Sevan Writers House
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Fast facts
Check in from: | 13:30 |
|---|---|
Check out before: | 11:30 |
Pets | Pets allowed free of charge |
Amenities
Restaurant
Car hire
Room service
More about Sevan Writers House
Sevan Writers House
Set in Sevan, Sevan Writers House features a garden, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi. There is free private parking and the property offers paid airport shuttle service.
Reviews from 
Couple
Comment: 20 Sep 2026
Sevan Writer’s Hostel — A Hidden Gem from the USSR Era
Sevan Writer’s Hostel — A Hidden Gem (and Time Capsule) from the USSR Era
If you’re looking for a place with the best possible views of Lake Sevan, a serious dose of Soviet-era nostalgia, and absolutely zero interest in pretending it’s a luxury resort — welcome home.
Sevan Writer’s Hostel is beautifully preserved. And when we say preserved, we mean it. This place feels like stepping into a time machine that decided to stop somewhere between the USSR and Lake Sevan. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it special.
The location is simply unbeatable. Perched on the Sevan Peninsula, you get spectacular views across the lake, and you’re right next to the monastery. But the real prize is the panoramic view of the entire peninsula. Sunrise? Stunning. Sunset? Spectacular. Sitting outside in a chair with a coffee, staring across Lake Sevan? Pretty much priceless.
Now, before you book, let’s get one thing straight: this is not the place if you’re looking for modern comfort.
You have to make peace with the fact that you’re staying in a former Soviet hotel that hasn’t exactly had a major makeover since the glory days of the USSR.
The mattresses may occasionally offer you a little extra personal interaction — springs included. Sometimes they even poke through to say hello.
The bathroom is an experience in itself.
The soap looks like a piece of rock that simply decided it wasn’t going to make any foam. The toilet has the aerodynamic appearance of a rocket chair, and sitting on it is an adventure. And the shower? Well… you may find yourself praying to the water gods for a decent flow.
But honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Because on the other side of the Soviet coin, you have wonderfully kind, humble people working here, a perfectly respectable breakfast, and — did we mention it? — THE LOCATION.
And if you fancy taking a dip in Lake Sevan, there are plenty of friendly spots nearby where you can do exactly that.
We visited in the low season, in mid-September 2026, so our experience may be somewhat different from what you’ll find during the busy summer months.
Would we recommend it?
If you want polished rooms, fancy bathrooms and hotel luxury — probably look elsewhere.
But if you appreciate history, character, spectacular landscapes, Soviet nostalgia, and staying somewhere that feels like a living piece of the past, then absolutely give this place a chance.
Sevan Writer’s Hostel isn’t just somewhere to sleep. It’s a little piece of history overlooking one of Armenia’s most beautiful landscapes.
Definitely worth a visit — not only for the view, but for the story behind the place.
Thank you for having us!
Sincerely,
Anne Mette & Tino
Copenhagen, Denmark & New Haven, Connecticut, USA
If you’re looking for a place with the best possible views of Lake Sevan, a serious dose of Soviet-era nostalgia, and absolutely zero interest in pretending it’s a luxury resort — welcome home.
Sevan Writer’s Hostel is beautifully preserved. And when we say preserved, we mean it. This place feels like stepping into a time machine that decided to stop somewhere between the USSR and Lake Sevan. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it special.
The location is simply unbeatable. Perched on the Sevan Peninsula, you get spectacular views across the lake, and you’re right next to the monastery. But the real prize is the panoramic view of the entire peninsula. Sunrise? Stunning. Sunset? Spectacular. Sitting outside in a chair with a coffee, staring across Lake Sevan? Pretty much priceless.
Now, before you book, let’s get one thing straight: this is not the place if you’re looking for modern comfort.
You have to make peace with the fact that you’re staying in a former Soviet hotel that hasn’t exactly had a major makeover since the glory days of the USSR.
The mattresses may occasionally offer you a little extra personal interaction — springs included. Sometimes they even poke through to say hello.
The bathroom is an experience in itself.
The soap looks like a piece of rock that simply decided it wasn’t going to make any foam. The toilet has the aerodynamic appearance of a rocket chair, and sitting on it is an adventure. And the shower? Well… you may find yourself praying to the water gods for a decent flow.
But honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Because on the other side of the Soviet coin, you have wonderfully kind, humble people working here, a perfectly respectable breakfast, and — did we mention it? — THE LOCATION.
And if you fancy taking a dip in Lake Sevan, there are plenty of friendly spots nearby where you can do exactly that.
We visited in the low season, in mid-September 2026, so our experience may be somewhat different from what you’ll find during the busy summer months.
Would we recommend it?
If you want polished rooms, fancy bathrooms and hotel luxury — probably look elsewhere.
But if you appreciate history, character, spectacular landscapes, Soviet nostalgia, and staying somewhere that feels like a living piece of the past, then absolutely give this place a chance.
Sevan Writer’s Hostel isn’t just somewhere to sleep. It’s a little piece of history overlooking one of Armenia’s most beautiful landscapes.
Definitely worth a visit — not only for the view, but for the story behind the place.
Thank you for having us!
Sincerely,
Anne Mette & Tino
Copenhagen, Denmark & New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Business traveller
Comment: 23 Dec 2025
Stayed in: Sep 2025
A Must-Visit Location for Those Interested in Soviet Architecture
A little bit of history
Perched on the shores of Lake Sevan, the Sevan Writers’ Rest House is one of the brightest examples of Soviet modernist architecture. The complex consists of two buildings — the Residence Hall and the Lounge Building — built at different times. The first plans for the Residence Hall date to 1932, and archival records show it was completed in 1935.
The Great Purge did not spare its architects. In 1937, Kochar and Mazmanian were arrested at their workplace. Mazmanian was rehabilitated in 1954, and Kochar returned to Yerevan only in 1960, later becoming Chief Architect at the Yerevanproject Institute. Both eventually rejoined the architectural scene of the post-Stalinist era.
In 1963, Kochar was tasked with redesigning and expanding the Sevan Resort. His project added an extra floor to the Residence Hall, creating a wide terrace that continued the original concept seamlessly. During the resort's reconstruction, Kochar also designed and built the new Lounge Building. Stylistically, the new building contrasted with the Residence Hall, but both of them formed a harmonious ensemble in combination with the natural landscape and incorporated the view of the medieval architecture of Sevan Monastery churches on the top of the peninsula. After the reconstruction, the Lounge and the Residence Hall of Sevan Writers House became one of the most iconic buildings of post-Stalin modernist Soviet Architecture.
My thoughts
Before visiting this place, there are a few things you should know. The complex is closed during the non-touristic season, roughly from November to April. That said, even when it’s closed, I strongly recommend stopping by—the exterior alone is worth the visit. It is one of the most iconic Soviet-era modernist buildings, not only in Armenia but across the post-Soviet space.
When the complex is open, visitors can see the interior, including the restaurant hall. However, keep in mind that the management does not treat the site as a museum, and the manager is often not very enthusiastic about people visiting only to look around. For this reason, during my tours I always encourage clients to at least stop for a coffee to feel the atmosphere. The fish barbecue, made from fish from nearby Lake Sevan, is also good.
Those considering an overnight stay should know that the complex has not been renovated for decades. Do not expect modern comfort or good value for the price. People stay here for the vibe, atmosphere, and history, not for luxury. In my case, during architecture and urbex tours, I always include this place...
Perched on the shores of Lake Sevan, the Sevan Writers’ Rest House is one of the brightest examples of Soviet modernist architecture. The complex consists of two buildings — the Residence Hall and the Lounge Building — built at different times. The first plans for the Residence Hall date to 1932, and archival records show it was completed in 1935.
The Great Purge did not spare its architects. In 1937, Kochar and Mazmanian were arrested at their workplace. Mazmanian was rehabilitated in 1954, and Kochar returned to Yerevan only in 1960, later becoming Chief Architect at the Yerevanproject Institute. Both eventually rejoined the architectural scene of the post-Stalinist era.
In 1963, Kochar was tasked with redesigning and expanding the Sevan Resort. His project added an extra floor to the Residence Hall, creating a wide terrace that continued the original concept seamlessly. During the resort's reconstruction, Kochar also designed and built the new Lounge Building. Stylistically, the new building contrasted with the Residence Hall, but both of them formed a harmonious ensemble in combination with the natural landscape and incorporated the view of the medieval architecture of Sevan Monastery churches on the top of the peninsula. After the reconstruction, the Lounge and the Residence Hall of Sevan Writers House became one of the most iconic buildings of post-Stalin modernist Soviet Architecture.
My thoughts
Before visiting this place, there are a few things you should know. The complex is closed during the non-touristic season, roughly from November to April. That said, even when it’s closed, I strongly recommend stopping by—the exterior alone is worth the visit. It is one of the most iconic Soviet-era modernist buildings, not only in Armenia but across the post-Soviet space.
When the complex is open, visitors can see the interior, including the restaurant hall. However, keep in mind that the management does not treat the site as a museum, and the manager is often not very enthusiastic about people visiting only to look around. For this reason, during my tours I always encourage clients to at least stop for a coffee to feel the atmosphere. The fish barbecue, made from fish from nearby Lake Sevan, is also good.
Those considering an overnight stay should know that the complex has not been renovated for decades. Do not expect modern comfort or good value for the price. People stay here for the vibe, atmosphere, and history, not for luxury. In my case, during architecture and urbex tours, I always include this place...
Couple
Comment: 6 Oct 2024
Stayed in: Aug 2024
Interesting experience
Like most visitors, I came to the Writers House for reasons related to the history and architecture of the place. I did not stay overnight at the hostel, but the lunch (fish) I had there was tasty and very reasonably priced. Above all, the lady who served me was very friendly.
Solo traveller
Comment: 22 Jun 2024
Stayed in: Jun 2024
A wonderful and unique place to stay (in my opinion)!
Sevan Writers' House is a
unique and striking piece of brutalist architecture set between Sevanavank Monastery and Lake Sevan. (And with unimpeded views of the lake and hills behind it).
I loved it! Yes, the place has fallen into disrepair and the rooms need overhauling - but for location, the views and enjoying a slice of brutalist architecture, it's on its own. It also enjoys quiet as it's not right in the lakeside strip with the bars and resorts.
Sevan Writers' House was designed and created by architects Kochar and Mazmanyan in the 1930s (later sent to Siberia) and remains substantively unchanged from its creation in the Soviet era. (Including the rooms and furnishings...).
It's difficult to describe. Suffice it to say that Sevan Writers' House consists of two parts:
1) a large circular breakfast/dining/writing room, with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the sea, set on a concrete pillar; and
2) the hotel part, with all rooms having access to a balcony and unimpeded views of the lake.
If you love quirky brutalist architecture and lake views and aren't too fussed about the state of the rooms themselves, you will love this place. If you judge a hotel by the quality of its accommodation (or don't want to walk up multiple flights of stairs), then Sevan Writers House won't be for you.
Breakfast is available for 2,000 AMD (eggs, bread, cheese, tomato, cucumber, croissant, tea/coffee). As is dinner - I had a whole barbecued trout, salad, bread and sparkling water for AMD 4,000.
Hopefully the attached pictures will give a better flavour than this long review!
unique and striking piece of brutalist architecture set between Sevanavank Monastery and Lake Sevan. (And with unimpeded views of the lake and hills behind it).
I loved it! Yes, the place has fallen into disrepair and the rooms need overhauling - but for location, the views and enjoying a slice of brutalist architecture, it's on its own. It also enjoys quiet as it's not right in the lakeside strip with the bars and resorts.
Sevan Writers' House was designed and created by architects Kochar and Mazmanyan in the 1930s (later sent to Siberia) and remains substantively unchanged from its creation in the Soviet era. (Including the rooms and furnishings...).
It's difficult to describe. Suffice it to say that Sevan Writers' House consists of two parts:
1) a large circular breakfast/dining/writing room, with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the sea, set on a concrete pillar; and
2) the hotel part, with all rooms having access to a balcony and unimpeded views of the lake.
If you love quirky brutalist architecture and lake views and aren't too fussed about the state of the rooms themselves, you will love this place. If you judge a hotel by the quality of its accommodation (or don't want to walk up multiple flights of stairs), then Sevan Writers House won't be for you.
Breakfast is available for 2,000 AMD (eggs, bread, cheese, tomato, cucumber, croissant, tea/coffee). As is dinner - I had a whole barbecued trout, salad, bread and sparkling water for AMD 4,000.
Hopefully the attached pictures will give a better flavour than this long review!
Couple
Comment: 12 Aug 2023
Stayed in: Aug 2023
Terrible place to stay
The room was simply terrible, we paid for one night because we no longer wanted to live there. The wallpaper in the room had come off, apparently it had been flooded. There is black mold on the corners, all the dishes are terrible, there is dirt, stench and dust everywhere. There was old dried blood on the mattress, the bed was terrible, apparently the bed was from Soviet times.
Location
Peninsula, Sevan, 1505, Armenia|5.02 km from city centre
Check in and check out
Check in from:
13:30
Check out before:
11:30
Good to know
Pets
Pets allowed free of charge
Extra beds
Please contact the hotel for details about adding extra beds.
Sevan Writers House: FAQs
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