Bulgaria Ski discussion board

hotels that could be considered UK/western 4 stars standard would be

Ice Angels - right on the slopes
Yanakiev - also on the slopes - has a very nice pool and leisure center
The Lodge - right beside the gondola (not sure if it is open this season as it is for sale)
Lion - outside the resort but has a good shuttle bus
Yastrebets - also outside the resort but it is located on one of the Yastrebets pistes - has a very nice swimming pool and spa - is a bit expensive for what you get I think

The Rila and Samokov are 3 stars at best.

If you like food (and I do not mean gastronomic stuff) then do not stay at the Samakov, it is quite simply appalling cold and just inedible, even their drinks machines turned out cold coffee and tea, and they do not seem to care one jot about it. We enjoyed the skiing that much that we decided to have look at other hotels in the area, however wherever we went and then spoke to the guests, the complaints were the same 'cold unedible food' so be aware there apparently isn't much to choose between hotel for food.

If you like food (and I do not mean gastronomic stuff) then do not stay at the Samakov, it is quite simply appalling cold and just inedible, even their drinks machines turned out cold coffee and tea, and they do not seem to care one jot about it. We enjoyed the skiing that much that we decided to have look at other hotels in the area, however wherever we went and then spoke to the guests, the complaints were the same 'cold unedible food' so be aware there apparently isn't much to choose between hotel for food.

Agree with Steve, have stayed at the Iglika Palace on a number of occasions and much prefered it to the Rila, which have stayed at once and would not do so again. The food is edible and a fair choice, unlike some other hotels it is also hot!! The new superior rooms are especially good, the staff are usually friendly, also depends how you talk to them!! The hotel is in a good location near the centre of the resort but much more personal than the Rila or Samakov due to its size and good value for money compared to other ski hotels in europe. Going back 1 Mar for 2nd time this year.

Hi

Just flew back last night, stayed at the Rila Hotel, Borovets. Lovely staff, food all edible, and if you didnt want to eat in the restaurant (not forgetting you are half board and already paid for) you could go to any of the snack bars or restaurants just outside the hotel door. The staff could do enough for us. We were worried about snow before going but the snow came down nicely while we were there. One thing we did find was the change in conditions at the top of the mountain, how quickly they changed, from being nice and sunny to changing to a white out then high winds. Slopes outside front door. Gondala short distance, but we all found it very slippy underfoot so took a little longer.

Hope this helps, happy skiing.

P