Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Bansko in March

JohnKK Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 03:34

Bansko in March

Hi guys,

I have a group of beginners/first timers we're looking to visit Bulgaria, 3rd - 10th March. From what I've read Bansko will be ideal for us but I would really like to grab a hotel next to the lifts (ski in/out) to cut out the shuttle bus, any recommendations ?

Cheers

John
Smag Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 04:04

re: Bansko in March

hi,
the kempinski is the best for quality and location.
it is 5* and right next to the gondala, but it is the most expensive too.
A bit further out is the 4* Perun

after that I am not too sure. there are loads of hotels to choose from

cheers
smag
Skiing's for girls Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 05:14

re: Bansko in March

John...............

went to Bansko twice last year, and as coincidence would have it am going out the week before you this year.

The three main hotels nearest to the gondola were (I say were 'cause god knows what they've managed to build in the last nine months) the Kempinski, the Perun and the Lion, the last two opposite each other, and a short walk to the gondola. Only the Kempinski is ski in (not in Itself worth the extra by all accounts, and like all the others a gondola ride up) ...
John...............

went to Bansko twice last year, and as coincidence would have it am going out the week before you this year.

The three main hotels nearest to the gondola were (I say were 'cause god knows what they've managed to build in the last nine months) the Kempinski, the Perun and the Lion, the last two opposite each other, and a short walk to the gondola. Only the Kempinski is ski in (not in Itself worth the extra by all accounts, and like all the others a gondola ride up).

Not many people seem to have too much bad to say about any of the three (apart from the regular Bulgarian "misunderstandings", like being in your room when you've gone out for the night) and out of the three the Lion or Perun might better suit your pocket.

Just use a bit of common sense that going to a country such as Bulgaria requires (money/equipment), and if you don't see a price on anything before you buy, ask first. And for first timers it's probably a good choice, as love it or loath it (the learning), it won't break the bank.

Above all enjoy it. Another John.

p.s. Flights/transfers/accom/pass/board carriage at the Lion comes in at less than £500 for a week. Chuck in £100 spending and live like a king. Try that in France.

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JohnKK Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 11:01

re: Bansko in March

Thanks Smag and John!

Yeah I had read a few mixed reviews on the kempinski and to be honnest we're there to ski, no need for spas, pools and TVs.

Last year I went to Italy with some "experienced" friends and our hotel was at the bottom of a run and next to the lift so we would get out early to beat the crowd of shuttle buses, then come back when we fancy. The prospect of having to catch a bus every morning and evening sounds rather routine to be a holiday. Confused

I had looked at the ...
Thanks Smag and John!

Yeah I had read a few mixed reviews on the kempinski and to be honnest we're there to ski, no need for spas, pools and TVs.

Last year I went to Italy with some "experienced" friends and our hotel was at the bottom of a run and next to the lift so we would get out early to beat the crowd of shuttle buses, then come back when we fancy. The prospect of having to catch a bus every morning and evening sounds rather routine to be a holiday. Confused

I had looked at the Mayara Hotel being brand new, but location wise it said "close to the lift" I'll take your advise and check out Lion and Perun.

@ John you said "Bulgaria requires (money/equipment)" well money isnt a problem, its so cheap over there but equipment ? we have jackets, salopettes, hats and gloves and I had presumed that Bansko having all these investments it would have good ski boots and ski hire equipment?

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Sean Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 12:44

re: Bansko in March

check out some of the self catering apartments close to the gondola such as the Mont Blanc Apartments within a 5 min walk of the gondola. You will most probably be eating out in one of the Mehanas every night anyway. They can be excellent value for money
jenna Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 13:07

re: Bansko in March

I am off to bansko 3rd -10th march staying at the hotel perun. Cant wait. i have had loads of great reviews.

we paid just over £500 for a week half board, which aint to bad.

anyone else going!?
Skiing's for girls Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 19:10

re: Bansko in March

Sorry, you seem to have misunderstood the gist.....

Keep a close eye on your equipment (especially if rented) and your money at all times. Despite what others may say, Bansko still has a "problem" in this respect. Nothing that a bit of awareness/common sense (and a cheap bicycle combination lock) can't handle.........

There is plenty of rental equipment, to clarify your question. Whether you're prepared to queue for it is another matter.............And while on the subject, get to the ...
Sorry, you seem to have misunderstood the gist.....

Keep a close eye on your equipment (especially if rented) and your money at all times. Despite what others may say, Bansko still has a "problem" in this respect. Nothing that a bit of awareness/common sense (and a cheap bicycle combination lock) can't handle.........

There is plenty of rental equipment, to clarify your question. Whether you're prepared to queue for it is another matter.............And while on the subject, get to the gondola before 8.30am, or don't bother 'till 10.45am.
You'll no doubt see why, if you try otherwise.

We're half-board too, but will probably eat out every night despite this. As one returning guest posted last year..........weening yourself off the spam addication may take some time : Confused

John.

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JohnKK Author: posts : 13   (Beginner)Date : 01-05-07 21:50

re: Bansko in March

@ John, ahh I see, well thanks for the heads up on that! will remember to pack extra common sense, the thrill of the snow generally knocks a little out!

@ Jenna, it looks as though I'll be in Bansko on the 3rd and I must admit the Perun hotel looks real inviting! just got to pass the option of renting an appartment passed the rest of the group. (Ben if your on here, thanks for the offer!)

where are you flying from ? and where to more importantly ? I've heard bad reviews of the transfer ...
@ John, ahh I see, well thanks for the heads up on that! will remember to pack extra common sense, the thrill of the snow generally knocks a little out!

@ Jenna, it looks as though I'll be in Bansko on the 3rd and I must admit the Perun hotel looks real inviting! just got to pass the option of renting an appartment passed the rest of the group. (Ben if your on here, thanks for the offer!)

where are you flying from ? and where to more importantly ? I've heard bad reviews of the transfer from plovdiv are there any other options for Bansko ?

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