Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Stayed at the Malina last year and it was great.
Accomodation clean tidy and good value for money, not sure how old your kids are but just be careful with the stairs( only one step on each level, if that makes sense!)

We paid the extra for half board across at Yagoda village restaurant and the food was great. Which meant that the kitchen made an excellant drying room

As mentioned before the shuttle bus was very efficient and leaves from outside the restaurant.

On the Malina side there is also a little shop with general bits and pieces.

If you do use the taxis or horse and carts to get back to the village make sure you agree the price before setting off.

Hi Rachel, me & two friends spent the new year week in the Malina Villas & have to say we thought it was great. We were self catering so only ate in the restaurant once - the night we arrived - but it was fine & only didn't eat there again because we ate in town. Shop was biggest let down - it never opened once the whole week - apparently the lady who runs it was off sick!! Just remember to stock up in the supermarts before you get the shuttle bus. This was a very efficient service by the way, dropping off outside the Samokov Hotel which was perfect (esp. if that's where you are picking up your equipment as was the case for us - we were with Balkan hols). You should only need to use taxi's if you stay in town late - last shuttle bus being 10 past 11 - but never pay more than 10 lev & always confirm this with driver when you get in. One last thing, remember to leave the card in the electric slot just inside the door as the heating runs off this. If you take it out you will return to a cold chalet, which you don't want!
I'm sure you'll have a good time there & wish I was going again myself. It was only my first time but am happy to answer any other questions you may have either on here or directly thro email. All the best,
Blue

No one said anything to the contrary but must admit we bought water in the supermarts but used taps for teeth cleaning so guess its ok. Am sure food in the Yagoda restaurant is fine but don't rob yourself of some fine eateries in town. Top tips are Katy's virtually where you get off the shuttle bus, just up the road a couple of doors, and Chilli Peppers further up the same road towards the Rila slopes. Cheapest beer by far is in the Alpina at 2.50 lev/lt but can't comment on food as didn't eat there. The Greene King down the road from the Alpina is a good choice for the more traditional fair if you are game!