Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi, I wonder if anyone can advise. I am trying to book self catering accommodation in Borovets for 11th Feb next year. The company I have been in contact with don't accept on line payment and want full payment in advance. Is this normal for booking in Bulgaria? I have booked hotels etc on the internet before and they never want payment in full in advance and have accepted payment by credit card on line. I am a bit dubious about transferring the whole amount especially as they are not very good in responding to my e-mails. I do get a reply.....eventually, but I have been waiting nearly a week for a response to my last one! Any advise would be welcome.

Hi, Thanks for replying - I am interested in the Alpin Hotel - they have villas and chalets for rent. I did actually ring them directly but they told me to deal through their agent Kitt, which is the company I am dealing with, this gave me a little more confidence dealing with them but since then I have had no reply to my e-mails! I just can't believe they have no facility to pay online/over the phone by credit card. Do you contact the Rila directly to book? I might contact them although we would prefer to be self catering. Thanks for your help.

Darrell

We dealt with the Alpin and stayed there in 2004. The owner is very nice as are his staff and in my opinion they are the best Hotel in Borovets. Ideal location and very comfortable.

When we booked in May 2003 we paid approx 10% deposit if my memory serves me right. The balance we paid in cash on the day of our departure, much to my worry as the cash was held in our room safe for the duration of the holiday as they didn't seem to want it any earlier despite my asking!

With regard to the length of time it takes to receive replies I believe this is due to the fact that they wait to have them translated. Remember that written English is a different ball game to the spoken language.

When we stayed in 2004 we enquired as to the possiblity of rebooking for 2005 and they were reluctant to do so as they were having a lot of pressure to go with an agent who would book the whole hotel and then sell on and for the whole ski season which is obviously better for them financially.

As they have obviously chosen to go with a Russian Agency, you should be aware therefore that there may be a number of Russian clients when you stay rather than English. I doubt that would be a problem. We didn't actually eat there in the evenings as the Alpin restaurant although very good is actually more expensive than the avareage one in "the high street". Whilst we were there there was a large group staying which meant they weren't wanting to be socialable in the mornings either.

I actually corresponded with the Alpin recently asking about bookings for next season and was put in touch with their agents so what you have been told seems bona fide.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the Alpin and would recommend both the hotel, we stayed in a family room with seperate bedroom for the kids. We had a look around the chalets which were very well appointed and very nice and immediately behind the hotel where you can get breakfast.

Finally if you take this option make sure you take out your holiday insurance as sson as you book so that you are covered for any unfortunate events.

I really hope this helps. Feel free to yell if you want to know more.

Ellie