Kempinski Hotel Zografski

This was my first visit to a previously communist country for a weekend break, just in Sofia, the Bulgarian Capital.
Whilst I had heard much about both the Ski resorts and the Black Sea area I had never heard of anyone spending time in the capital, but what a treat!!!
The main advantage, as you can image, is it is very, very cheap which means you can afford real luxury. The Kempinski hotel, is a little dated but very luxurious, clean, tidy and safe for a fantastically low price. There is a lovely piano bar, restaurant and helpful staff - it is also pretty central. Drinks, taxis and food are all at great prices and means that even on a budget you can pretty much walk into anywhere you like the look off.
There is some beautiful architecture, the cathedral is a must and the little open air market running along the park leading up to it.
The Shopping was also great but get off the main drag (running from the central Cultural Centre) which are mainly expensive import shops. We managed to get into to see a music festival at the cultural centre with lots of dancing and traditional costume - it cost 2 Euros! Couldn't understand a word of it - but who cares!!!
I would really recommend this trip for a short break. Flights are cheap and a taxi to the hotel from the Airport was less than £5 - so a great breaklet! 3 days is just long enough.