Borovets holiday chalet: Samokov

Put simply, the holiday was one of the best i have ever been on.

I have spent a week in Bulgaria in the summer, but didn't really know what to expect for the winter. From what i had been told the snow was going to be unreliable and being so early in the season, there was only a 50 per cent chance there would be any snow at all. Also for the price we were paying for the accomodation, i wasn't expecting anything too flash. How wrong i was.

The snow was fantastic, and considering this was the opening week, it will only get better. I have spent alot of time in the French Alps and the snow here was just as good as i have had there. And although not a massive amount of runs (a week skiing will have you completing all of them), they are so long that you won't get sick of them. Chairs are generally fast (be warned snow boarders out there, there are a fair few drag lifts). Best part of all is that the runs are almost empty. I think because of the length of the runs you can easily go down them and hardly see another person.

However what made this holiday so good was the hosts, Nick and his family. Nick was truly amazing. He is helpful, courteous and organises everything for you. Many in our group had little if no no skiwear, and Nick sorted them all out with jackets, goggles, ski pants etc. before we hot the slopes. He reccomended restauraunts to eat at, dropped us of at places and was pretty much the perfect host. As a ski instructor he managed to ski with all of us, from rank beginers who had never skiied to advanced skiers and everything in between, offering advice and tips as well as guiding us around the mountain.

The chalet is first class and you will not be dissapointed. I can't reccomend this place enough. Added to this was the fact that the holiday was so cheap, even when we went out virtually every night to eat and drink. If you tried to do what we did in the Alps you would have to morgage your house to pay for it, and as far as im concered, the snow was just as good and the host.........well i doubt there's anyone else as good as him in the whole of Europe.

If you're thinking of doing a ski trip to Bulgaria but are not sure if the snow or accomodation will be any good, take my word for it and just do it. You won't regret it.

Just spent New year 2008/2009 at The Four Seasons. Used Bedroom 1, with two massive rooms (1 twin, 1 double), with TV and good storage space. Lovely bathroom and nice sitting area. Proper fluffy duvets and lovely soft pillows (with spares), I'm very fussy about such things and was very impressed and comfortable. Had a look at the other twin and double rooms and they looked very comfortable with lovely ensuite bathrooms. Food was simple and excellent, home cooked by Mariana and plenty of it (Tetley tea bags too). Well priced (honesty) bar, beer 1.50 Leva, wine at 1.80 Leva, good locally priced drinks far cheaper than in Borovets. Sauna and Jacuzzi modern, private and clean. Secure ski and boot storage. Nick is very helpful, nothing too much trouble and transfers to Borovets only 10 mins. Timings at your convenience. This is an excellent value, highly comfortable hotel which in fact is more like a catered chalet. If we ever return to Bulgaria, this is where we will stay. PB.

The Four Seasons Hotel is exactly as the description says - immaculate, well equipped, clean, well located, spacious and very comfortable.
However, it is not just hotel that made our holiday so special, it was the hosts - NIck and his family. Nothing was too much for them including a magic breakfast every morning, ensuring our ski equipment was comfortable, playing taxi driver to wherever we needed, offering priceless local information and advice and an excellent ski instructor to skiers of all abilities.

I recommend this hotel to anybody looking for an excellent value, relaxing and stress free holiday. I can say without doubt that upon my return I will be staying with Nick at the Four Seasons.

Well, where do I start??

I spent a week staying at the Four Seasons over the xmas period with a group of 12 of us. Nick and his family accommodated our large group with a calm and relaxed nature that was much needed with our energetic and some times disorganised group.

This is far more than just a B&B!! Nick seemed to be at our beckoning call for the entire trip as he drove us to and from the ski mountain, town and restaurants. He also was our private ski instructor whom has years of experience and proved to once again be our saviour as the beginners were calving the mountain by weeks end.

The skiing in Borovets certainly does not reflect the price of the destination!! I have done numerous ski seasons in Colorado and ski holidays in the southern hemisphere and the quality of the snow in Borovets was definitely a highlight.

On the days off the mountain, the touring around Bulgaria's sights was spectacular. The mountains are intoxicating with their beauty. Nick pointed me in the right direction and sent me with detailed instructions to the best that country had to offer and I certainly was not disappointed!! The mountain monasteries and wine villages were definitely the highlights.

Each night, Nick recommended places to eat and drink. We didn't hold back with the alcohol and numerous meal courses and still was very inexpensive for the quality and quality we were receiving (Probably averaged 15-20 Euro per night).

All in all, this budget holiday destination was one of the best value for money trips I have ever done. The accommodation and service was amazing and the destination was spectacular.

I would highly recommend this to a large range of holiday makers from the backpackers to the families and tour groups.

Thanks

Ps. Nick and his wife do one of the best scrambled egg breakfasts around.

This was my first trip to Bulgaria so I did not know what to expect. However, I have returned with a big smile on my face after an amazing week.

From the moment you step off the plane in Sofia Nick, the owner, is waiting at the airport and you are greeted by his cheeky grin.

The Four Seasons is exactly how it's described, with large warm rooms and a comfortable living area; the bedrooms and bathrooms were spotless. We were a group of 12 and never once felt like we were living on top of each other, even when we were cooking Christmas lunch in the fully equipt kitchen.

Every morning we awoke to a hot breakfast (best eggs in Bulgaria), cereal, toast, coffee, juice and fruit to prepare us for the day ahead. All ski equiptment is measured and fitted at the Four Seasons so you don't have to worry about it when you arrive on the mountain. When you are ready Nick then drives you up to Borovets, 10kms, where the skiing begins.

Our group ranged from advanced skiiers to 'never skiied before' and Nick took it all in his stride. He was a fantastic teacher with the beginners coming away confident and even the more advanced skiers learnt a thing or two from him. He knows the mountain like the back of his hand and is keen to show you how to enjoy your time there, even on the chairlifts.

Samokov is an ideal base as you are so close to the mountains but away from the 'higher prices' of Borovets, and you really get to experience the Bulgarian culture. There are good resturants, bars, a market and ice-skating etc at a fraction of the price if you were staying on the mountain and Nick's recommendations were always a hit!

Nick and his family are wonderful and they made us feel right at home. Nothing was ever a hassle and they always went out of their way to ensure that our needs were met.

I would highly recommend the Four Seasons to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive, relaxed, safe and fun holiday. It's excellent value for money and you will also walk away with a smile on your face. One of the best holidays I've had!