Messier 53 Hotel Yerevan: Your Luxurious Armenian Escape Awaits!
Messier 53 Hotel Yerevan: My Armenian Adventure (with a Few Hiccups!)
Alright, let's get real. You're looking for a Yerevan escape, a luxurious one, right? You’ve stumbled upon the Messier 53 Hotel. Should you book? Well, after my stay, lemme break it down, warts and all, because let's face it, perfection is boring. And hey, if I can survive… (more on that later).
First Impressions & the "Wow" Factor (and the Slightly "Oh, Right" Factor)
From the moment you arrive, it does scream luxury. The lobby is gorgeous, all polished surfaces and that subtle, calming scent that all fancy hotels seem to share. The staff is genuinely friendly. (Important, believe me). They speak excellent English, which is a lifesaver for a linguistic klutz like myself.
Accessibility: Major thumbs up! Wheelchair accessible areas are abundant, lifts are readily available, and the whole place feels designed for easy navigation. This is a huge win, especially for a city with cobblestone streets that can be… challenging.
Check-in/out [express] and [private]: Smooth like butter. And trust me, after that flight, you want smooth. They offer both, depending on your vibe. Honestly, I went for the express – less faffing around, more time for… adventures.
My Room: A Haven… Mostly.
Okay, so the rooms? Stunning. Seriously, the air conditioning roared into action, a godsend, after the Yerevan heat. Free Wi-Fi (and, thank heavens, it worked!) was everywhere. The bed was huge, with a extra long bed, and draped in crisp white linens. They even had bathrobes and slippers… which I wore everywhere. Living the high (floor) life, baby! They had blackout curtains, which I consider a necessity for survival after a day of sightseeing. There was a laptop workspace (which I promptly ignored), a mini-bar (very tempting!) and a safe (which made me feel vaguely important).
- The bathroom – a triumph! Separate shower/bathtub! Complimentary toiletries. Important note: My personal bathroom was missing a small, but important, consideration, the additional toilet, and I was a little dismayed when I went to use it. It was a minor point, but I still felt that it was missing and should be mentioned.
Internet: The Digital Lifeline
- Internet access – wireless / [free] Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank you, sweet, sweet Wi-Fi gods. No buffering, no dropouts. Connected, informed, and able to Instagram my entire experience. Yes, there was also Internet [LAN] if you're old-school, but honestly, I wasn't prepared to get that technical.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey (with a Few Questionable Detours)
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things got…interesting.
Restaurants: They've got options – restaurants that will offer you international Cuisine, and restaurants, and Asian Cuisine. There is also a vegetarian restaurant. And let me tell you, after all that walking, I needed a snack.
Breakfast [buffet] / Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was… expansive. Like, a whole room dedicated to breakfast. The breakfast [buffet] promised the world; Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it. I went for the omelet station every morning, and got to know the chef personally. I swear, at one point, he recognized that look in my eyes – the "I need caffeine and eggs now" look. However, the coffee/tea in restaurant was… hit or miss. Sometimes perfect, sometimes… less so.
Room service [24-hour]: A total lifesaver. After a long day of exploring, sometimes you just want to be a sloth in your bathrobe and eat dessert. I got a desserts in restaurant through room service that was a little bit weird, but it was a learning experience.
Snack bar & Poolside bar: The snack bar was a blessing after a grueling walk to the Cascade. If you're wondering about the poolside bar, more on that later…
Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - I never had to worry about anything, and I appreciated the effort.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spoiler Alert – You WILL Relax.
Now here is where the Messier 53 truly shines.
Swimming pool [outdoor] & Pool with view: The pool? Glorious. And with a view. The poolside bar? Essential. Seriously, imagine yourself, legs up, cocktail in hand… pure bliss. (Though getting a sunlounger… that was a battle. Arrive early.)
Spa/sauna, Spa, Steam room: The spa is beautiful, modern, a real sanctuary. I spent an afternoon there and experienced both the sauna and the steamroom. I would highly recommend the Body scrub, and the Body wrap.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Yes, they have a gym! I attempted to use it once. I lasted about 15 minutes before I gave up and ordered fries via room service. (Hey, I’m on vacation).
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and a Few Little Frustrations)
Staff trained in safety protocol - The staff was very knowledgeable about the protocols, which gave me a better experience.
Rooms sanitized between stays: I felt totally safe. There were also measures in place to ensure social distancing. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. I could've done that.
CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Front desk [24-hour]: Very reassuring. I felt safe at any time.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge & Doorman: They handled everything. Seriously, they booked tours, got me taxis, even found me a specific type of Armenian bread that I was craving. Legends.
Air conditioning in public area: Yes, and it worked!
Cash withdrawal: Very convenient.
Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: They had it all. You can travel light.
Food delivery: Didn't use it, but the option was there.
Shuttle service: They offer it. I think that is a good thing.
Currency exchange: Excellent rates.
Luggage storage: Very helpful, especially if you have a late flight.
The "Almost Perfect" Anecdote… Or, My Brush with Armenian Cuisine
Okay, this is where it gets really real. I went with my friends to the "International" restaurant one evening. It was a beautiful setting, and the atmosphere was electric. I ordered the… (gulp) … “authentic Armenian dish.” The waiter said it was a local specialty. It arrived looking like a… well, let’s just say it tested the limits of my adventurous palate. It was… unique. Let's just say it involved a lot of textures and flavors. Despite my best efforts, and a whole lot of water, I couldn't finish it. The waiter, bless his heart, asked what he could do, and I whispered, “Could I maybe just have a salad?” He understood completely. The salad was delicious. The moral of the story? Even luxury hotels have their off moments. Embrace it. Laugh about it. And stick to the salad if you're unsure!
For the Kids: I'm Not a Parent, But…
- They offer babysitting service, and I saw a lot of families around the pool. This place seems genuinely family/child friendly.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Valet parking: Convenient options all around.
My Overall Verdict
The Messier 53 Hotel Yerevan is a fantastic base for exploring one of the world’s most underrated cities. It is an opulent and luxurious stay, and perfect for anyone wanting to see the sites. It has some minor blips, but they are easily overshadowed by its positives. I felt looked after, pampered, and, most importantly, I felt secure, safe, and looked after.
The Imperfect Perfection: A Final Thought
Look, no hotel is perfect. And the Messier 53 comes close. They could have some slight improvements, but trust me, the pros far outweigh the cons. Book it. Embrace the experience. Expect the unexpected. And get that salad!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Country Garden Phoenix Hotel, Jiuhua Mountain!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're hurtling through the utterly chaotic, beautiful mess that is planning a trip to Yerevan, Armenia, and, specifically, basing ourselves in the glorious, hopefully-not-too-smelly (fingers crossed!) Messier 53 Hotel. Here’s the plan…or, rather, the suggestion of a plan. Reality? Well, reality’s a fickle mistress, innit?
Day 1: Yerevan Arrival - Jet Lag and Juggling Act
- Morning (or, realistically, Late Morning): Land at Zvartnots International Airport. Expect the usual: immigration lines that feel like they're designed to test your patience, the thrilling prospect of lost luggage (I swear they have a lottery for that!), and the intense, immediate craving for a decent coffee.
- Anecdote: Last time I landed in a faraway place, I thought I’d be all cool and collected. Nope! Immediately spilled half a lukewarm airport coffee on my already wrinkled travel shirt. The lady behind me tutted with such judgment, I almost asked her to come along to the hotel to help me unpack.
- Midday: Taxi to Messier 53. Pray to the travel gods for a clean car and a driver who doesn't treat the Yerevan streets like a Formula 1 track. Check-in. Survey the room. (Hopefully, it's not the one next to the elevator – I'm a light sleeper.) Crucially, locate the coffee machine. Survive initial jet lag.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, why is hotel lighting always so…harsh? Like a spotlight on your imperfections? Ugh.
- Afternoon: Stumble, slightly disoriented, towards Republic Square. Admire the fountains (if they're working; always a gamble!). Find a café. Order something that looks vaguely Armenian; maybe a lavash wrap. Observe locals, people-watch like a pro.
- Emotional Reaction: The first few hours in a new country are a weird mix of exhilaration and utter bewilderment. You feel like a kid on a rollercoaster – terrified and thrilled all at once. I hope I don't cry.
- Evening: Dinner. Somewhere nearby the hotel. Preferably with outdoor seating to soak up the Yerevan vibe. Try something like khorovadz (Armenian barbecue) or harissa (a hearty porridge). Order too much. Regret nothing. Actually, probably regret the second plate of khorovadz. But, you know… flavor.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, if the food is bland, I'm walking out. I’m not eating bland food on holiday. I’ve got enough bland food at home.
Day 2: History, Hiccups, and Holy Mountains
- Morning: Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial. A place for somber contemplation. Prepare for some big feels. Honestly. You know?
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This is going to be a tough one. I think the memory of the Armenian Genocide needs to be acknowledged with respect, but I'm not sure how to feel… It's so important to remember these things.
- Midday: Explore the Cascade Complex. Ascend! See the modern art. Admire the view. Maybe take a selfie, but try not to be that tourist. The view from the top is one of the best. Breathe. Be grateful.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: I’m getting distracted. Where was I? Oh yes, the cascading steps thing. Honestly, it’s a logistical marvel, probably. I'm easily distracted. Let's not lose focus. Right, the steps.
- Afternoon: Visit the Matenadaran - a repository of ancient manuscripts. Marvel at how people wrote things before fancy pens and computers.
- Opinionated Language: I’m not a history buff, but this one seems vital. I also really, really, really, hope there’s AC.
- Evening: Repeat what happened yesterday - dinner, probably with more lavash. Enjoy the Yerevan night life. There' a lot of good bars.
Day 3: A Dive Deep - The City Within and The Soul of Yerevan
- Morning: Explore the Vernissage Market - a chaotic, colorful, and completely overwhelming collection of souvenirs, crafts, and potential bargains. Don't buy the first thing you see. Bargain! (I'm terrible at this; I always end up paying too much). Get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- Imperfections: I have a tendency to get immediately lost in markets. I am not a patient shopper. I buy things I don't need. My bank account might actually cry.
- Midday: Wander the streets - explore the side streets! Get lost. Discover hidden courtyards, stumble upon a local bakery for fresh gata (a sweet pastry).
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I'm going to make a real commitment to finding Yerevan's hidden gems this time. Last time I rushed. This time its all about the details, it's all about the smells, the people, the colours.
- Afternoon: Consider a trip to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. Get out of the busy city. The drive is worth it, but I'd probably say, don't drive if you are driving in Yerevan. They're both breathtaking.
- More Opinionated Language: Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest: the drive is probably a bit terrifying (Armenian drivers are…enthusiastic?). But the sites are spectacular, so it's a worthwhile terror.
- Evening: Return to Yerevan. Indulge in an Armenian dinner. Listen to music. Try the local wines while you people watch. Then head to bed and fall asleep.
Day 4: Outskirts, and Goodbye (Maybe?)
- Morning: Depending on your energy levels, think about a day trip to Lake Sevan. Or, if you're tired, just chill. Find a park. Read a book. Drink more coffee. (I'm already exhausted just thinking about it all.)
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping? More coffee? A final wander through Republic Square, perhaps?
- Quirky Observation: I always buy a ridiculous souvenir on the last day. Like, something completely impractical that I'll regret later. It's a tradition.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Reflect on the trip. (Hopefully, you've written some stuff down!) Order a little too much food. Say goodbye to Yerevan.
- Emotional Reaction: This is the bittersweet part. I am going to feel sad, I know it. Happy, too, but definitely sad. I really hope I'll come back.
- Night: Taxi to the airport. Departure. Try to sleep on the plane. Dream of lavash and Yerevan sunsets. Consider booking your return trip even before you get home.
Important caveats:
- This is a suggestion. Adjust to your whims. Let yourself get completely sidetracked.
- Be flexible. Things will go wrong. Embrace the chaos.
- Learn a few basic Armenian phrases. (It's polite!)
- Pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Most important of all: have fun! If you're not, then you’re doing it wrong.
And that, my friends, is my completely unplanned, beautifully messy itinerary. Now, go forth and explore! And send me a postcard. Or, you know, just a text message. Either way, Happy Travels!
Unbelievable Desaru Villa: 44 WiFi, Games, Sleeps 14!
Okay, spill the beans: Is Messier 53 *actually* luxurious? I've read reviews… they can be so dodgy online.
The location! Is Messier 53 actually *convenient*? Everyone raves about the city center, but Yerevan’s a maze, right?
Alright, food. The *most* important thing. How’s the dining situation? Is the hotel restaurant actually worth it? I'm a seriously picky eater…
Let's talk rooms. Are the rooms actually… nice? I’m worried about small, cramped spaces.
The spa! Do they actually have a good spa? I need some serious relaxation.
What’s the service like? Are the staff helpful? I'm terrible at languages.
Okay, the elevators again, I know! But seriously, are there any other *major* drawbacks? Anything I should be prepared for?
So, bottom line: Would you recommend Messier 53? Is it worth the hype?
