Review for Sofia Balkan Hotel, 4 nights vacation in September. 3 adults. "Deluxe Suite" room number 305. The hotel is defined as a 5-star hotel and is flooded with positive and negative reviews. Some of the reasons for the negative reviews are that it has been in the process of being renovated for a long time and those who get rooms in an area where there is also activity to renew the rooms complain about environmental dust, dirt, and noise. I asked for a room on a floor where all the rooms have already been renovated, so I got a room on the 3rd floor . The type of room I booked faces the outside of the hotel towards “Sveta Nedelya” Square. As far as the hotel is concerned, you are not guaranteed to get a room directly overlooking the church. 1. Hotel location The location of the hotel is excellent. A lively and safe environment to walk around even at night. The area is full of restaurants. 50 meters walk and you enter the special Vitosha street which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. Walk 40 meters and enter a complex that includes 3 different metro lines. Some of the tourist sites are within walking distance of the hotel. You can also find a large supermarket near the hotel. 2. The room The renovated room looks beautiful and in a modern style. It has a large (comfortable) double bed and another sofa that turns into a wide separate bed. A table that includes a coffee machine (capsules), a kettle and a mirror. There is also a mini bar that contains different types of drinking bottles (for a fee). The room is steeped in technology. You can see touch screens in several areas of the room. It is advisable to try and understand how to turn on and off the different types of lighting and control the air conditioner. The controls also allow the window curtain to be opened and closed electrically. The room has a large and deep safe. The toilet is separate from the shower. A shower cabin and a large sink are in a separate area from the bathroom. What I didn't like about the new design is that there is no door separating the room area from the bathroom area. When you get out of the shower - you are in the room. Maybe suitable for a couple but not suitable for 3 people. There is not even a single rack in the shower to hang a towel or garment before leaving the bathroom. It is not possible to adjust the speed of the water flow. Another problem, there is no closet in the room, only a long, exposed single rack. 3. Cleanliness Every day the room was cleaned, towels changed, and the bed arranged as usual in any hotel. In principle, what is outside the mini bar does not cost money. The coffee, tea, and everything around is renewed every day free of charge. A pleasant surprise - the hotel made sure to leave bottles of water next to the bed every day. 4. Reception area The check in\check out process was fast. The reception staff are welcoming and helpful with any questions about the hotel, trips, recommended restaurants, etc. 5. Breakfast As expected from a 5-star hotel, the dining room is bright, charming, comfortable, and large. The waiters were quick and courteous. Some of the variety of foods can be seen in the attached photos. Interestingly, there is even a whole honeycomb to scrape and add to the breakfast cereal. I did not like the coffee. weak. 6. The hotel bar The hotel bar prices are expensive. Around the hotel you can find plenty of cheaper cafes and bars. 7. Noise The rooms are equipped with soundproof glass window, so in the evening the noise of the street is not heard. During the day, renovation works are taking place inside and outside the hotel (near the church). Practically, we were able to sleep in the afternoon without any disturbance. 8. Wi-Fi communication The Wi-Fi speed measured in the room was 28Mbps. ---- We were happy to have chosen this hotel and when we return to Sofia we will stay there again. I will end this review with a riddle intended for those who will come to stay at the hotel: how do you turn off the light in the separate toilet cubicle?
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 4
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен

I wish I could offer nicer things about Sofia Balkan, but it was disappointing for my husband and myself. One advantage is the location. One is near to the centre, and viewing the historical sites was as simple as taking a stroll across the park. That was fantastic. The hotel's first impressions were that she was once a beauty, but that time had long gone, and despite her best efforts, she wasn’t up to par. I must add that most of the personnel might need some lessons in friendliness and warmth, and a grin or two would not go amiss. To be fair, a handful of them who did live up to hospitality norms were delightful. For me, our room was alright, but lacked warmth, on the other hand, the bathroom was fantastic. Breakfast was a disaster. Bread that looked like cardboard, a toaster that took 7 minutes to toast the bread and still wasn't done. Nothing else appealed to me except the fresh fruit. This might just be me, but as a global traveller, I recognise a nice breakfast when I see one. We are not planning on returning. Black Blaze
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Двойка
Стаи: 3
Услуга: 2
Местопол.: 5

The “Palace” is in its name, need I say more. To me the room decor is what blew my mind. The textured walls, the high tech light switches, heated bathroom floor, the skyline view or city view from your balcony are the things which sparked my interest. I love it here. The one thing that needs a little upkeep would be the breakfast bar. I normally attend breakfast right when it opens and I was shocked when I bit into my food and it was cold. The Palace is located in perfect location, right across from the ancient ruins, in the heart of the city. Go check the Palace out, you will not be disappointed.
Тип пътуване
Бизнес
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 4
Местопол.: 5
Дейности в района
There are restaurants right by here, cathedrals to visit and a host of other things.
Безопасност
I felt safe here at this hotel.
Пригодност за разходки
Located in the perfect spot. Around the corner from Vitosha Blvd, right in front of the ancient ruins.
Храна и напитки
The breakfast bar was a little cold first thing in the morning.
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен и Отлична гледка

The room was nice, we got an "attic room", spacious bed area and bathroom, great toiletries. Hotel is walking distance to a large amount of attractions, also very close to pick up spots for tours when Hotel pickup is not included. I'm giving 4 stars because of a specific person from front desk/concierge, she gave bad advice for restaurants and was not informed about things in the Hotel, we forgot something in the room to which the night manager made it his purpose to find, he did, we went back next day on our way to the airport to find this person say it hadn't been found and that she knew nothing... item was returned to us. Great stay, hotel is much recommended, just had a bad experience with 1 person.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Двойка
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 3
Местопол.: 5
Дейности в района
Good amount of attractions nearby, at most 2 kms (1.2 miles) from Hotel.
Храна и напитки
Great Breakfast Buffet, definitely recommend, one of the best we've had in Eastern Europe.
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен, Спокоен и Изгоден

Great location and stunning building which has kept its original beauty. Staff are friendly and polite. However, for the price we expected so much more. The breakfast selection looks great, but the execution - is significantly lacking - had much, much better breakfasts elsewhere in Sofia. So if you are looking only for location and don't mind the cost go for this place, it's comfortable. But go outside for breakfast. Also disappointed as when we booked it was advertised with the casino downstairs, however when we tried to go there we where informed it had moved location. We aren't really gamblers, but just fancied some fun on our last night in Sofia. We should have been notified of this before we arrived. I would probably only recommend this place to people travelling on business.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Двойка
Стаи: 3
Услуга: 3
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен

Very well located hotel, we expected a luxury stay at a 5 star hotel with years of good reputation. Pros: We were lucky to get one of the renovated rooms with a great view of the church. The design of the room was very nice. The facilities of the room were great. Great location Grand entrance and architecturally magnificent building. Helpful and kind staff service. Our requests were addressed immediately. Cons: The building is undergoing renovation. The works are not hidden from the visitors and is not pleasant to see the mess of the construction floors. The breakfast was served cold every day. The room was not cleaned to a 5 star standard. Glasses and robes, toilet brush were found dirty and the bathroom had a lot of scale. Very noisy from the construction works happening outside the hotel.

The value price vs the room quality is more than enough, the new rooms are very technical so need to read instructions to turn on/off lights The shower is amazing and the pillows are great. The service is very nice and the Breakfast is ideal for starting a walking day
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Самостоятелно
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Стаи
The new ones are amazing
Дейности в района
You have all nearby walking 5mins. The most centric hotel
Безопасност
I feel very safe solo traveler
Храна и напитки
Breakfast is like American buffet so all you can eat
Важни подробности
The value is very very good to the quality
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен

I stayed at the Balkan Hotel in June 2023 for three nights. My room was filthy- the floor was dusty and stained. At night I had trouble breathing because of the dust. Under the bed I found some stuff left by previous guests (slippers, used tissues) covered with a thick layer of dust. During my stay, the cleaning service showed up only once - they only changed the towels, but did not vacuum. I reported the need for cleaning several times to the front desk. My requests were ignored.
Тип пътуване
Бизнес
Група пътуващи
Самостоятелно
Стаи: 2
Услуга: 1
Местопол.: 4

This hotel looks stunning, and the rooms are beautiful. But there are issues with the finish. Taps not secured properly in the bathroom sink, leaking sink in the toilet. Slightly surly bar staff too. The hotel have a beautiful Kawai baby grand piano in the lobby, but it was out of tune when I visited which was a severe disappointment. It's such a gorgeous piano but was unplayable The location is amazing, the views were great from my room.
Тип пътуване
Бизнес
Стаи: 3
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен, Отлична гледка и Високи технологии

Hotel is very gross. Found roaches and fleas in the room. Payed for the junior suite and the staff at the hotel did not tell us in advance that this room was under construction and instead put us in a different room hoping that we wouldn’t notice. Woke up to loud banging noises every morning. Do not stay here if you want a pleasant hotel experience. Photos on the website are very misleading.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 1
Услуга: 1
Местопол.: 4

The room was renovated and felt luxurious. The breakfast area was also very nice. I believe the hotel doesn’t have any other facilities (e.g. Spa) but for the price and location I believe it’s worth it. There’s also a casino within the hotel which was closed at the time but supposedly it will re-open in 2 months. i would stay in this hotel again.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Двойка
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен и Изгоден

During last stay I got an update to upper floor where the rooms have an own little roof terasse. Very nice. Aircon a bit tricky to set to the right temperatur though. Nice bed and bathroom. Very good breakfast. And very well placed close to city Center and directly at main underground station. Approx 25 minutes to the airport. Will stay there the next time as well.
Тип пътуване
Бизнес
Група пътуващи
Самостоятелно
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

Incredible location and the decorations are simply magical! The Christmas atmosphere is just great! The staff is so helpful, always ready to rush and help us in any way! They guided us and helped us with many issues like currency exchange and cafés! The rooms are beautiful and clean. I would totally recommend it to anyone visiting Sofia!
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен и Подходящ за деца

At the reception, the staff allows themselves to take the guest's payment card and enter all the data into the system from it without asking. I was surprised by this behavior. I had a comb in the bathroom that already had someone else's hair on it. I've never seen such disrespect for guests. I hope they at least wash towels. The guest service cannot be reached, all the time is busy. It's a bad that I chose this hotel.
Стаи: 1
Услуга: 1

We stayed in the newly renovated rooms. There were some oddities with the electrics and the touch screen panels that made the lights a bit of guesswork at times. The room seemed clean but there a previous guests toiletries in the shower. Room was spacious, breakfast fairly varied and the staff all friendly. We had a room with a view of the church which was lovely.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 4
Местопол.: 5

BEWARE-Zero service at reception, rooms not cleaned at all or cleaned partially. This hotel is under substantial renovation! Plus outside as well. Many amenities are not functioning although it states they are on their website upon reservation. No spa or pool. DOES NOT WORTH A BUCK.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 1
Услуга: 1
Местопол.: 5
Стаи
Not clean!

Visited the bar only. I was puzzled nobody in the hotel - neither reception nor in the bar/restaurant speaks Bulgarian. Apart from that the waiters are taking way too long to respond, the prices are way too high, the menu is lacking essential food. The only thing which is ok is the environment inside, as the one outside is not ok due to construction work.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Приятели

Lovely big hotel in an extremely central location. But MISERABLE AIRCONDITIONING. We were a group of 15 people who stayed here for 3 nights. . Allocated lovely large rooms which were hot as hell. Sweating at night. All that said , the breakfast was lovely
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Приятели
Стаи: 3
Услуга: 3
Местопол.: 5
Пригодност за разходки
Very central

Wow..this place is truly like a palace. Amazing huge rooms and lovely cutlery and breakfast spread. I wish the toilets were a bit modern but understand they want to keep the heritage there. The location is amazing as well and everything is walking distance.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен

What a great hotel! Excellent location, well appointed rooms and if you take the breakfast (and you would be crazy not to) you needn't eat all day!! Sadly we did have lunch and dinner as well and I took the excess baggage home with me around my waistline. Big up to the staff as well, who were mega helpful when our first flight was cancelled.
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

Very nice hotel in the center of Sofia, near to almost everything to see in the city. Rooms was good, service ok, amazing breakfast with a very rich buffet. Only thing to say, when they make rooms they do not change cups and refill the tea you used, also bathrobe was not replaced.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Приятели
Стаи: 4
Услуга: 4
Местопол.: 5

I had the awesome opportunity to shoot a wedding at Balkan this year and I just couldn't resist to share my review. This place is awesome and it makes for a legendary party and breathtaking wedding photography. The staff were super nice and the whole hotel is like a creativity bliss for me! Definitely can't wait to get back in there!
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

Great location in the center. Desk staff is great. Breakfast is really good. Rooms are comfortable EXCEPT for the horrible new lighting controls. Even with the direction guide provided it's hard to understand the icons and sometimes seems lacking in logic. By the time I could understand the system it was time to leave.
Стаи: 4
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

Completely overrated for a 5star. Staff very nice & helpful. Touchscreen electronics in the rooms but they do not respond to the instructions apart from the curtains. Leaking shower hose & a constant rashion of tea/coffee & esp milk sachets. Only 1stick to stir liquid. With a 5star rating the least they could provide is a spoon.

This is what 5 stars looks like, from staff to rooms, facilities & service. Stunning location. We had an amazing time! The buffet breakfast is also fantastic & has everything you can dream of. Our third time here in Sofia and we are more than happy to stay in the near future.
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

Stunning hotel. The foyer and rooms smelt incredible. Very clean. Brilliant facilities and great location. Also all the staff were extremely helpful, polite and professional. I was offered early check in on arrival and my room had a great view of the sofia. Would definitely recommend. Още

Great location, great rooms, sincere workers. What ı couldnt understand is carpark fee. İn a 5 star hotel ıt must be included the prices.
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен

Fantastic hotel, very attractive and great staff. The rooms need a fresh paint but we're very comfortable
Тип пътуване
Почивка
Група пътуващи
Семейство
Стаи: 4
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5
Акценти на хотела
Луксозен и Изгоден

Breakfast was excellent, with a wide range of choices and good quality ingredients. The bed was very comfy and loved the dark blackouts for the windows. Very helpful from desk staff.
Стаи: 5
Услуга: 5
Местопол.: 5

It’s not difficult to take the time to give some parking information to a tourist and make them feel welcome rather than make them feel like an inconvenient. 6th October at 00:20. You may wish to have a word with the receptionist. Още

Really excellent hotel that had picked its game up since I was here last year. The location is arguably the best in the city, the new rooms are fantastic (great lighting arrangements) and service is 5*. Really great stay Още

The people working at the parking station are rude towards the customers. Since they are the first faces you meet at the hotel, they ruin the whole experience for you. Още

Staff are friendly and accommodating The only thing I don't like is the breakfast. Breakfast options were always the same, and we stayed there for a week Още

Nice hotel in city center, near the Main Street and metro station. Every room has Lavazza coffee maker with complimentary coffee capsules… Още

An old but cozy building right at the heart of Sofia with friendly staff. The breakfast was delicious. Definitely 5 stars.. Още

Dated rooms and with the window open a few bugs got in! However, the staff are lovely and the gym is okay too Още

Great location, elegant but needs elevation, 1st floor room quite old, no bathroom ventilation
Стаи:…
Още

Overall, good location I would say, but the quality of the rooms and the service was very very poor.… Още

Great rooms. Good service. I had dinner and breakfast at the hotel. But you come for the location. Още

The rooms are very nice. The food is great. I will come again.