Hotel Iceberg, Borovets, Bulgaria

When you first walk in it looks ok and it's not terrible, just not great; you kind of get what you pay for tbh. Rooms are basic, bedding (under the dark bed throws) were clean. Decore tired and dated, looked like it had been cleaned but still a bit grubby with age and lack of attention. Rooms were warm, certainly warm enough, we opened the window from time to time. I'd read that they were cold but not the case, plenty of piping hot water too. We only heard some noise from the Dance Club Iceberg on the Saturday night and that was because our windows were open. Not many staff members about but we found them friendly and helpful. Breakfast was basic, provided on what looked like a tight budget but we were able to find what we liked, mostly toast, coffee and juice, really nothing fancy or flash. We tried one evening meal at the hotel and although we are not fussy eaters, it wasn't for us, and since we'd saved a lot of money by staying here (the Rila and other familiar hotel were booked out) we ate out every evening. I used the spa once and it was ok, but the Jacuzzi wasn't working. I used the Sauna, had a dip in the pool, laid on a lounger for an hour and had a drink from the bar. It was quite while I was there, took the afternoon off from skiing. The location wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, short hike up to the gondola to collect skis (depo now charge for storage 22 lev each) better than walking up, carying skis, in ski boots, and the the gondola is right there or it's another short walk up the strip to the ski school meeting point, in front of the Rila hotel. Bottom line, on a budget the Iceberg will do, but if you have a bigger budget go for the Rila, it's not even fair to compare the two. We've also stayed at the Lion and liked it but it's a minibus shuttle to the centre of the resort. Borosport Ski School is great. Hunters Restaurant, just up the road, past the Happy Duck is fab, as is the Happy Duck actually, Green King great, but you may have to book. We really enjoyed an evening in the Chinese Moon too and a trip out to a local restaurant in Semoko was fantastic and much cheaper than the resort, sorry, I can't remember the name... ask at the hotel. For an even bigger budgets then go to the Alpes, BUT, we love Borovets!!!

Apres Ski: 5/5
Accommodation & Value: 2/5

Nikki Newell