Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I appreciate that there everyone has different views on this site but four of us have just got back from Borovets and the Hotel Rila and I have to say we couldn't be more dissapointed with the holiday.

The hotel rooms were satisfactory but the bedding, although clean, was stained - the bath had no plug and when you got one from reception the maid took it back again the next day.

The prostitutes around the hotel were disturbing, the service in the hotel was non existent and the food inedible (we ate out every night and would advise anyone to do so).

It may be a four star hotel but I have never known one with Pole Dancers every evening.

The swimming pool was freezing and the jacuzzi only warm.

On two occasions we had no hot water in the room.

The lifts in the hotel rarely worked.

One night we spent about £50 in the bar. On leaving we broke one glass and they charged us three levs!!! (Four star hotel - I don't think so...).

In terms of skiing the equipment was of a high quality but the lifts and gondola were always either not running or breaking down meaning that the slopes were crowded.

The ski instructor we were given was a good teacher but all he wanted to do was get us to give him money for trips...during the time that he should have been teaching us. If you didn't go he would shout at you stating, "WHY ARE YOU SPLITTING UP THE FAMILY?" referring to the ski group.

On our return transfer the coach turned up with approximately 40 seats on it with abour 45 people to go home. We had to put luggage all up the aisles etc.

I'm afraid I could not have been happier to leave the country.. my advice to anyone is DO NOT GO TO BULGARIA - go elsewhere and pay more money to ski...Bulgaria is simply money driven with everyone trying to screw you for every penny, the service is non existent and even worse is the ski lifts and facilities.

Steve,

I've just come back from Borovets, but stayed at the Samakov which was quite good. Spent a bit of time at the Rila and know what you mean about the girls and the nightclub downstairs.

Were you on the coach where the ski's fell out halfway back to sofia?!?! Our coach actually ran over someone's ski's as we were right behind a Rila coach!

This year was my first in Borovets, and I had a good time (even though I got a throat infection and broke my wrist) but spoke to people who didn't. I will be going back next year, but am sorry to hear your experience was different. If you can get hold of a Neilson's brochure (or Inghams) then they have lots of other destinations, not all of them particularily expensive.

Cheers

Marko

It's unfortunate you had a bad experience. Having stayed in Borovets last year at the Iglika and in Pamps this year at the Perelik, it's back to Borovets again for me, and back to the Iglika.

I know that loads of people love Pamps, but I prefered the small cosiness of the Iglika and not having to get the ski bus to the slopes.

Inghams brochure is on line and I've booked with a friend for £725 for the two of us including full ski pack and staying in the superior rooms. Where else in the world could you pay those sorts of prices?

From the sound of it, you were very unfortunate - have you complained to the tour operator?

Judith