This December, Hayasa Hotel Yerevan proudly celebrates its first anniversary. Just a year ago, at this time, Yerevan opened its doors to a hotel that seamlessly blends the historic charm of old Yerevan with modern comfort. This significant milestone is a celebration of the hotel’s achievements and a wonderful occasion to look back at how it all began.
The Beginning: Breathing New Life into a Historic Building
The building that now houses Hayasa Hotel Yerevan is an integral part of Yerevan’s historical heritage. Built in the early 20th century, this structure had withstood the test of time and various transformations. Yet, the architectural richness and cultural value embedded in its foundation became the cornerstone of its renovation into a hotel.
The building was originally designed by the renowned architect Rafayel Israyelyan, whose works are considered iconic symbols of Armenian culture. Known for his national style, meticulous attention to detail, and deep cultural roots, Israyelyan (1908-1973) is among Armenia’s greatest 20th-century architects. His creations, such as the Sardarapat Memorial Complex, the preliminary design for Zvartnots Airport, the Ararat Brandy Factory, and the Charents Arch, embody a unique blend of national identity and innovative approaches.
Hayasa Hotel’s building reflects Israyelyan’s architectural signature, combining traditional Armenian construction techniques with elegance:
- Facade: The facade is adorned with traditional Armenian ornaments and symmetrical designs typical of Israyelyan’s wor
k. High-quality tuff and basalt emphasize the structure’s durability and deep historical character. - Columns and Arches: The facade’s unique colonnades highlight the harmony between classical and traditional Armenian architectural elements.
- Intricate Details: Israyelyan’s hallmark attention to detail gives the building a distinct historical and cultural significance.
In 2018, Hayasa Hospitality Group undertook an ambitious construction project to restore and breathe new life into this historic building. The architectural and restoration work was entrusted to Graphit, a company specializing in the renovation of historical buildings and the implementation of innovative solutions. The primary goal was to preserve the building’s historic forms and details while adapting it to meet the standards of a modern hotel.
Graphit combined the best practices of preserving traditional Armenian architecture with the integration of contemporary technologies, ensuring the building retained its historical value while becoming a symbol of modern comfort.
The Construction Journey
One of the most crucial phases of construction was the meticulous restoration of the building’s historical architectural elements. The facade, adorned with traditional Armenian motifs, was carefully restored using local materials such as basalt and tuff.
The hotel was reconstructed with energy-efficient technologies and modern engineering solutions to meet contemporary needs while maintaining its historical essence.
The Result: The Birth of Hayasa Hotel
In December 2023, Hayasa Hotel Yerevan opened its doors, offering a new standard of hospitality. It is not just a hotel but also a cultural hub where every guest can feel the spirit of old Yerevan paired with the power of modern comfort.
Today, one year later, Hayasa stands as a new symbol of Yerevan, bridging the past and the present, welcoming thousands of visitors, and serving as a shining example of innovation in the hospitality industry.
Thank you for being part of this journey. The story of Hayasa is just beginning.
