Armenian Hotels

Modern Armenia

En Route

Modern Armenia
The Tufenkian Heritage hotels were recently reviewed in En Route magazine. Tracey Eaton, a contributing writer, visited the Tufenkian hotels and restaurants giving readers an inside look at the beauty and culture in Armenia. From a county that has endured war, genocide, natural disaster and Soviet occupation Ms. Eaton’s accounts of her trip give us a brief glimpse into what is becoming a popular international tourist destination.

The trip takes her over hundreds of kilometers of bumpy roads to visit the boutique hotels created by James Tufenkian. She sees first hand the impact the Mr. Tufenkian has had on his homeland, from his efforts to preserve the culture as well as providing employment at his hotels.  

Below are excerpts from her article. To read the article in full, please visit:

http://www.enroutemag.com/e/april06/travel1_a.html

On a visit to the Avan Villa Yerevan Hotel:

"The hotel itself is a beautiful converted mansion, small and rustic but very homey.  When I hear the phone ring in reception (even from my room on the second floor), I almost felt like running down and answering it myself.  The rooms are decorated with wrought iron, walnut and black basalt-furnishings that prove to be typical of all Tufenkian Heritage Hotels.  ‘Simple but charming, this hotel epitomizes Tufenkian's vision. ' "

From Ms. Eaton’s visit to the Avan Marak's restaurant, Zanazan:

"Everything at Avan Mark Tsapatagh is rustic and natural, while European and North American travelers will be impressed with the quirky, minimalist and natural fittings, locals aren't as enamored of stone floors, cement walls and exposed beams.  "When Armenians arrive here, they think it's not finished yet," confides Hayk with a chuckle.  There is an odd contrast between the seemingly basic surroundings and the modern influences:  The bathroom has rough flagstone on the floors and walls, but the piping hot shower has a trendy stainless-steel cuboid faucet. "

Ms. Eaton’s article is a pleasure to read and only ensures that for anyone looking for a new country to discover, Armenia is a place of wonder, natural beauty and effervescent people.