Hotel Rila

Features

The Rila is a large and lively complex where guests can enjoy superior accommodation and excellent facilities. It is centrally located at the foot of the ski slopes, directly opposite the 4 man chairlift

Bedrooms: (code I 6455), 256. Comfortably fitted with bath, satellite TV, phone and balcony. I 6456 Studios: 266. Sleeping 2-4, studios have twin beds and bunk beds; fridge and small kitchenette, bath, telephone, satellite TV and balcony.

Meals: Buffet breakfast and good dinner buffets with choice. Lunch is also available, payable locally.

Facilities: Pool and jacuzzi (free), sauna, solarium, steam room, massage and gym (pay locally); 3 restaurants; comfortable lounge, bar; nightclub; hairdresser; beauty salon planned for this winter; shopping outlets; lifts.

Special Attractions: • Welcome drink • Free afternoon tea/coffee and cake daily • Christmas and New Year’s Eve gala dinners included.

Official Rating: 4 stars

Pre-book one adult lift pass and get second lift pass FREE for arrivals 8-22 Jan and 26 Feb-12 Mar. Pre-book one adult full ski or board package and get the same second package half-price for arrivals 8-22 Jan and 26 Feb-12 Mar.

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.