Hilton Sofia was (still is?) indeed a very good hotel. Much better than most Hilton hotels. If the new GM starts to be greedy, we must let him know that this is not the way to do business in Sofia!

I also had a bad experience late one night. It was nearly midnight when I got there and a security guard opened the door for me and my Bulgarian girlfriend. As we walked across the foyer to check in, this manager came running across the floor and started shouting at my GF!!!! Eventually he apologised to me, not her and we checked in. It was only later, after we had gotten home that the GF told me that he was accusing her of being a prostitute and threatening to call the police! I hope that you are better treated than we were!

They have a problem with prostitutes at the hotel. Probably like all of the Sofia hotels. If you look more Western European or American it was an unfortunate but legitimate mistake.

That I understand. However, the poor apology to me and not the GF wasn't what I would call professional. Anyway.... Was a while ago!

My mom stayed there last year for almost 2 weeks on and off (she travelled in the country). I am diamond and used all points for her stay. Called the property ahead of time to ensure everything will be perfect. Mom was pleased and happy. Communication with staff was very professional. Location in Sofia is great. Would highly recommend. The free perk shuttle from the airport is unbeaten.
I am sorry about your gf's experience.

Qualified to Diamond on base points in this single hotel in 2010 :)
Nice hotel, good location (at least for me - walking distance to the office), attentive staff, very good breakfast (honey in natural big honeycomb was great). Big shopping mall five minutes walk. Average lounge, compared to those in Prague or Bucharest. However, superb lounge compared to Hilton SF Financial District :)
Only drawback for me as asthmatic are windows which can't be opened. But they provide humidifier on request for free.
What was funny and happened almost all the time: I was mostly booking executive room. At check-in, agent said as our Diamond guest, we have upgraded you fo the executive floor. Well, this is what I paid for, so no effective upgrade ever.
Had guests for breakfast from time to time without any issues. When one of them had just coffee, restaurant staff waived €20 charge for guest's brekkie - nice.
Also used their meeting rooms - again with no issues: technology ready and working, catering perfect.
Overall very good experience.

Edit: forgot to add - there's 24/7 McD just across the street.

It might be that our fears of the "Reiter effect" have come true. I noticed this review posted recently, the only one where management haven't responded, thereby confirming it. I'd say it's credible given he has posted two positive reviews before and as a regular might actually notice the differences. Might this fellow be a FTer:

Source

Any recent stays here? interested in all aspects of a stay, esp. as diamond. thanks!

I had a good stay as HHD, upgraded from standard room, at a very cheap rate, to a junior suite. Very welcoming staff, the hotel was quiet, but the lounge was still open. They had an above average selection of food and drinks, including spirits. Had breakfast in restaurant, but my rate included this, so not sure if I would have got this otherwise.

Just about to check out tomorrow following a three night stay.

Hilton Sofia continues the theme I've seen of generally good Hiltons in Eastern Europe. It has its own tram stop which is a huge plus; it is my preferred mode of transport in cities. There is no longer a free airport shuttle, but I didn't even know there ever was one until I read this thread, so I wasn't disappointed. In any case, the Metro station is 150 yards away and the line will be opened at the airport in April 2015.

Booked a very cheap standard room and was upgraded the day before to an Exec room, which I could see on my HHonors app. Welcome was warm and genuine, Diamond recognition was faultless. Verbally thanked for loyalty, upgraded to top floor room, and received a 1 litre bottle of mineral water as well as some Bulgarian wine and Lindor chocolates. My OnArrival extra pillow and towel were already in the room. 100%.

The Exec room is a reasonable size, very clean and everything works. No problems at all. Bedding is Hilton standard. You can listen to the TV/radio while in the bath or shower and there is a volume control dial in the bathroom.

Lounge is small but functional. Some nice hot canapes from 6pm, haven't had breakfast there yet (been to the restaurant) but will do so tomorrow morning. There are still spirits on display though I don't partake myself. Bottled Cokes, Fantas etc are available. There is no keycard entry system to the lounge nor is it permanently staffed, but it was fairly empty on the occasions I dropped in. Only downside is that it's on the 1st floor and not the 8th or 9th, which is where the Exec rooms are. I was spoiled by having a room opposite the lounge in Warsaw I think...!

Breakfast is fine - no complaints about quality. There's real - not powdered - scrambled eggs, which is a boon. Service also fine. There is an egg/omelette station for anything other than scrambled eggs.

The housekeeper must have noticed I'd pinched a couple of Cokes from the lounge when she emptied the bottles from my bin and popped up of her own accord this afternoon with two fresh ones with a short note. It's small touches like that that impress.

Overall, a 9/10, considering I'm paying around £60 ($95) a night.

Sofia city is still a rough diamond but having a good Hilton hotel will ensure I return.

Thanks for the great report. Impressive show by housekeeping!

Hi All,
Just to say just back from a Weekend stay at Hilton Sofia must have been at the same time has paul4040, totally agree with Paul comments.

Will add Lounge serves Afternoon Sandwiches, small but tasty
Soft drink fridge with Heineken lager also open most of the day.
Sprits and Wine served between 5.30 and 8.30 pm
Also selection of hot food at this time.

Still a little gem of an Hotel

Basset

I will fly to Sofia next month. Reviews of the Hilton are positive, but the last one is already a bit dated. Did anyone recently stay here and give an update about the hotel/service/lounge ?

The Hilton Sofia is quiet a good hotel. The overall design is a little out of date, however service received was top notch. The lounge is rather small. Nothing to write home about. However the food on display and the drinks are satisfying. Go out and have a Drink outside. Sofia is worth it.

I did stay in one of the Junior Suites.

Strange, I thought I had done a review of this hotel but it appears I haven't!

I do have pictures and did stay last June (2015) so not as recent as you'd like but I'll do a report and post it so you can see some pictures of the hotel at least.

Definitely a good hotel, lounge was indeed small but decent and we had some form of suite but not sure if it was an upgrade or paid.

Sofia is a great city and we enjoyed it immensely. The food options were brilliant.

Hope you have a good stay and I'll post more (if I can jog my memory) along with the photos later this week.

Safe travels ^