Hey,
My girlfriend and I are going to Bulgaria for a few weeks, mostly to spend time with her family (not living in Sofia). So around mi-August, I've decided to take her to Sofia for two nights. And I'm trying to find the best romantic hotel to stay in. When I stay romantic, I mean something that comes out of the ordinary, not the usual, lifeless Mariott or so. It should also be quite luxurious too of course.

But it's proving to be quite a challenge. The only one I found so far is Les Fleurs (with a "Romantic escape experience" package, including massages, Executive room and breakfast).

I was wondering if you guys knew of any other alternatives etc.
Also if you have any good diner suggestions, I'm all for it.
Cheers

Don't know any special hotel; we stayed at a lifeless Holiday Inn which was just fine for our needs.

On the other hand if you happen to me in Varna you should try this hotel. Amazing. Breakfast was extraordinary; the service truly impeccable and the coffee menu exquisite.

http://www.musalapalacehotel.com/

I've spend plenty of time in Sofia over the years. Although I've never been here, I ran across this place once while I was searching for hotels and thought it might fit something like what you're looking for.

http://www.thesofiahotel.com/packages.html

Hey, the OP will be in SOFIA, BULGARIA! The hotel you link to is in San Diego. Either this is a joke (well, I didn't even smile), or you should read again your grade school geography book.

I've stayed at four hotels in Sofia on business and the one I'd stay at if visiting with my wife would be the Grand Hotel Sofia. Rooms are quite large and modern, very comfortable beds.

Nice park in behind the hotel, pleasant outdoor patio/dining area, centrally located, close to the national theatre, art galleries, shopping on Vitosha and good restaurants.

I haven't been there yet, but I had a friend recommend the Sense hotel:

http://www.sensehotel.com/en/list.html

I've stayed at Sense and will be there later this week for three nights on business. It would be second on my list. My only concern might be parking. To check in it's best to drive up on the sidewalk in front of the hotel until you get a parking pass.

The rooms are nice but ask for lower levels as the roof top bar can get a little noisy. The bar is pricey but nice and the view is excellent.

If you stay at Sense I'd suggest the nearby Ego Restaurant. It's a favourite and I'll be there this week for sure.

Another choice worth considering is Arena di Serdica. It's built on old Roman ruins that you can walk around. Rooms are large, comfortable but although not particularly modern.

I know this is old but I just read your response. Totally a cut and paste error on my part - it was neither a joke nor ignorance.

http://www.sofiabalkan.net/index.html

That's what I meant to link to.

I have no romantic weekend planned but I am going to Sofia in June for a week. I enjoy walking around cities and looking at interesting buildings (from the outside), flea markets, casinos, street food, and just plain sightseeing.

I will be by myself.

Any recommendations on what to do/where to go there? (I already have a hotel booked.)

Although I've spent a lot of time there on business I haven't seen many of the sights but have walked by them. Nevsky Cathedral is probably the most popular. For flea markets there's the Central Sofia Market Hall and there is an outdoor flea market near Nevsky. Higher end shopping is along Vitosha Blvd.

On my list if I ever get back there for a personal trip is the National Museum of Military History, National Theatre, National Art Gallery and the National Museum of History although I believe the later is on the outskirts of town.

Street food isn't noteworthy other than the gelato carts everywhere. You will not have a problem finding a casino.

It's a great walking city with lots of little parks and don't be surprised if you come across Roman ruins that are being excavated. There is lots of interesting architecture ranging from Soviet era back to the Roman ages.

English is widely spoken. Signs in the centre are Bulgarian and English.