Hotel Rila Reviews

What a fantastic holiday in borovets,Bulgaria,highly recomended.I decided to go skiing for a week to spend some time with my son,i was a bit worried at first because we hadnt skied before.The hotel was directly opposite the nursery slopes,excellent location.we decided to get private skiing lessons from a friendly Bulgarian family from the WHITE MAGIC BAR ,Christo and his daughter Laura,it was half the price,you didnt que for lifts and half price lift pass,however if we went again i probably have group lessons because you got to meet people and it seemed like a lot of fun,even thou the groups were quite big.

Hotel ,cant fault it,very clean,was even cheaper in hotel than bars around.Hotel SAMOKOV next door was good to,bowling,shooting etc.would defo recomend,i would certinly go back with the rest of my family ,very cheap.

Holiday
We stayed at The Rila, as part of a 2 centre holiday in Bulgaria, via Balkan. We were glad in a way to escape the routine of Sunny Beach (like Blackpool and Benidorm rolled all into one!)We recommend Sozopol for a beach holiday, we tried it in 2007 (Santa Marina Studios - so so so wonderful!). Going back for the 2nd time in 2008.

Borovets
It is a ski resort, obviously no snow in the summer, but endless walks, horse riding (try the horses up the hill by the ski slope, guide was really friendly and they seemed happier up there than the ones on the road outside the hotel), so wonderful for some fresh air and proper exercise. We had a great time. Be warned about Mount Musala, the Rep said it was hard going but nothing what like I imagined and had to turn back. Not a problem but a long walk back along the mountain and in the cable car alone! My husband made it to the top and photos superb. The 5 (or was it 7?!) Lakes trip as although quite a walk still, but it was easier going and the jeep is great fun! Helishly bumpy! Kids would love it! We had great weather considering how high up int he mountains we were. You also get asked on some free walking trips and also a free half day to Samakov which is worth it as a small town nearby where you see the ";real"; Bulgaria and some great bargains at the market.

There were enough bars and restaurants in the small town (some not open until winter season), to be entertained for a week and the prices were better than Sunny Beach. People seemed more genuine too, not as greedy.

Hotel
The Rila is a large hotel. We were lucky enough to get the ski slope view on the back of the hotel, wonderful views over the slopes. Our balcony was near the top floor and had a table and chairs. I sat very still when out there as not one for heights! The front of the hotel overlooks the car park so not so nice.

Rooms were basic but clean bedding and towels. The hotel could do with a little up-dating and a bit of a polish up (built in the 80s). Then again, it will get bombarded with skiers in the winter, so I can imagine the carpets getting a hammering with all the heavy and wet gear they drag in, so there would be no point making it look ";pretty";.

Food was basic. Nothing fantastic, like alot of buffet food but the service was fine and there was plenty of variety. We tended to eat in one night and out the next for a bit of variety. Mind I had an upset tummy on my last day and from working out what me and my husband had ate differently, as he was fine, it was a meal outside of the hotel. Not sure how as it all seemed well cooked and the restaurants were clean. Just my luck when had a 6 hour coach transfer back to Sunny Beach!

Nice pool area and enough sun beds and there was a solarium, steam room, etc.

Reception was big and airy and had a bar area. Receptionists and Balkan Rep were helpful when needed.

From talking to other people, The Samakov Hotel is very similar standards.

Overall
Would recommend Borovets. I would do the 2 centre option as you get a beach holiday also. Borovets is twinned with Sunny Beach and I think Bansko is twinned with Golden Sands. Bulgaria changes its currency into the Euro 2009 I think so try and go before then. So unbelievably cheap at the minute (cheapest pint we found was 30p! and 3 course meal for 2 with wine for £10!) Mint!

Enjoy your trip!

Andrea and Mick x

This was our family's first skiing holiday and I took my wife and nearly 4 year old son.

We read the reviews beforehand which said that the food in the hotel Rila was cold and not that good and I have to say that I agree although we only ate the first night which was cold and once midweek which was actually quite nice.

I would recommend that you view this hotel as B and B (The breakfast is fine)and take enough money so you can eat out in some of the lovely restaurants around the hotel (Around £3 per head).
We found this lovely little restaurant called Hunters and most of the food is cooked in there fireplace including some of the best turkish bread I have ever tasted.

In respect of the rooms, these were basic but comfortable. Some people complained that they were cold due to no heating but we had no problems.

We pre-booked the ski lessons which were very good but my son was booked into the kindergarden which he hated. They only had a ratio of 10 - 1 for the Child Minders to Children and the room they were in was around 15x10ft which with 20 kids in was not big enough. If you are thinking of taking Kids I would recommend that you not take an under four but would however recommend older kids as they had lessons similar to ours and were not locked away.

Overall, we did really enjoy Borovets despite the negative comments and are planning to go back next year. We did not pay a great deal and overall got good value for money.

I would also recommend you book through Inghams simply because if your holiday includes Ski Hire, Inghams have done a crafty deal locally which guarentee's there clients the best equipment first.