Hotel Flora Complex

Features

Half board

This modern hotel and apartment complex is ideally located in resort, not far from the main gondola and within walking distance from bars, restaurants and shops. There are two bars and a relaxing spa centre on site, ideal for après-ski.

Accommodation

Both hotel and apartments are on Half Board basis. Breakfast and dinner are buffet style. Christmas and New Years Eve gala dinners are included in the price of the holiday.

Standard rooms have twin or double beds, private facilities, balcony, safe, satellite TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer. Studios sleeping up to three adults have a double bed and a sofa bed, private facilities, balcony, ironing board, satellite TV, telephone, tea and coffee facilities, and hairdryer. One bedroom apartments sleeping up to three adults and one child have a double bed and two camp beds or similar (one of which is only suitable for a child), private facilities, balcony, ironing board, satellite TV, telephone, tea and coffee facilities, and hairdryer.

Child prices apply to ages 2-12 years inclusive.

Activities

Gym*, Sauna*, Jacuzzi™*, Steam room*, Massage*,

Facilities

Indoor Swimming pool, Á la carte/ Buffet restaurant (based in hotel block), Irish style pub, Lobby bar, Mini-market, Ski shop,

Borovets Resort Info

Eastern Europe's biggest ski resort (58km), Borovets suffers from many of the usual complaints about this finance-friendly region. Most commonly associated with budget-conscious skiers and beginners, Borovets has an excellent ski school, a fine snow record, cheap prices (especially for beer and spirits), lovely scenery - and it's only 90 minutes from Sofia. On the downside, there are unattractive buildings, skiing for better intermediates and advanced skiers is no more than average, the lifts and piste are kept poorly and there is the constant threat of theft, boring food and bad queues.

But, many people regularly return. Why? Most veterans talk of the great teaching they have received and the low prices, as well as the varied nightlife available. You'll have to forfeit western creature comforts, but it can be well worth it. It's skiing in a very different culture and is, joy of joys, half the price of the Alps. If the skiing doesn't interest you, there are always site-seeing trips to Sofia and other historic sites to keep you busy, although the archaic transport systems can make this rather time-consuming.

Overall, Borovets is a place to go to learn if you have a tighter budget. You also need to have a sense of humour and adventure, as it is very much the poor relation to Western European skiing. It isn't going to replace Val d'Isère as your venue of choice, but it does successfully cater to a completely different clientele.