to miss the game, I think its a great spot with some of the best eye candy in the world.

[pineapple stu]

Have updated the first post with a list of the hotels. When RnP is back, I'll move his posts to the general thread if he doesn't mind! Just to keep everything together for later reference. Will leave it all here for the moment though cos people know that's where to look.

[RodgenotPodge]

I finish up this trip to Yerevan tomorrow and I probably won't be back before the game, so here's a couple of final observations;

There is a Duty Free in the Arrivals Hall, although I've never checked out the prices, nor felt like shopping at that hour of the morning. At least its an option.

Shorts - as the weather continues to heat up (35 today) I see the odd one or two around. Its still pretty rare but at least you won't get arrested or have stones thrown a you and you should be able to get fed (and watered.). However if you plan to go clubbing (and you can), you will need "longs" (and I suspect more than an Irish jersey).

Most bars serve only 33cl bottles (draught is almost unknown). (The Atlantic at least serves 50 cl - and it has a nice upstairs terrace.) Of the places near Opera, I recommend Astral and Atlantic most.

There's a few Chinese around if you want a big feed but the food isn't anything special. Its a meat eating culture, so veggies be prepared. At least they do salads. Local wine is OK, but stick to the "dry" as anything else is way too Russian and sweet for our taste.

Chek out Virtual Tourist or Tripadvisor for more lowdown - there's also maps of the city centre you can download and check out locations.

You can get a local SIM card for a couple of Euro (make sure your phone is unblocked.) Calls to Ireland will be a lot cheaper, as will calls to your mates in other bars in Yerevan.


Overall Yerevan is fine, clean, sophisticated city and is especially good in summer. Its a lot bigger than Podgorica say, but the central area is easily covered on foot. Its got some nice parks with a lot of sculpture and there's a general feel of culture and sophistication. Famous "Armenians" include Andre Agassi, Charles Aznavour and Cher.

I think they are pretty hopeless at football.

[Claret Murph]

Fantastic info Rodge , thanks for the time you spent putting this together as I know it will come in handy for a lot of us who are travelling to the game .

[Junior]

Fantastic info Rodge , thanks for the time you spent putting this together as I know it will come in handy for a lot of us who are travelling to the game .

Yep.. What that man said.

Cheers

[armcelt]

Hello everyone! It's nice to see these threads about our country:)

I'm waiting impatiently for your September trip guys). And don't forget to visit our local Irish pubs in Yerevan. Hope you'll like them and enjoy your travel.

Buy):hat:

[zenokelly]

I finish up this trip to Yerevan tomorrow and I probably won't be back before the game, so here's a couple of final observations;

There is a Duty Free in the Arrivals Hall, although I've never checked out the prices, nor felt like shopping at that hour of the morning. At least its an option.

Shorts - as the weather continues to heat up (35 today) I see the odd one or two around. Its still pretty rare but at least you won't get arrested or have stones thrown a you and you should be able to get fed (and watered.). However if you plan to go clubbing (and you can), you will need "longs" (and I suspect more than an Irish jersey).

Most bars serve only 33cl bottles (draught is almost unknown). (The Atlantic at least serves 50 cl - and it has a nice upstairs terrace.) Of the places near Opera, I recommend Astral and Atlantic most.

There's a few Chinese around if you want a big feed but the food isn't anything special. Its a meat eating culture, so veggies be prepared. At least they do salads. Local wine is OK, but stick to the "dry" as anything else is way too Russian and sweet for our taste.

Chek out Virtual Tourist or Tripadvisor for more lowdown - there's also maps of the city centre you can download and check out locations.

You can get a local SIM card for a couple of Euro (make sure your phone is unblocked.) Calls to Ireland will be a lot cheaper, as will calls to your mates in other bars in Yerevan.


Overall Yerevan is fine, clean, sophisticated city and is especially good in summer. Its a lot bigger than Podgorica say, but the central area is easily covered on foot. Its got some nice parks with a lot of sculpture and there's a general feel of culture and sophistication. Famous "Armenians" include Andre Agassi, Charles Aznavour and Cher.

I think they are pretty hopeless at football.

Hi Podge, regarding buying a sim card, is there any network that you use over there/recommend and where would you get it?

Any spots that you think are good for a bit of grub? And what sort of money would you be looking at paying for a beer and for a meal?

Cheers

[ArdeeBhoy]

I think they are pretty hopeless at football.

Please don't say that!!

[RodgenotPodge]

You can get SIM cards in any corner shop. Mine is Vivacell but it doesn't matter which one.

The area around the park and lake close to the Opera is best for eating and hanging out. I like Atlantic and Astral - both in the park. There is also a place called Marco Polo just by the big square which is also decent but you won't go far wrong anywhere. Get one of the maps they give out free in the hotels; lots of restaurants marked on those.

You should eat well for a tenner and beer is pretty cheap.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Top laid-back spot.
Decent locals, besides those involved with the passports and money exchange who are amongst the worst I've encountered.

And a tenner;RNP, you're being ripped-off!

[RodgenotPodge]

I've never had a problem with the passport chaps - maybe you need a new picture on yours. I also find the ATM's pretty polite but maybe that's just me.

As for the tenner; I guess that depends on how you define eating well.

Glad you enjoyed it!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Thanks RNP;For all your info'.

Though was serious about the tenner, as food there was ridiculously cheap especially if you ate any local cusine. Around €5 max. And talking a decent sit-down venue.

They do have a serious problem with their passport control as they have a higher level of paranoia with all passports regardless of age or nationality. If we'd been Turks or Azeris I'd understand but this was OTT with everyone.

And the only real 'rip-off' was the money-exchange kiosks who were out to fleece you the 2-3 times we had to use them, on arrival or to change back to Western currencies.

These however were the downsides.

Overall 8.5/10 for me.

[Spudulika]

I never had a problem with passport control in Armenia, even this time on a flying visit - though I think without any local contact you'd have difficulty with the money exchange, it's almost as bad as Dublin Airport!

[Green Tribe]

Really enjoyed Armenia I have to say, I had an idea that it would be great but it exceeded my expectations. Really glad we did some tours during the week we were there, fascinating scenery - so much to see. People, food, weather, hotel etc top notch.
Really hope to go back there one day.

[Newryrep]

The BW Congress has been fully booked for some time now - though they are compiling a waiting list. I think the likes of Abbey / 747 have probably block booked the rooms and they will be released when they dont sell out the packages they are offering.

I originally had a booking for BW Wed-Sun which I had to change to Thur Sat via hotels.com. Upon checking 24hrs before I was due to leave Hotels.com advised that the booking was cancelled on the same date when it was changed. Being somewht perplexed an a bit anoyed to say the least they informed me that the BW was fully booked. I tried a couple of booking sites which were also fully booked. I even tried the main BW website which told me its fully booked. However when I booked direct through the Hotel they had rooms. which I booked.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Really enjoyed Armenia I have to say, I had an idea that it would be great but it exceeded my expectations. Really glad we did some tours during the week we were there, fascinating scenery - so much to see. People, food, weather, hotel etc top notch.
Really hope to go back there one day.
All that, in spite of the company!
;)

[Claret Murph]

Rodge thanks again you were very close with everything you posted , now yer it did take over an hour to get out of the airport with change money , visa , passport control and just when I was about to leave this guy asked me for my luggage tags which I told him I binned them over there " but i must have these very important " so back to get the tags out of the bin and yer man was all happy . I was told that 2500 to 3000 was the max to pay for a taxi to town the first guy wanted 10,000 I just laughted and moved on to the next guy . Top people I must say and as cheap as chips you were spot on with the Atlantic upstairs a fine spot , no hassle anywhere no rip offs after the airport and yes if we got them again in the next Quals I would be back great spot ......

[RodgenotPodge]

Glad it worked out -the airport isn't usually that bad; maybe they were overwhelmed by the Green Army. The baggage tag check is a good idea given that 90% of cases seem to look alike these days.... its not unique to Yerevan. The going rate for a taxi is around 5,000, so if you did better than that.....

I've not seen any reports on hotels. Was everyone happy?

[gspain]

Glad it worked out -the airport isn't usually that bad; maybe they were overwhelmed by the Green Army. The baggage tag check is a good idea given that 90% of cases seem to look alike these days.... its not unique to Yerevan. The going rate for a taxi is around 5,000, so if you did better than that.....

I've not seen any reports on hotels. Was everyone happy?

Really enjoyed it. I found the airport very quick off the BMI flight on the wednesday.

Best Western was great. Highly recommend it to anyone travelling. Paid 5,000 for the airport runs per taxi.

Lovely pewople and great place to visit. Definitely right up their with the top away trips.

[Claret Murph]

Yer just loved the BW the rooms were pretty standard but the pool area was really good a lot of us were well toasted in more ways then one .
I did a lot of walking in the afternoons around the centre no hassle from anyone people just loved my one word "Messi" which awalys brought smiles hey . Just loved the street food which is something I always try where ever I go my fav was something like a Pitta bread stuffed with cabbage, herbs and other greens for the sum of 180 Drams , I tell you the best 40c I spent .

[newrynyuk]

The Best Western Congress was indeed spot on, excellent recommendation. But I believe that an Irish fan did a runner without paying. Bad form