ibis Yerevan Center

The ibis Yerevan Center is a three-star hotel at Northern Avenue 5/1, in the pedestrian-friendly heart of the city. It has 255 rooms, in four room types for up to two guests, with standard and premium rooms using queen or twin beds and compact city-view layouts. There is a restaurant, L'ete Cafe and Veranda, on the third floor with a summer terrace and international dishes, a 24-hour bar, a breakfast option, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a car park, and pets are welcome in a fully non-smoking building. The hotel's own page lists the Opera, Republic Square, the Matenadaran, the Cascade, Charles Aznavour Square and the Stanislavsky Drama Theatre among nearby sights, which captures the appeal: this is a base where you can leave the car or taxi behind and walk.

Location and getting around: the property sits on the pedestrian shopping streets of the historic centre, so the cafes, galleries and many sights are a short stroll away. Guests rate the location very highly on the hotel's page. The railway station is about three kilometres away, roughly fifteen minutes by car, and taxis are straightforward to arrange.

Rooms and who it suits: the rooms are compact and practical, around sixteen to eighteen square metres, with a queen bed or twin beds, so this suits solo travellers, couples and friends travelling light, and families will probably need two rooms. It is a good choice for first-time visitors who want a central location without paying luxury prices, and for those who plan to spend most of the day out on excursions.

What is good to know: check-in begins at three in the afternoon and check-out is at noon. The breakfast is well rated by guests, making it a reliable start for early departures to Garni or Lake Sevan. Because the hotel is on a busy pedestrian area, ask for a higher floor if you want quieter nights. Parking is available on site, and you should confirm the fee and availability when you book. For the price, it is hard to beat for position and simplicity.