Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel (was Sheraton) Bulgaria [Master Thread]
Mar 15, 2016, 2:50 am
#61
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Au, QR, TK, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt, Shangri-La
Posts: 4,525
Just stayed here as well. The taxi from the airport was around 11 BGN, as Norway_Asia paid. I took the subway on the way back, which was great.
There is a small gym in the basement.
It's odd that they became a Luxury Collection. Two different taxi drivers told me that they transitioned from Sheraton to save money -- and this could be true as there seem to be fewer constraints on the standards. Although the building is pretty, the hotel barely qualifies as full-service, with minimal bell service and housekeeping as others have mentioned. There is a concierge desk but it's unstaffed. Wi-fi is dodgy; many bars and restaurants in the city center have far better internet service.
The F&B is also poor. There is only one restaurant, which is really more like a bar with light food (there are menu cards on the table and no hostess most of the time). Breakfast is minimal. For example, they offer packaged yogurt, which seems odd for the region. The club lounge is unstaffed but has a few hot selections in the morning and evening. The business center was closed, and there is no computer/printer in the lounge, but the front desk printed something for me.
But I have no major complaint given the price. The bed was extremely comfortable. The front desk was helpful enough, as was the bellman that I eventually found to ask for help with local restaurants. As a Plat they upgraded me to a suite, which was OK; the bedroom was small and TV was in the living room (with a very narrow selection of channels). Though no free breakfast in the restaurant. I regretted paying 36 BGN for it.
There is a small gym in the basement.
It's odd that they became a Luxury Collection. Two different taxi drivers told me that they transitioned from Sheraton to save money -- and this could be true as there seem to be fewer constraints on the standards. Although the building is pretty, the hotel barely qualifies as full-service, with minimal bell service and housekeeping as others have mentioned. There is a concierge desk but it's unstaffed. Wi-fi is dodgy; many bars and restaurants in the city center have far better internet service.
The F&B is also poor. There is only one restaurant, which is really more like a bar with light food (there are menu cards on the table and no hostess most of the time). Breakfast is minimal. For example, they offer packaged yogurt, which seems odd for the region. The club lounge is unstaffed but has a few hot selections in the morning and evening. The business center was closed, and there is no computer/printer in the lounge, but the front desk printed something for me.
But I have no major complaint given the price. The bed was extremely comfortable. The front desk was helpful enough, as was the bellman that I eventually found to ask for help with local restaurants. As a Plat they upgraded me to a suite, which was OK; the bedroom was small and TV was in the living room (with a very narrow selection of channels). Though no free breakfast in the restaurant. I regretted paying 36 BGN for it.
Mar 15, 2016, 9:07 am
#62
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
I chose the Breakfast as my Platinum Amenity as I was staying for 3 nights. Had breakfast in the restaurant, pretty much the same thing everyday but at least there's some variety and better than the lounge.
Jul 14, 2016, 3:17 pm
#63
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,119
Quick report after a 3 day visit.
Pros
Location - very close to a number of restaurants and bars.
Ammenities - Using Elemis products
Room - Had an Executive room which was upgraded to a larger (prob DLX)
Bed - Very comfortable
Staff - Not over friendly but efficent
Welcome bottle of wine in room
Cons
Exec Lounge - Limited and repetative breakfast. Evening drinks wine and beer. No staff on duty
Room - Aircon fought the 34 C temperatures
Other - Approached when entering the hotel to be told there was a nightclub downstairs with "company" available and give a flyer.
Pros
Location - very close to a number of restaurants and bars.
Ammenities - Using Elemis products
Room - Had an Executive room which was upgraded to a larger (prob DLX)
Bed - Very comfortable
Staff - Not over friendly but efficent
Welcome bottle of wine in room
Cons
Exec Lounge - Limited and repetative breakfast. Evening drinks wine and beer. No staff on duty
Room - Aircon fought the 34 C temperatures
Other - Approached when entering the hotel to be told there was a nightclub downstairs with "company" available and give a flyer.
Jul 14, 2016, 5:55 pm
#65
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
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Posts: 31,593
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Jul 15, 2016, 3:48 am
#67
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
I've been approached before by the Gentleman's Club staff stationed at the entrance when coming back late one night, I just said I'll think about it and head back to my room. I was given a flyer as well. I don't see a problem with this since they're not forcing anybody.
This hotel is pretty safe since the President's office is in the same building and Diplomats and tourists alike would stay here as well.
This hotel is pretty safe since the President's office is in the same building and Diplomats and tourists alike would stay here as well.
Sep 5, 2016, 1:11 pm
#68
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kuwait (KW)
Programs: Qatar Airways, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 2,711
Hi guys -
Sofia-bound in two days with a friend; both of us are first-timers in Sofia/Bulgaria and I'm a devoted SPG Plat who booked this hotel way back before the Sense came online. Looked at a few reviews of this hotel and aside from things being a bit dated and the hotel bar being hooker central, thought I'd ask what Plats can expect at this hotel and what past visitors have experienced. Other tips [sights/local restaurants+bars, etc.] also appreciated!
Thanks again, FT. Cheers.
khabah
Sofia-bound in two days with a friend; both of us are first-timers in Sofia/Bulgaria and I'm a devoted SPG Plat who booked this hotel way back before the Sense came online. Looked at a few reviews of this hotel and aside from things being a bit dated and the hotel bar being hooker central, thought I'd ask what Plats can expect at this hotel and what past visitors have experienced. Other tips [sights/local restaurants+bars, etc.] also appreciated!
Thanks again, FT. Cheers.
khabah
Sep 5, 2016, 2:09 pm
#69
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,119
In terms of bars and restaurants just walk out of the hotel, turn left across the square and walk straight. There is a pedestrian area with many bars and restaurants.
Sep 6, 2016, 1:09 am
#70
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
I love the fact that Bulgarians love 70's 80's music...
Retro music playing in the hotel is way cool.
Sep 8, 2016, 7:09 am
#71
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kuwait (KW)
Programs: Qatar Airways, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 2,711
@lcpteck - 70s/80s music... Ahh, they don't make music like they used to these days!
Just checked in today and wow, this hotel is a very unique thing - definitely a relic of a different time. Upgraded to a junior suite overlooking Sveta Nedelya Church, but the suite hasn't been renovated and looks like something grandma would adore and their "fitness center" in Basement Two struck me a bit as a place where your screams won't be heard... But that said, I look forward to my four-night stay. Staff interactions have been great so far - Viktoria at the reception is a particular standout with her courtesy and straight-up sass.
Interesting times ahead! Will keep posts coming.
khabah
Just checked in today and wow, this hotel is a very unique thing - definitely a relic of a different time. Upgraded to a junior suite overlooking Sveta Nedelya Church, but the suite hasn't been renovated and looks like something grandma would adore and their "fitness center" in Basement Two struck me a bit as a place where your screams won't be heard... But that said, I look forward to my four-night stay. Staff interactions have been great so far - Viktoria at the reception is a particular standout with her courtesy and straight-up sass.
Interesting times ahead! Will keep posts coming.
khabah
Sep 8, 2016, 9:03 am
#72
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,946
Your description of the hotel is perfect! I think I had that suite and yes, it's remarkably old-fashioned. On the other hand, there's a lounge where they put wine and beer out for the evening and just leave you to it.
Have you been offered any "company" yet?
Loved the quirkiness of the hotel and the city. And you can get as drunk as the locals for very little cash
Have you been offered any "company" yet?
Loved the quirkiness of the hotel and the city. And you can get as drunk as the locals for very little cash
Dec 15, 2016, 5:47 am
#73
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
About to book either this hotel or the Sense ;
As a cat 2, the Sofia is excellent value using C&P, or I can pay cash at 85EUR per night inclusive ... or .... stay at the Sense for 141EUR per night (or 7,000 points).
Now, looking at the photos and reviews, the Sense is more suited to me (well, the next destination after either of this hotel, is the W Amsterdam - so that must suggest something) so the question is ...... suck it up and stay at the Sofia [and save 55 euros per night x 3 nights in the process] OR head straight to the Sense & not look back - or worry about the slight inconvenience of having to pay more (and probably get nothing at the hotel in return as being a Platinum).
As a cat 2, the Sofia is excellent value using C&P, or I can pay cash at 85EUR per night inclusive ... or .... stay at the Sense for 141EUR per night (or 7,000 points).
Now, looking at the photos and reviews, the Sense is more suited to me (well, the next destination after either of this hotel, is the W Amsterdam - so that must suggest something) so the question is ...... suck it up and stay at the Sofia [and save 55 euros per night x 3 nights in the process] OR head straight to the Sense & not look back - or worry about the slight inconvenience of having to pay more (and probably get nothing at the hotel in return as being a Platinum).
Dec 15, 2016, 5:09 pm
#74
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
About to book either this hotel or the Sense ;
As a cat 2, the Sofia is excellent value using C&P, or I can pay cash at 85EUR per night inclusive ... or .... stay at the Sense for 141EUR per night (or 7,000 points).
Now, looking at the photos and reviews, the Sense is more suited to me (well, the next destination after either of this hotel, is the W Amsterdam - so that must suggest something) so the question is ...... suck it up and stay at the Sofia [and save 55 euros per night x 3 nights in the process] OR head straight to the Sense & not look back - or worry about the slight inconvenience of having to pay more (and probably get nothing at the hotel in return as being a Platinum).
As a cat 2, the Sofia is excellent value using C&P, or I can pay cash at 85EUR per night inclusive ... or .... stay at the Sense for 141EUR per night (or 7,000 points).
Now, looking at the photos and reviews, the Sense is more suited to me (well, the next destination after either of this hotel, is the W Amsterdam - so that must suggest something) so the question is ...... suck it up and stay at the Sofia [and save 55 euros per night x 3 nights in the process] OR head straight to the Sense & not look back - or worry about the slight inconvenience of having to pay more (and probably get nothing at the hotel in return as being a Platinum).
As a W fan, I agree the Sense is appealing. Just book the room category you want since you know it won't upgrade there. And enjoy that rooftop bar!
Then you can write a review here with plenty of photos!
Dec 16, 2016, 6:17 am
#75
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
I have booked the Sense, it will be freezing up on the the rooftop when I am there 8 weeks time but hopefully they have some outdoor heaters set up out there Might even come back with a review