Unbelievable Dez Guest House: Your Armenian Dream Getaway in Margahovit!
Unbelievable Dez Guest House: Your Armenian Dream Getaway in Margahovit!
Forget the Filter, This is Unbelievable Dez: My Margahovit Moment (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, so you’re thinking Armenia? Margahovit? Sounding a little… rustic? Trust me, I was right there with you. But then I stumbled on Unbelievable Dez Guest House, and let me tell you, the name isn't just for show. This place… it’s an experience. And I’m about to spill the tea (or maybe the Armenian coffee – strong stuff!) on everything, good and… well, maybe not so good. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a wild ride.
First Impressions: The Accessibility, the Charm… and the Shepherd Dogs (Oh, Those Dogs!)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Now, I'm not using a wheelchair myself, BUT I always look at these things. And Dez… well, it’s trying. They have an elevator, which is a HUGE win in most places, and that means access to more of the rooms. The staff seemed genuinely interested in helping, and they mentioned they could easily assist with those who might need help even more, which is fantastic. They've got a few facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't personally test, but they seemed well-equipped. BUT, and this is a big but, the surrounding area… um, let's just say it's not paved in gold. Getting around outside the guest house might be a bit of a challenge. They do have car parking (free of charge) which is a lifesaver, and a good starting point.
The exterior corridor gives a certain charm, reminding me of something out of a film. And then the dogs! Big, fluffy, and VERY vocal shepherd dogs that patrol the area. They're friendly enough (eventually), but be prepared for a welcoming bark or two at all hours.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and Equipped to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (Just Kidding… Mostly)
My room? Ah, the room! It was a real comfort. First off, Wi-Fi is FREE and available in all rooms. Yay! Crucial for a travel blogger like myself. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? DOUBLE check. Which I absolutely needed after my late-night adventures! And the bed itself… oh, the bed. Extra long bed. Like, I could practically do cartwheels on it (though I didn’t, because, well, it's been years). The linens were fresh and clean.
I'm a sucker for small details, and Dez delivered. They’ve got a desk for working, coffee/tea maker (essential!), free bottled water, a mini bar for temptations (I succumbed, more than once). The bathroom was… surprisingly great! Separate shower/bathtub, and the toiletries were actually decent. And I loved the hair dryer, which is always a huge win. They even had a safe box! This place is a real fortress of comfort.
Speaking of Safety: Cleanliness, Disinfection, and Feeling Secure
Okay, so let's get serious for a sec. In these times, cleanliness and safety are paramount, right? Dez seems to take it seriously. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff appeared to follow hygiene certification protocols. My room also had a little hand sanitizer, which is a brilliant touch. And I noticed they have a Doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit just in case. Made me feel safe and secure. Plus the dogs! Nobody is getting past them.
Food, Glorious Food (And Maybe a Few Hiccups): Dining Adventures at Dez
Alright, food. This is where Dez truly shines. Breakfast is included. I got the Western breakfast, and it was… okay. Honestly, a bit bland. But then I saw the Asian breakfast. I’m a sucker for trying local delicacies, so I ordered it the next day. HOLY MOLY. The flavors! The spice! The uniqueness! It was a revelation.
They have restaurants (A la carte in restaurant, and a buffet in restaurant – if you are looking for something different) and a snack bar – great for a quick bite. They offer a vegetarian restaurant and alternative meal arrangements. The coffee shop is a must-see. I went to the poolside bar and did happy hour. I enjoyed the food and the drinks which was great.
But here's my (minor) complaint: things can get a little… slow. Be patient. Enjoy the scenery. Chat up the staff. And if they can't get it right away, there's always the room service (24-hour) which will probably be the winner for delivery the meal.
Amenities: Pools, Spas, and the Quest for Ultimate Relaxation
I'm not gonna lie, I went full-on relax-mode at Dez. They have a swimming pool (outdoor), which is a welcome thing after a day of sightseeing, and the pool with a view is just mesmerizing. The sauna was glorious. They also offer a spa/sauna, and a steamroom. I did a massage, which was the best thing ever after my long flight. They have a fitness center for those with a conscience (cough, cough, not me).
Things to Do: Beyond Relaxation… a Little Adventure!
Dez is a great base for exploring Margahovit and the surrounding area. But it’s worth looking into some of the local spots before you go.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost!)
The fact that they had a Concierge was awesome. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, laundry service… they’ve thought of everything, mostly. They've got luggage storage, a dry cleaning service. They even had a gift/souvenir shop so I could get gifts to bring back home.
The Verdict: Unbelievable Dez? Absolutely.
Okay, so here's the deal. Unbelievable Dez Guest House isn't perfect. It's got quirks. It's got a little bit of that "rough around the edges" charm. But it's also got heart. It's got incredible food. It's got a staff that genuinely cares. And it’s got an experience that you won't soon forget.
My Crazy, Wonderful, Unforgettable Dez Moment: The Poolside Bliss
Now, if you really want to know what sold me on Dez? It was the pool. I spent one afternoon just lounging by it, the sun on my face, the mountains in the background, a cocktail in my hand. Pure bliss. The pool with a view and the entire scene was an incredible sensory overload. I am now a person who finds a poolside bar to be a mandatory element of the ultimate experience.
The Offer You Can't Refuse: Your Armenian Dream Getaway Awaits!
Ready to escape to the heart of Armenia and experience Unbelievable Dez for yourself?
Book your stay now and receive:
- Complimentary Armenian breakfast every day of your stay (and trust me, you don't want to miss the Asian breakfast!)
- Free access to our stunning outdoor swimming pool
- A 15% discount on all spa treatments because you deserve it (and you NEED that massage!)
- Free Wi-Fi to stay connected with the world (or just show off your amazing travel photos)
- Flexible cancellation policy (because sometimes life happens)
- Book your stay today to experience an unforgettable escape into the heart of Armenia.
Don't just dream it, live it! Click here to book your Unbelievable Dez experience now!
(And tell them the crazy travel blogger sent you. I might get a free drink next time!)
Surat's BEST Hotel? FabHotel Sky City's SHOCKING Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick on a bumpy raft". We're going to Dez Guest House in Margahovit, Armenia. Think of it as less Eat, Pray, Love and more Eat, Curse the Altitude, Maybe Love (sort of).
The "Plan" - Which is Really Just a Loose Suggestion
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Altitude Sickness (aka, "Why Did I Think Hiking Was a Good Idea?")
- Morning: Arrive in Yerevan. Airport transfer. Now, I'm a self-proclaimed travel guru (in my own head), but I forgot about the whole "time difference" thing. Apparently, jet lag and Armenia have a longstanding beef. So, I stumble out of the airport looking like a confused panda. Anyway, we somehow get to the guest house, and it's charming, I'll give it that. Dez, the owner, seems lovely, though I'm too busy battling nausea to really engage.
- Afternoon: Settle in. Take a deep breath (or, try to, at this altitude). The view from the guesthouse… breathtaking. (I think I saw a hawk.) But then, the headache hits. Oh, sweet Jesus, the headache. Altitude sickness is a real thing, people. Ignore the "acclimatize slowly" advice? I did. Now I'm questioning all my life choices.
- Evening: Dinner at Dez's guest house. She makes incredible food. Seriously, the soup… divine. It was a lamb soup with these tiny dumplings. Heaven! I might have consumed three bowls. But the constant headache lingers. So I'm alternating between staring at the mountains and wondering if I should apologize to the hawk.
Day 2: Hiking (The Sequel - and, Oh, the Regret…)
- Morning: Okay, so, the headache is marginally better. Feeling brave. Dez suggests a hike to a nearby waterfall. "Easy hike," she said. "Beautiful views," she said. Liar. Okay, not a liar, but maybe she has a different definition of "easy."
- Afternoon: We're on the trail. The air is crisp, the scenery… stunning. I try to keep up with Dez, who seems to be part mountain goat, half Armenian grandmother. The path… well, it's more like a suggestion of a path. At some point, I trip (graceful, I tell you), and my ankle threatens open rebellion. The waterfall? Worth it. Kind of. The view from the top was… chef's kiss.
- Evening: Back at the guest house, I devour a bowl of Dez's homemade yogurt. The pain in my ankle is intense I swear I feel my ankle bone shifting. I ask Dez for some sort of remedy. She just shakes her head and gives me a look that says "You did this to yourself," then promptly produces a delicious homemade jam. I hate/love her.
Day 3: A Day of Serendipitous Encounters (and Slightly Less Physical Torment)
- Morning: My ankle is still screaming, but a bit less loudly. Today, we roam around the village. There is a sweet old lady sitting on her porch with her cat. I wish I could speak Armenian, but the language barrier is real. I point to her cat. She smiles, I smile. Global communication.
- Afternoon: Dez informs me about a local artisan who crafts beautiful wooden objects. We hop into her car and drive. I meet the artisan, and he regales me with stories of the mountains, his family, and how to perfectly dry apricots. I buy everything.
- Evening: We drink wine and eat, eat, eat. Dez is hilarious, and she tells stories about the past. She makes me think the whole experience is worth it. That night as I'm going to bed, Dez tells me that she is so happy that I am enjoying my time. I realize that Armenia is slowly becoming my home away from home.
Day 4: Departure (and a Teary Farewell)
- Morning: Wake up. Pack. Have breakfast. Dez makes the best coffee ever. We say goodbye. There are tears. Okay, maybe just from me. But the mountains, Dez, and the whole experience… it all got to me.
- Afternoon: Depart from Yerevan. Back to the real world. But I will never forget the time I spent in Armenia.
Quirky Observations, Rambles, and General Rambling
- The Toilet Paper Situation: Let's be honest, I never know what the heck is going on when I travel, but there is no toilet paper. You are going to learn to become a pro at the water bottle.
- The Driving: If you're prone to motion sickness, pack some Dramamine. The roads are… an experience. They weren't kidding.
- The Language Barrier: Learning a few basic Armenian phrases will make your life infinitely easier (and charm the locals). I learned "Thank you" and "Cheers." It got me pretty far.
- The Food: Seriously, eat everything. Just pace yourself. And maybe bring some antacids.
- The People: Armenians are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I've ever met. They go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Emotional Reactions:
- Grateful. Overwhelmed. Sore. Inspired. Slightly in love with Dez. And determined to return.
- This trip… yeah, it went straight into my heart.
The End (For Now)
This is absolutely the most candid and truthful travel itinerary I can create. It may sound messy, but real life is like that! The goal is to go to Armenia. Embrace the chaos, the unexpected, and the delicious food. And maybe, just maybe, you'll fall in love with a country and a guest house and a mountain. Now go, and get ready to get lost.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Kas Bungalow Awaits!
Unbelievable Dez Guest House: Your Armenian Dream... or is it? Let's Spill the Beans!
What's the deal with Margahovit anyway? Never heard of it!
Alright, so Margahovit. Honestly, before I booked, I thought it was a typo. Like, "Marg-a-what-now-it?" It's this ridiculously beautiful village, nestled up in the Lori region of Armenia. Think rolling hills, crisp air, and... well, peace. Lots and LOTS of peace. For a city slicker like me, the first day I was convinced I'd wandered into a giant, green screensaver. Seriously. Mountains everywhere, the air smells like pine needles and... (whispers) *freedom*. Be warned: you are going to need a car, and you're going to want to come prepared. Otherwise, you can be stuck on a bus for ages.
But trust me, it's the perfect place to unplug. Just, you know, bring some good books. And maybe learn to knit. Or something.
Okay, so Dez Guest House. Is it *actually* unbelievable?
Look, "unbelievable" is a loaded word, right? It *definitely* has its moments. The views from the balcony? Absolutely breathtaking. You can practically *feel* the stress melting away. And the food? Oh, the food... Dez and his wife, that’s the real Armenian hospitality! The meat stew... Ugh, I'm drooling just thinking about it. Seriously, I considered kidnapping Dez's grandma and forcing her to share her secret recipe. (Just kidding! Mostly.)
But, the "unbelievable" part... well, sometimes the hot water takes a *little* persuasion to appear. And, if I'm being honest, my room’s curtains weren't blackout curtains. Woke up at 6am thanks to the sunrise. Which, you know, is beautiful... after the third day. Coffee helps though.
Overall? Yeah, worth it. Definitely worth it. Just bring a book and relax!
What Kind of Rooms do they offer?
They have a few rooms, mostly standard, some with balconies. The beds were reasonably comfortable, but let's be honest, I don't remember because I was too busy staring at the mountains. Simple and clean. Not luxurious but not bare bones either. Expect a friendly rustic vibe, not a five-star hotel. I'd say that's part of the charm though.
And the food...seriously, tell me more about the food! I'm hungry just thinking about it.
Okay, buckle up, because the food is a *journey*. Dez's wife, bless her heart (and her amazing cooking skills), is a culinary wizard. Breakfasts were epic spreads – homemade jams, fresh fruit (when in season), fluffy omelets with local cheese. Every day was different, and every day I was stuffed until lunchtime. And the dinner... the dinners... Oh, the barbecued meat, the delicious Armenian dishes. Everything's fresh, made with love, and seasoned to perfection. I swear, I gained five pounds just *thinking* about it.
One night? They had this *amazing* lamb stew. The meat was falling-off-the-bone tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked... I may or may not have snuck back to the kitchen for seconds. And thirds. Don't judge me! It was a religious experience, I'm telling you.
Seriously, just go. For the food alone, it's worth the trip.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, but with a caveat. Dez and his family always were very polite, and seemed very accommodating and patient with the kids when they were present. I think it can be a great place to introduce children to a different way of life, but if your kids are used to nonstop entertainment, a guest house in the middle of the Armenian countryside might not be the best fit. The activities are mostly about getting close to nature. The best part is being able to spend quality time with family.
There were children present when I was visiting who seemed to have a blast. They are a very family-oriented people, and the children do seem to have a lot of freedom to run around. But no kids' clubs or swimming pools. So, think relaxed, outdoor fun, not theme park.
What about the area around Dez Guest House – what is there to *do*?
Well, this is where things get interesting. If you're a city person expecting a vibrant nightlife, well, prepare for a reality check. Margahovit is all about nature. Hiking is a must! There are trails galore, leading to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and hidden valleys. I did a hike that was supposed to take three hours and I got lost for six. It was amazing. Absolutely stunning scenery. Just... make sure you know where you're going. And tell someone! Cell service can be spotty.
There's also the option of visiting local churches and monasteries. They're old, beautiful, and dripping with history. I'm not the most religious person but there is a sense of peace, the way the sun streams through the stained glass. And you can always just relax, read a book, and soak in the views. That's what I did most of the time.
If you like a pace of life that's slower, more connected, then it's just perfect. If you're expecting a ton of organized activities... maybe not. Again, bring a book!
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, here comes the real talk. As I mentioned the hot water situation. It can have moments of brilliance and other moments... less so. Also, the road leading up to Margahovit? It's a bit rough. Like, "hold-onto-your-teeth" rough. And while the internet is available, it isn't always the fastest. If you *need* to be online constantly, this might not be the place for you.
Also, and this is a minor thing but it bugged me. The sheep. There are a LOT of sheep. They bleat. A lot. Early in the morning. Now, I love sheep, but maybe pack some earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Finally, if you expect a flawless hotel with all the modern frills, this may not be up your alley. It's charming but rustic. Not for everyone.
How do I get to Dez Guest House?
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