Vihren Palace Hotel, Bansko, Bulgaria

A long transfer to Bansko from Sophia, lots of waiting around on the bus but on arrival at the hotel a warm welcome and supper left on plates in our room. Hotel and facilities very good, food better than expected, restaurant staff in particular very polite and attentive. Reception staff fairly helpful. A big problem was no cutlery/plates or bowls etc in the apartment despite there being basic kitchen facilities so unable to use kitchen. Hotel very close to Gondola, but massive queues for the gondola. Equipment provided at the hire centre was only satisfactory, snowboards not maintained, skis need replacing. Pistes were very good although a black run had been closed for Championships, well maintained and snow quality was good. Snowboard instructor was good, as was the ski instructor although he appeared disinterested at times. Ski hire and lessons and passes all good value for money compared to Europe other excursions offered by Inghams good value and good couriers, trip to Rila Monastery was excellent. Bansko town lovely, lots of good / excellent restaurants, reasonably priced. Overall a very good holiday, good resort and would return

Apres Ski: 4/5

Deborah Butler