Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Just returned from Borovets after spending the week - 18th - 25th March skiing with my son. Initially my thoughts were 'what a dump'the place itself was dirty, the roads and paths unkept and there was litter dicarded in most places, there was no snow in the town. We stayed at the Flora Hotel. After walking through the doors of reception with our suite cases at 5am, after lengthy delay we were met by a girl who we had just awoken, who was very misserable and made us walk to the other side of the hotel carrying our own suite cases. We were allocated our room which was small, the bed covers did not fit and the curtains were like tracing paper. Imust add at this point that the hotel is split into two, the old and the New. We were in the old part.. At breakfast again the staff were the most misserable people you could meet. The breakfast food itself was 'ok' but everything was warm. After breakfast we made our way to the Samakov hotel to meet our rep and pick up skis. We were with Balkan Holidays therefor our ski school was the Samakov Ski school situated on the lower ground floor of the Samakov Hotel. They were fantastic, well organised and friendly. We were then allocated an instuctor based on our ability to ski. Martin nickname 'Marhony' was ours and from the start was sound as a pound. Very patient and had a lot of experience. Once up on the slopes we were given a steady build up to show our skiiing ability. There was no real pressure. There was only Myself my son and one other girl in our group so the teaching was very much one to one, which was brilliant.
The ski runs were fantastic set out for all different types of skiiing ability. As the week went on the skiing got better and better. We had two days of fresh snowfall. The main Gondola was shut for two days because of high winds so we had to use the 4 man chair lift adjacent to the Rila Hotel. These slopes are for intermediate to advanced skiers. The lower part for beginners. The scenery throught the forest was stunning. some of the green runs from the top were awesome.
We were half board in the Flora Hotel. The food on a night i can only describe as being 'RANK'where thay got the chef from i do not know. Three dishes were plated up and displayed for all to look at prior to ordering. My son was not impressed. it was disgusting. They did have a salad bar which was not too bad. If you like eating a lot of salads. But again the staff were misserable. Most of which festered around the bar area playing pool on the computer, smoking and chating amongst themselves.
The only good thing about the Hotel was its close proximity to the Main Gondola lift, Town and the ski school, only 2mins walk down road, and the fittness centre, situated in the new part of the Hotel. The swimming ool is nice but can be cold. The is a jacuzzi, steam and sauna, but you do pay extra for these ( 10 levs for 20mins) Again the staff were very misserable and unhelpfull.
To sum our holiday up. The skiing was fantastic along with the ski school and the instructor. The lifts are in fair condition but do the job. The place itself looks better covered in snow. The people outside the hotel seemed friendly enough. I would deffinatelt not stay at the Flora Hotel again. Will go back but stay at the Rila or the Samakov.

G.Henderson ( North east uk

Look really annoyed about all the bad press about the food in BG.When you go you know they dont serve it warm,so whats the problem.Also you arent in England,so dont expect the same food as you are after all on holiday in another country.Fresh veg,cassaroles,stews,plenty of fresh fruit,what do people want burger and chips,curry get a grip for goodness sake.
As for the rude staff i am sorry to hear that,when we arrived at dark oclock to our hotel there was a hot meal and a drink waiting for us,the staff i couldnt fault, especially when they were wrapping my kids xmas presents at 2 in the morning and trying to find very small screw drivers for battery compartments.So next time try a different hotel but give the food a go.