Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Big House Hotel, Odzun, Armenia
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Big House Hotel, Odzun, Armenia
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Big House Hotel, Odzun, Armenia - A Seriously Honest Review (Prepare for Rambling Perfection!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the Armenian tea, freshly brewed and probably stronger than my current need for caffeine – on the Big House Hotel in Odzun. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits," they say. Do they deliver? Well, let's unwrap this Armenian delight together, shall we?
First Impressions & Getting There: This is Where the Adventure Begins! (And Maybe a Minor Panic Attack)
Right, accessibility. Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give a definitive review on that front. But I did notice the elevator (always a good sign!) and the mention of "Facilities for disabled guests." I’d call ahead to confirm specifics, just in case. The drive to Odzun? Gorgeous. Seriously. Think rolling hills, ancient monasteries clinging to cliffs… It's enough to make you forget you're probably lost (like I briefly was). They do offer airport transfer, thank god, which would be a lifesaver after that flight. Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus. My rental car took a beating, but hey, that’s part of the "Armenia experience", right? And, thank goodness, Car park [on-site] is always a relief.
The Room: My Private Palace (With a Few Quirks)
Okay, the rooms. “Unbelievable Luxury?” Yeah, mostly. Let's get the minor grievances out of the way, shall we? I'm a stickler for a good blackout curtain. I'm like a vampire. The ones here worked almost perfectly, but let's just say the morning sun still managed to say hello a bit prematurely. And the Internet access – LAN? I think I saw a port, but I’ll be honest, I was too distracted by the free Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms to even bother. Thank goodness it works, because you'll want to get your pictures on Instagram ASAP! Air conditioning was a godsend.
The good stuff? HEAVENLY BEDS. Seriously, the extra long bed was a dream. The bathrobes felt like sinking into a cloud. The mini bar was stocked with… well, let's just say I may or may not have sampled a bottle of Armenian wine (it was research, I swear!). Free bottled water? Always a plus. The safe box gave me a sense of security (even if I wasn't actually hiding any jewels - just my passport and a very large stash of chocolate.) And the hair dryer? Surprisingly decent, which is a rare win on the road. The desk was perfect for that email I was supposed to be writing. The sofa made for a good nap spot. Bathroom phone? Classic!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster (In a Good Way!)
This is where the Big House Hotel really shines. The restaurants are fantastic. Yes, I said Restaurants meaning plural. There are multiple options! From the heart of the dining room, where I saw a great Asian breakfast laid out, to the poolside bar, which was a lifesaver on a hot afternoon. I was particularly fond of the A la carte in restaurant options, because it's like having a fancy dinner party every night. And the buffet in restaurant was a solid choice in the morning. Always ask for Breakfast in room, and use the breakfast takeaway service!
Listen, I'm a sucker for desserts in restaurant. They didn't disappoint! My Coffee/tea in restaurant needs were always met, and the staff was incredibly accommodating. The Happy hour was a nice touch. I was tempted by the Asian cuisine in restaurant, but I was there to eat Armenian! The international cuisine in restaurant was also an option, but you know, you're in Armenia!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Paradise Found? (Almost!)
Okay, I'm going to dwell on the Spa experience. Just… wow. They had all the usual suspects – a sauna, a steamroom, and, oh my god, a swimming pool [outdoor] with a view that would put a postcard to shame. But then came the Body scrub. I'd never had one before. Seriously, I thought they were going to sandblast me! She gently removed all that was holding me back. Then came the massage. Ugh. Pure bliss. I had to be physically removed from the table. Seriously, I think I melted into the floor. It was the best massage of my entire life. I am still thinking about that massage. I need to go back just for the massage. Okay, I need to go back to the spa.
Sadly, I never made it to the Fitness center. I was too busy napping after the spa. They also have a Pool with view that is a must.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (and Sanitized!)
During COVID times, I appreciated the effort. The Big House takes it seriously. Staff trained in safety protocol, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a general "we've got this" vibe. I felt safe. Lots of signs about Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Honestly, it made me relax a bit. The Rooms sanitized between stays.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Daily housekeeping? Bless them. Concierge? Absolutely helpful. Dry cleaning? Fantastic, because I'm a travel slob. Cash withdrawal on-site is useful! The convenience store came in handy for emergency snacks. The elevator made life easier. These small things add up to a fantastic experience. The luggage storage was a blessing. Oh, and they have facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Yes!
I didn’t have kids with me, but I saw the babysitting service and Kids meal options. They seemed well-equipped for families!
The Verdict: Book It! (But, Maybe Not If…)
Look, the Big House Hotel isn't perfect. No place is. But it’s got soul, it’s got charm, and the spa? Forget about it. It was incredible.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Particularly if you're looking for a splurge, a romantic getaway, a spa-tastic retreat, or just a chance to chill out and experience the real Armenia.
However, if:
- You absolutely need perfect, pin-drop silence at all times (the occasional distant dog bark is a possibility)
- You are extremely budget-conscious (it's luxury, remember?)
- You are allergic to delicious food or amazing views…
… then maybe, maybe it's not for you.
But for everyone else? Book it. Seriously. Just book it.
Final Call to Action: Your Armenian Adventure Awaits!
STOP! Don't just daydream about escaping to the heart of Armenia!
This is your chance to experience it! The Big House Hotel in Odzun offers an escape from the mundane, a feast for the senses, and a spa experience that will change your life.
Here's the deal:
- Unbelievable Luxury: Experience the comfort, elegance, and exceptional service you deserve.
- Mesmerizing Views: Wake up to breathtaking vistas that will take your breath away.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in a world of flavors, from the traditional Armenian dishes to international cuisine.
- Spa Bliss: Melt away your stress with an unforgettable spa experience, featuring massages, saunas, and pools with views that will make you want to stay forever.
- Unforgettable Memories: Create memories that will last a lifetime.
Exclusive Offer! (Because you read this far!):
- Book your stay in the next 72 hours and receive a complimentary bottle of Armenian wine upon arrival.
- Get a discount on a spa treatment!
- Free Upgrade to a room with a view, because you are special!
Don't wait! This offer expires soon! Click here to book now and start planning your dream Armenian getaway! [Insert a link to book here.]
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: At the Big House Hotel, your Armenian adventure begins!
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's BEST Chatan West Terrace Resort!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, Big House Hotel Odzun, Armenia edition. Warning: Might contain excessive enthusiasm, mild existential dread, and questionable decisions. Let’s do this.
The ODZUN ADVENTURE: A Messy, Magnificent Romp
(Before We Even Get There – The Hype!)
Right, so, Armenia. I’ve seen the photos. Stone churches, dramatic mountains, people whose faces seem etched with… well, everything. And the Big House Hotel Odzun? Looks like something out of a fairytale. Or maybe a Wes Anderson film. Either way, I'm IN. This isn't just a trip, it's… an experience. (Okay, deep breath. Trying not to over-romanticize. But honestly, ARM CHAIR TRAVEL IS KILLING ME)
Day 1: Arrival and the "OH MY GOD, I'M ACTUALLY HERE!!" Moment
Morning (or Whenever the Plane Lands, Honestly): Plane ride… bleh. Airports are the purgatories of travel. I’m convinced more people lose their sanity in duty-free shops than anywhere else. Note to self: resist the urge to buy a ten-liter bottle of something I’ll regret.
Afternoon: Okay, so we're in Yerevan! The air is… different? Clean? Smells faintly of… history? (Probably overthinking it. Jet lag is a powerful beast.) Taxi to Odzun. Pray the driver doesn't believe he's in a rally race (my nerves are already fraying), and focus on the landscape. This is where it starts to get real. The mountains! The villages! The… whatever fruit they're growing in those orchards. I’m already picturing myself going full-on pomegranate-eating, sun-drenched nomad.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Big House Revelation! THIS is it! This is why I left the comfort of my tiny, perfectly-organized apartment! The Big House Hotel… stunning. Like, seriously. Stone walls, maybe a courtyard? (Hoping for a courtyard, I'm a sucker for a courtyard), maybe a balcony overlooking something majestic? Okay deep breaths, don't get yourself hyped, or the disappointment will ruin you. (I love everything about this place). After check-in, I'm immediately ditching the bags and exploring. Pictures are mandatory! (For Instagram, naturally. Gotta document the journey, right?) Finding a perfect spot to drink a local Armenian beer somewhere. I will then promptly lose myself in it.
Evening: Dinner. I am fully expecting hearty Armenian cuisine. Khorovadz (that’s grilled meat, FYI) is on the menu, no questions asked. If it ain't, I'm raising hell. And the wine! Oh, the wine. Hopefully, it’s a local, dry red. Don't mind if I do. Alone, sitting on a terrace, the silence of the countryside, contemplating the meaning of life – (Maybe) Also, maybe, chatting with the locals if my broken Armenian doesn’t embarrass everyone involved.
Day 2: Churches, History, and Questionable Navigation
- Morning: Holy crap, I’m awake! (Jet lag is a liar). Breakfast… hopefully, it’s got coffee, because I need coffee. Then, the serious stuff. Odzun Church. That church. The one I've been drooling over in photos. Prepare for awe. And probably a serious internal battle with my own skepticism. (I am a cynical travel blogger, after all.) I have the nagging feeling I'm going to cry. (I hope I pack tissues).
- Mid-Morning: Explore the surrounding area. Maybe a hike? Maybe a walk. (More like a stumble if I’m being honest.) I'm not trying to be a mountain goat or anything, but some fresh air and some nature time would be good for the soul and the Instagram feed. I am a Terrible navigator, so a map is a must.
- Lunch: Finding a local restaurant. Or, more likely, stumbling into what appears to be a local restaurant. Probably with no English menu. This is where the fun (read: awkwardness) begins. I'll point at things. I'll mime things. I'll probably accidentally order something I can't eat. It'll be a story. And probably delicious!
- Afternoon: The Mysterious Monastery… and Possibly Getting Lost. Another monastery! Maybe Haghpat Monastery or Sanahin Monastery. (Need to decide.) More stone! More history! More… quiet contemplation, maybe? Or, more likely, me taking a million photos and feeling like an amateur historian. I am also the kind of person who gets lost on the way to the bathroom. Now the REAL question is. How do I get there? I need to plan this out, because if I don't, I will end up… somewhere. (And probably not where I'm supposed to be).
- Evening: Back at the Big House. Dinner. Maybe a glass of wine by a fireplace? This depends on if there happens to be a fireplace. Or if there's a fireplace, if I can actually find it without assistance. Or if the wine has kicked in. And then, collapse into bed, blissfully exhausted and slightly overwhelmed. (Best kind of exhausted, tbh.)
Day 3: Deconstruction and a Deep Dive – Of Me
- Morning: Ok, I am going to spend the entire morning, with maybe one or two cups of coffee (because of the jet lag) and journaling, deep breathing, and trying to get myself. No sightseeing. No running around. This is the trip within the trip. Why? I am going to take a look around.
- Lunch: A meal, wherever and whatever will be a good meal. The previous night's wine is still going. I'm starting to embrace the mess.
- Afternoon: Okay, because this is Armenia, I will make sure that will happen. Going out to see things. Visiting maybe the same churches I spent the day before, or another different one. I'll revisit what I've seen, maybe seeing this place through a different lens, and try to see what I really think about it. Journaling. Deep breathing. Trying to re-get myself.
- Evening: Dinner, I'll dress up and go to a restaurant. Maybe the Big House. I'll meet locals. Maybe I'll speak better Armenian. Or get drunk trying. Laughing to myself, maybe weeping. And going down to bed.
Day 4: Goodbyes (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Return)
- Morning: Final breakfast at the Big House. Savoring every bite. (Okay, or maybe just inhaling everything because my stomach still hasn’t adjusted to the time change.) Saying goodbye to the wonderful people who run the hotel. Probably attempting a hug.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Travel back to Yerevan. One last look at the mountains? One last deep breath of Armenian air? Probably shedding a tear. (Don’t judge me.)
- Afternoon: Yerevan. The city feels different, now. It feels familiar. One last stroll. Coffee. Souvenir shopping (because I have to buy something, right?). One last, mournful look at the sunset.
- Evening: Flight home. Farewell, Armenia. You wild, beautiful place. I'll be back. Eventually. (As soon as I've recovered from this trip and saved up enough money to do it all over again.)
(Post-Trip Ramblings (To be written, eventually…))
This itinerary isn’t perfect. It’s probably too ambitious. I probably won't stick to the schedule. I will definitely get lost. And something will go wrong. But that’s the point, isn’t it? It's the mess that makes it memorable. Here’s to the adventure! Cheers (in whatever language is appropriate)!
Ski-In/Ski-Out DREAM Apartment: Les Saisies Hauteluce Awaits!
Is this place *really* as luxurious as it sounds? "Unbelievable Luxury" is a bold claim!
The location – Odzun, Armenia. Is it… in the middle of nowhere? (And is that a good thing?)
What's the food like? I've heard Armenian food is legendary.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they truly "big"? And are they as fancy as they sound?
What about service? Are the staff friendly and helpful?
Okay, give me a specific, memorable experience. Something that really "made" the trip.
Are there things to do besides just… existing in beautiful surroundings?
What’s the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know… Instagram.
Anything else I should know before I go? Any hidden gotchas?
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Big House Hotel, Odzun, Armenia"