Elysium Gallery Hotel

Elysium Gallery Hotel is a boutique property at 75/5 Yeznik Koghbatsi Street in the Kentron district of Yerevan, Armenia. The street runs through a quieter part of the centre near Mashtots Avenue, and the position places the Opera, the Cascade Complex, Republic Square and the Matenadaran manuscript museum within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Cafes, galleries and restaurants are close at hand, and Zvartnots International Airport is about 12 kilometres away. As the name suggests, the hotel gives art a prominent role, with gallery-style decor that sets it apart from the more standardised chain hotels in the capital, and the boutique scale gives it an intimate, personal atmosphere. It appeals to couples, art-minded travellers and independent visitors, and it has earned a KAYAK guest score of 8.7 out of 10 from more than 1,400 reviews. Rooms are listed as double rooms, twin rooms and suites, all with air conditioning and wifi, and suites are suited to guests who want extra space or a more special stay. Breakfast is the principal meal served at the hotel, and the central location means that many independent restaurants serving Armenian, Georgian and international food are a short walk away, as well as wine bars that showcase Armenian varieties such as Areni. No spa or pool is listed, so the experience centres on design, location and service. The character of the service is attentive and personal, with staff able to arrange airport transfers, guided city walks and day trips to Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Echmiadzin and Lake Sevan. Listed rates run from about AMD 22,000 to 49,000 per night, or $60 to $135, which is moderate for a boutique hotel in the city centre. Because the property is small, rooms can sell out well in advance during summer and autumn, and early reservation is strongly advised. Visitors who prefer a quieter and more characterful base than the large chain hotels usually find it a rewarding choice.