Where to Stay in Goris: These Are the Coolest Places

The town of Goris in the Syunik Province of Armenia is ideally located on the travel routes to serve both as a base for your travels in this region and as a nice resting point on your way further to Artsakh or to Iran. The town itself has a very quiet and relaxing ambiance – located in a small valley and surrounded by mountains, Goris is famous for its unique and interesting architectural style, beautiful views, delicious food and warm hospitality of the local people.

During one of my recent trips to the town, I decided to make a selection of hotels and guesthouses in Goris – check them out when traveling in this region to enjoy the local hospitality, relax in the delightful atmosphere and of course share stories with your hosts and fellow travelers.

EDEN GUEST HOUSE & HOSTEL - A HOSTEL WITH A TRUE TRAVELER'S SPIRIT

Eden Hostel is located in a two-floor town house with a garden featuring delicious mulberry trees that Goris is famous for. This cozy place is operated by a young entrepreneur, Hayk. After traveling in Europe and staying in hostels, he came up with the idea to open a hostel in Goris, especially since there were none in his home town. “I wanted the idea to succeed, and my family believed in me, so their belief gave me confidence that it would work out,” says Hayk as he shares the story of how together with his dad and brother he had renovated an old house and turned it into a hostel. Hayk's idea was to facilitate an enjoyable stay while the guests can interact with the hosts and each other in a relaxed atmosphere. “We like them to come as guests, but leave as friends,” Hayk says.

Eden Hostel is the best value for money choice for budget travelers – it offers dorm rooms (starting from AMD 4,000), private rooms (starting from AMD 12,000 for a double room), as well as camping facilities in the nice garden next to the hostel building. Guests can also use the kitchen and the common lounge areas, luggage storage, laundry services. The hostel also offers help in organizing various activities, such as fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, etc. During your stay, make sure to spend some time with Hayk and share stories, he's an inspiring young man full of bright ideas who'll make you fall in love with Goris.

Address: 4 Orbelyanner St. | Phone: +37443615999 | Email: edenhouse2016@gmail.com | Website | Facebook page

MIRA HOTEL - WHERE YOU FEEL LIKE VISITING A FAMILY

Mira Hotel is a cozy bed-and-breakfast in Goris run by a local family. The heart and engine of this place is Mrs. Elmira, a super-energetic and positive woman who goes out of her way to make you feel at home. And visiting her place really does feel like visiting your family or friends. Over a cup of coffee and fruits in the garden she tells us the story of Mira Hotel. After living in Greece for many years, she returned to Armenia in 2011 and had the idea of rebuilding their house into a hotel. Gradually, they established the hotel which now offers 6 rooms and a nice garden. All the works in the hotel are done by the family members – Mrs. Elmira even had to learn, all by herself, how to use a computer and do social media promotion of her hotel. She is in charge of maintaining the nicely renovated, clean and cozy rooms, cooking delicious meals, meeting and greeting the guests – not a single minute without work! “Even at the hardest moments when nothing was working out, I kept on believing that everything would be ok,” she smiles. Now she is making plans for expanding the services and improving the garden with the same positivity and enthusiasm.

The Mira Hotel in Goris offers single, double and triple rooms. Single rooms start at AMD 10,00 and doubles cost AMD 18,000. The prices include home-made breakfast. Other meals, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, can be ordered by hotel guests. When staying at Hotel Mira, make sure to have a cup of coffee with Mrs. Elmira to get a charge of positive energy for the rest of your trip!

Address: 24/3 Ankakhutyan St. | Phone: +37428424880, +37428424881 | Email: mira.hotel@mail.ru | Facebook page

KHACHIK'S B&B – WHERE GUESTS MEET WINEMAKING TRADITIONS

Mr. Khachik, the owner of Khachik’s BB, greets the guests with a welcoming smile. While the rooms are being prepared by his wife, he shares the story of his B&B, treating the guests to home-made fruit juice. Launched in 2002, it was the first bed-and-breakfast in Armenia, Mr. Khachik tells us proudly. The B&B offers comfy single, double and quadruple rooms with prices starting from AMD 13,000 for single and AMD18,000 for double rooms (including breakfast). What makes Khachik's B&B in Goris special is the owner’s love for home-made wine. He comes from a family of wine-makers and continues the family traditions by making wine based on his father’s special recipe. While his wine still does not have a brand, he shares his plans of bottling the special wine and branding it for use in his guesthouse. The guesthouse is located on one of the central streets of Goris with a pleasant view opening from the balcony where guests can enjoy meals and engage in interesting conversations. The rooms are nice and comfortable, suitable both for solo travelers, groups of friends and family stay. Make sure to chill in the cool cellar tasting some of the local wines!

Address: 13 Davit Bek St. | Phone: +37491204012 | Email: mirakyanbb@hotmail.com | Website | Facebook page

HOTEL MIRHAV - WHERE EVERY DETAIL MATTERS

Located on Mashtots street, one of the central streets in Goris, Hotel Mirhav offers rooms and services that will guarantee you an enjoyable and relaxing stay. The hotel offers single, double and family rooms as well as luxury suits that welcome you with a cozy atmosphere, elaborately thought-out design and nice amenities. Their restaurant opens into a well-maintained beautiful garden where you can enjoy a slow meal or work under the trees. The hotel was founded by 3 Diaspora Armenians in 2005, and ever since then, the hotel has become one of the landmarks of Goris welcoming thousands of travelers every year. I was lucky to meet Mr. Shahen, the director and one of the founders of the hotel. A medical doctor by profession, he has travelled in many countries all over the world, and knows perfectly well what a traveler would need for a great travel experience. And every detail in the design of the hotel seems to be made with the comfort and pleasure of the guests in mind.

The prices for the summer season start from AMD 25,000 for single and AMD 30,000 for double rooms (includes a delicious breakfast). Even if you are not planning an overnight stay in Goris, you can still visit the hotel's restaurant for a delicious meal made with fresh local produce. They also have great vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

Address: 100 Mashtots St. | Phone: +37428424612 | Email: hotelmirhav@yahoo.com | Facebook page