Where to Stay in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a wide range of places to stay, from rural ‘home-stays’ in the interior to large, brash hotels on the coast. Bear in mind that ‘five stars’ may not mean the same as it would at home, especially when it comes to service. Although – particularly on the coast – accommodation standards are being dragged into the 21st century, the remnants of Bulgaria’s communist days linger on in the form of concrete blocks and surly waiters. Some of the more traditional hotels suffer from a somewhat faded grandeur with outdated décor and facilities. For this reason it is a good idea to book one or two stars higher than normal, particularly as prices are generally low.

There are lots of all-inclusive deals to Bulgaria, but the food provided in these packages is generally of poor quality, although this is improving. The Bulgarian tourist industry has cottoned onto the concept of ‘boutique hotels’, and you may see them advertised in some cities. Often these are just small and modern, but not necessarily chic or stylish. There are some great value friendly family-run hotels, many of which will only accept cash. Rates in these kinds of establishments will usually be quoted in Lev, while larger hotels will also quote, and accept, Euros. An antiquated price structure means that a room can often cost a third more for foreigners than for Bulgarians. Prices rise dramatically in the peak season, when they double, or even triple.

Both single and triple rooms are usually available across the country and one-bedroom apartments with a sofa bed in the sitting room will usually sleep four. Thanks to the current property boom in Bulgaria, privately owned accommodation is increasingly available for rental direct from owners.

The above was taken from the guide book I wrote to Bulgaria published by Insight. Read my Guardian article about people who've made their home in Bulgaria. You can also take a look at my lovely apartment to rent in Bulgaria (see photo, viewed from above) and read my Sunday Times guide to Buying Property in Eastern Europe.