Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Well, back from my 3 night property viewing trip in Bansko so here's my second report on the place in the last 2 months!

We flew with British Airways from Heathrow, the flights having been booked for us by the overseas real estate company MacAnthony Realty.

Landed at Sofia on time, were met by our rep and transferred by minibus. It was the usual terrible start to the journey over the barely surfaced roads and cobbled streets of Sofia.

Stopped by the police at one check point for half an hour but when the driver put 20 leva in his paperwork the problem seemed to disappear!

On up to Bansko and the roads seemed much better than they were even just a couple of months ago with many of the pot holes having been filled in.

On arrival in resort the building work was much more prevalent than it had been in March and there was something of a haze of dust.

The Lion hotel was plush. It was interesting to stay bang opposite the Perun (where I had stayed 6 weeks earlier). Inevitably I drew comparisons between the two. I’ll start with my conclusion – I prefer the Perun. However, before those who have booked to go to the Lion become too despondent, let me tell you that the Lion is the second best hotel I have ever stayed in behind the Perun (such is the quality of accommodation being built in Bansko). Additionally, I am certain that some would favour the Lion.

At the Lion, the fashionable Lobby bar is palatial with quality brown leather sofas and arm chairs surrounding the numerous coffee tables. I imagine that the open fire would be a most welcome site after a day on the slopes. The reception staff could not have been more helpful and the bar staff were very friendly.

The rooms we stayed in were huge and were equipped with mini bar but no tea or coffee making facilities and where are all the corby trouser presses gone? The spotless bathroom had all the complimentary items you could hope for with the exception of dressing gowns. The bath was of good size and the shower was one of those you just did not want to get out of. There was no bee day (who cares?!).

The restaurant (we only had breakfast) seemed small in comparison with the size of the hotel. This was not a problem for us (the hotel was about 10% full) but in peak season???? The breakfast – served from 8am was good but everything was precooked (at the Perun eggs and pancakes were cooked to order). Selection was good and again the excellent staff were friendly and attentive.

The swimming pool – lovely area but the plastic sun beds were tacky in comparison to the rest of the hotel. The pool itself? Freezing – perhaps they heat it in the ski season only?

Other facilities at the Lion include pool tables ski storage a disco and more.

So why is the Perun better in my eyes? More intimate, more homely, less pretentious, outdoor pool to die for and better breakfast. Perhaps my view is tainted as I stayed in one in season and one out of season.

It was good to get an opportunity to have a proper walk round Bansko old town and witness first hand the community here. Whether it be the old ladies sat in the street talking for hours on end or the joyful dancing in the streets of a wedding – even the way everything stopped at the solemn sight of a funeral parade with what seemed like an entire town for an entourage.

The architecture is something to behold in Bansko. The church is delightful and the ice cream stalls in the street sell some of the best you’ll ever taste. The entire town seems to come out for the Sunday market – it was great to go to a foreign market not directed at tourists.

Bansko still has its magic in the summer and whilst one would inevitably get bored for a long stay, I would recommend a long weekend in the summer despite the torrid (if improving) transfers.

Any questions give me a shout.