We stayed in the Bistrica in Samokov a few years back, it had just opened at the time I think. Anyway, rooms were very reasonable and lovely and warm. We were in Bulgaria for Christmas this year and ate there a few times as the food was really good and very reasonable. Lots of restaurants in Samokov, my favourite is Kokoshkova Kushta. Definitely go to K-Bar and say hi to Ken and Steff.
another good place to stay is Raduil
try David at www.Borovets-holidays.com
He has apartments and villas in lovely village of Raduil and provides transport in and out of Borovets, there are 2 chaep and nice restaurants and several shops in raduil
aprox 15 mins to resort, very quiet and pretty
Hey Pat,
yes Samokov is cheaper and not so much touristic, I stay there many times and will retourn next weekend. They are some hotels and guest houses which will be good to stay. The bus is going every 30 minutes and costs around 1,50lev.
Even the choice of restaurants and shopping markets are much better.
Try out to stay in Samokov, for more infos you can contact me...