Finlandia Hotel, Pamporovo, Bulgaria
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £33
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
This elegant hotel is in a quiet position but within easy walking distance of the centre of Pamporovo. The nearest ski lifts are 800 metres away. The hotel is surrounded by evergreens and is only a few minutes walk from the lively resort centre. There is a free ski shuttle bus for guests, which connects to the main areas. loading...
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Finlandia Hotel Reviews
" hotel finlinda "
Submitted By: acmoore
I thought this was great value for what we payed the ski school was fantastic special thanks to mima for this. The food was nice some nice better than others but there was lots of it and a mircowave right there if it wasn't hot enough. Our room was huge and had a very nice shower and bath. Only two problems was quite far from town and the swimming was shut. The staff were friendly and I had a really nice holiday. Free bus to ski make sure you ask for the price before you get in a taxi.
Advice: I would go back there again beautiful.
Activities:
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My girlfriend and I booked direct... "
Submitted By: Mr L Canniff
My girlfriend and I booked direct through Balkan Holidays.
Flew from Bristol and had a great time.
The hotel room was very impressive with constant hot water, large size bath (for a nice soak after being on the slopes) and a comfy bed!
All the staff were friendly and the food was OK – We had read reviews before we went and were aware that Bulgarian food is not the hottest if you are half board, but the microwave was on hand should you wish to warm anything up.
A couple provide the ‘entertainment’ in the night – and they were quite funny but a bit like the x factor contestants that don’t get through!
We also ate in the A La Carte restaurant and the food was better than the half board and was less than it costs us for a meal in the UK.
Ski lessons were brilliant – Stef was the name of our instructor and did very well with the group.
We are looking to go back in January 2009!
Flew from Bristol and had a great time.
The hotel room was very impressive with constant hot water, large size bath (for a nice soak after being on the slopes) and a comfy bed!
All the staff were friendly and the food was OK – We had read reviews before we went and were aware that Bulgarian food is not the hottest if you are half board, but the microwave was on hand should you wish to warm anything up.
A couple provide the ‘entertainment’ in the night – and they were quite funny but a bit like the x factor contestants that don’t get through!
We also ate in the A La Carte restaurant and the food was better than the half board and was less than it costs us for a meal in the UK.
Ski lessons were brilliant – Stef was the name of our instructor and did very well with the group.
We are looking to go back in January 2009!
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Balkan Holidays
" Me and my girlfriend stayed at the... "
Submitted By: Mr D Wills
Me and my girlfriend stayed at the Finlandia for 1 week in Mid March 2008. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed and shown to our room, we even had our bags carried for us! The room was surprisingly large, clean and modern. The shower was very powerfull, hot and welcome after a day on the slopes.
Alot has been said on Bulgarian food so think it good to say the food at the Finlandia was very good, plentyful and varied though not as hot as we are used to in the UK but still very good.
The location is as described, surrounded by pine forrest a short distance outside the resort center, too far to walk but a mini bus service is available to take you to the slopes in the day free of charge and 4 lev in the evening to the bars.
The staff were all very friendly and polite, the waitresses seem to love children.
Although the Finlandia is said to be a 4 star hotel I would rate it equivalent to a UK 3 star hotel, however please dont get me wrong I do definately recommend the Finlandia it is clean, modern, spacious and friendly we would definately look to stay again if we were to return to Pamporovo.
The only down side to the week obviously no fault of the hotel was the lack of snow. A lesson well learned not to go so late in the season there was a disappointing amount of greeneary with much lower slopes reduced to slush and swamp like conditions. Half way thru the mountain was even closed but luckily that afternoon the heavens opened and Pamporovo was covered in fresh snow showing the natural beauty of the resort.
For some very experienced skiiers the resort could be limited however no one in the week attempted 'the wall'.
The Ski school was good but didn't seem as involved as schools in more established resorts in France and Austria however the instructors spoke good English and were friendly.
We had a very good week even with the slopes being closed mid way thru for a day. I thoroughly recommend the Finlandia and Pamporovo although would go earlier in the season for better snow.
Ps look out for Nike David!
Alot has been said on Bulgarian food so think it good to say the food at the Finlandia was very good, plentyful and varied though not as hot as we are used to in the UK but still very good.
The location is as described, surrounded by pine forrest a short distance outside the resort center, too far to walk but a mini bus service is available to take you to the slopes in the day free of charge and 4 lev in the evening to the bars.
The staff were all very friendly and polite, the waitresses seem to love children.
Although the Finlandia is said to be a 4 star hotel I would rate it equivalent to a UK 3 star hotel, however please dont get me wrong I do definately recommend the Finlandia it is clean, modern, spacious and friendly we would definately look to stay again if we were to return to Pamporovo.
The only down side to the week obviously no fault of the hotel was the lack of snow. A lesson well learned not to go so late in the season there was a disappointing amount of greeneary with much lower slopes reduced to slush and swamp like conditions. Half way thru the mountain was even closed but luckily that afternoon the heavens opened and Pamporovo was covered in fresh snow showing the natural beauty of the resort.
For some very experienced skiiers the resort could be limited however no one in the week attempted 'the wall'.
The Ski school was good but didn't seem as involved as schools in more established resorts in France and Austria however the instructors spoke good English and were friendly.
We had a very good week even with the slopes being closed mid way thru for a day. I thoroughly recommend the Finlandia and Pamporovo although would go earlier in the season for better snow.
Ps look out for Nike David!
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" I have positive and negative comments... "
Submitted By: DEGSY
I have positive and negative comments for this area.
Positive:
1. From relative beginner prospect the ski runs were very good and seem quite long
2. The ski school tuition was very good (The instructor - nicknamed mr bean was very patient and could see the correct time to push people and when to hold back to give them confidence)
3. Scenery was beautiful at the top of the mountain and down with views of mountains and alpine forrests
4. Hotel Finlandia had reasonably sized rooms compared to other skiing experiance and good shower but don't expect a shower curtain
Negative:
1. The food in the hotel was very poor in the main restaurant and I believe this may be due to the fact it was prepaid since we found another restaurant ("Barbecue restaurant ") where you paid for the food and it was good
Also a large amount of the food was luke warm
2. Other catering places on the area of the ski slopes were tasteless and overpriced.
3. Prices generally were high at the ski slopes for instance paying 4 Levs for a small bottle of coke (Approx £1.80) 3 Levs for Mars Bar and generally these prices are higher than UK Prices with the exception of prices for local beers
4. Local taxi drivers charges are overpriced also and judging by mileage are higher than uk fares.
5. Hotel Finlandia is advertised as 800m from ski slopes and this may be so if you have your own skis since their is an entrance to upper ski slopes to the left of the main road but standard skiers requiring hired equipment need local bus transfer to ski school and this is a few kilometers away
Summary
We felt this resort had good ski ing activities with good tuition but although the main holiday price is lower than resorts in France, Switzerland etc the catering prices are way higher than they should be (However offsetting this ski resorts seem to overcharge their customers on catering and entertainment)
PS Bells must be of some importance in Bulgaria as around the ski hire area you are inundated with people selling the big issue (sorry i mean bells)
With regards to airline organisation for Balkan Holidays this is another matter and beyond the forum topic so no more i said about this
Overall if it were down to the ski slopes and instruction we would come back but our apprehension of doing so is due to the poor food and pricing
Positive:
1. From relative beginner prospect the ski runs were very good and seem quite long
2. The ski school tuition was very good (The instructor - nicknamed mr bean was very patient and could see the correct time to push people and when to hold back to give them confidence)
3. Scenery was beautiful at the top of the mountain and down with views of mountains and alpine forrests
4. Hotel Finlandia had reasonably sized rooms compared to other skiing experiance and good shower but don't expect a shower curtain
Negative:
1. The food in the hotel was very poor in the main restaurant and I believe this may be due to the fact it was prepaid since we found another restaurant ("Barbecue restaurant ") where you paid for the food and it was good
Also a large amount of the food was luke warm
2. Other catering places on the area of the ski slopes were tasteless and overpriced.
3. Prices generally were high at the ski slopes for instance paying 4 Levs for a small bottle of coke (Approx £1.80) 3 Levs for Mars Bar and generally these prices are higher than UK Prices with the exception of prices for local beers
4. Local taxi drivers charges are overpriced also and judging by mileage are higher than uk fares.
5. Hotel Finlandia is advertised as 800m from ski slopes and this may be so if you have your own skis since their is an entrance to upper ski slopes to the left of the main road but standard skiers requiring hired equipment need local bus transfer to ski school and this is a few kilometers away
Summary
We felt this resort had good ski ing activities with good tuition but although the main holiday price is lower than resorts in France, Switzerland etc the catering prices are way higher than they should be (However offsetting this ski resorts seem to overcharge their customers on catering and entertainment)
PS Bells must be of some importance in Bulgaria as around the ski hire area you are inundated with people selling the big issue (sorry i mean bells)
With regards to airline organisation for Balkan Holidays this is another matter and beyond the forum topic so no more i said about this
Overall if it were down to the ski slopes and instruction we would come back but our apprehension of doing so is due to the poor food and pricing
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:BALKAN HOLIDAYS
" We stayed at the financial in... "
Submitted By: Mr H Davies
We stayed at the financial in February 2005 and were quite satisfied. The hotel was nice and quiet unlike some other places we've stayed in the past.
Access to the slopes was easy with the nearest lift less than 5 mins away. The resort centre was a little further away (10mins walk) but there was a free shuttle bus for those who had had enough exercise on the Piste (every 30 mins).
The food was ok, don't expect piping hot (much like the rest of Bulgaria they can't seem to keep it warm once it's cooked).
Overall would recommend for all.
Access to the slopes was easy with the nearest lift less than 5 mins away. The resort centre was a little further away (10mins walk) but there was a free shuttle bus for those who had had enough exercise on the Piste (every 30 mins).
The food was ok, don't expect piping hot (much like the rest of Bulgaria they can't seem to keep it warm once it's cooked).
Overall would recommend for all.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Ebookers
" We stayed in this hotel for Xmas 2006... "
Submitted By: Mrs C O'Connor
We stayed in this hotel for Xmas 2006 from 23rd to 30th Dec. Snow in general for all places seemed to have been bad for 2006, we were lucky it snowed before we went and for one whole day when we were there.
This hotel is good for families and quiet hols. It is located about ten mins from resort centre served by shuttle bus, ski station bus, and taxis. The hotel was warm, had a nice reception bar where everyone congregates after skiing, nice small swimming pool.
The food was ok - seems to be the story with Bulgaria, they don’t serve the food all that hot.
The breakfast was very good and sets you up for the slopes. The evening food was a bit monotonous. We ate in BJs bar/White House and food was v good there.
The Xmas Gala was a bit disorganised but got better the more we drank! For a cheap ski holiday, you can’t beat Bulgaria. The ski instructors were brill.
This hotel is good for families and quiet hols. It is located about ten mins from resort centre served by shuttle bus, ski station bus, and taxis. The hotel was warm, had a nice reception bar where everyone congregates after skiing, nice small swimming pool.
The food was ok - seems to be the story with Bulgaria, they don’t serve the food all that hot.
The breakfast was very good and sets you up for the slopes. The evening food was a bit monotonous. We ate in BJs bar/White House and food was v good there.
The Xmas Gala was a bit disorganised but got better the more we drank! For a cheap ski holiday, you can’t beat Bulgaria. The ski instructors were brill.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Panorama
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Good sides: There are lots of good reasons to go there. The slopes were great, especially for beginners but I think that even the slightly more advanced skiers/boarders would have loads of fun. It is picturesque with fantastic views from the chairlifts and top slopes, wonderful ski/board runs through the alpine trails and there are are plenty of places to eat and drink on the slopes. Our ski instructor (Romano) was fantastic! He was very funny and he made it a pleasure for us to learn through him. Although he was cautious, he didn't hold us back from trying anything.
The hotel had plenty of hot food at breakfast; a great start to your day on the slopes, and tons at dinner; a great end to your evening when off the slopes and have built up a huge appetite during the day. The rooms were spacious, warm, with a bath and shower (if that's what you want) and had plenty of hot water. Our's had a balcony that looked out through the woods. Gorgeous!
We made tons of new friends whom we've kept in contact with, too.
The town centre isn't far - 5 minute drive by cab - and cost us 15 Lev to carry 3 people. It's not a big centre but has bars, restaurants (many are Irish) and shops for clothes and snow gear. You may even see the odd Huskie walking the streets.
Bad sides: OK, here is where we came home with a chip on our shoulder. We found that the staff - restaurant staff, especially, were VERY, VERY rude! They lacked manners and were generally down right ignorant! The last night took the biscuit. They snatch without even a "please" or a "thank you", they look like they don't even want you there and ... oh, the staring. My husband actually left half way through his meal on the final night as we were made to feel very uncomfortable. Even the locals seemed grumpy and rude. Maybe it is just a difference in culture? I don't know, but I do know that a little manners goes a long way where I come from.
The food, although it was hot and there was a lot of it, was kind of heavy. It was like it was all from a can or had been frozen - nothing seemed to be freshly prepared. Don't get me wrong, it was all cooked well (bar the chicken on occasions) with a relatively good variety of things to choose from, but it was all "happy food" (if you like?). The salad was always covered in sauce or weird cheese - not good for people who like just a plain salad. You definitely come home craving for fresh fruit and vegetables although there was a fruit basket in the restaurant.
Bad things aside - although they may seem pretty silly to you, we had the most amazing time. We actually can't wait to go back but possibly to a different hotel, purely for the reason that I don't like to be made to feel awkward when I'm eating. As cheap as it is, we still had to save our money to go there and it was NOT to be treated that way.
Anyway, good or bad staff, I'm sure you will love it there. We certainly did. :)
Advice: Take your camera and snap away! A vidi-cam is a good one, too. Don't forget! :D
Activities: The White Hart in the town centre was nice. Daks was great! with live bands and a great atmosphere.
Good for: Ski