Hotel Samokov

Features

Half board

Centrally located, this hotel is popular with returning guests, particuarly younger people and groups, and boasts and impressive range of facilities. Situated opposite the main gondola, it is an ideal choice for a fun winter getaway. In a great location, close to the slopes and resort centre, this property offers a fantastic range of facilities, including winter wellness and a tenpin bowling alley.

Accommodation

Child prices apply to ages 2-12 years inclusive.

Breakfast and dinner are buffet style with live entertainment during the evening meal. Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinners are included in the price of the holiday.

Standard rooms have twin beds, private facilities, telephone, radio, hairdryer, minibar*, satellite TV (limited channels) and balcony with mountain view. All rooms can take a third bed (sofa bed). Rooms for sole occupancy are available at a supplement.

Activities

Table tennis, Ten-pin bowling alley*, Billiards room,

Gym*, Sauna*, Steam room*, Beauty salon*, Hairdressing salon, Solarium*, Hydromassage, Facials*,

Live music, Disco, Games room with internet access*,

Facilities

Large Swimming pool, Main Buffet restaurant, 'Panorama' A la carte restaurant*, Bars, Shops, 24 hour Reception, Safety deposit box facility*, Ski room,

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.