I have stayed in Samakov ow for the last 2 years at the Hotel Sonata. Samakov could be described as looking a bit like a mix of Chenobyl and Baruit! Its not the prettiest of towns but it is cheap and the Sonata is a great little hotel. You pay less than half what you would in Borovets. We have allways hired a car so getting to Borovets has not been a problem. Taxi's and buses run between Samakov and Borovets so you don't allways need your own wheels.