Alba Hotel

There is no way that the Alba hotel is 2 * let alone 4*, the reception area is probably the best part of the hotel. On arrival we were put on 7th floor and as we arrived at 4am in the morning we were exhausted but could not sleep as the music from a nearby disco was so loud we felt we were actually there. I asked in the morning to be moved and they moved us the next day which was fair enough, better on the other side of hotel but found room to be scruffy not somewhere I would stay again. The pool area left a lot to be desired with broken tiles on the bottom of the pool which a couple of our group cut their toes on, the plastic grill around the pool was weak and one of our group almost went over when it collapsed under hin, it was always broken somewhere around the pool. The staff were really miserable hardly saw anyone smile, there were also staff asleep on the setees in the bar ever morning which was really unprofessional. Th lifts were a nightmare, I even had to force the doors open on two occasions,thats when you could actually get a lift. You were only given one key ,although they had a 24 hour porter service I found this to be really inconvienient as the porter wasnt always available straight away I think 2 keys is a muck better idea. Also never had to pay for a safe before bit of a ripoff I thought.Suffice it to say not a hotek I would recommend or return to. Sorry Alba

1 reader found this review helpful

This was our first time in Bulgaria and after two weeks there i will say it will be our last
Our first impression on our arrival at the Alba Hotel reception was not to bad, it looked clean and the staff were frendly we were given a room on the 7 floor and our luggage was taken to our room for us.
The room was large and spacious and smelt musty and stale and on opening the balcony door you could see that the floor has never been swept or washed and the view was non existent because of the exterior that was blocking the veiw, the sheet covering the mattress was off white/grey and upon pulling the sheet back on the bed exposing god knows how many stains and looking further at the pillows we found not only sweat stains but Blood as well, we complained to the reception and they were willing to change our room in the morning, this room was much better in smell at least we had a view of the pool area, The breakfast was a big disappointment in quality of food and standard of presentation,a big question mark over hygiene? as not once were the table cloths ever changed you had to sit and eat at a table with food stains all over and on a couple of times the table had been cleared but left overs and crumbs were still present.

The pool area was a disgrace the pool was never cleaned or pool side ever washed and the sunbeds were filfy with sweat and dirt from the pool side there must of been more germs in that pool than you would ever find in the river Ganges we did try the beach but the same there it is never cleaned full of cigarette ends.
The area was over crowded with too many shops selling the same thing i thought copied goods on the black market was going to stop especially with the high prices they want for them, some food restaurants were good but again to many selling the same.
We paid 17,500 nok aprox 1,700 pound sterling for this holiday , and for the money we expect better value in standard, all in all this place is ideal for the 18-20 group plenty of noise 24/7 get drunk and crash out and regarding the hotel i would not even give it one star.

1 reader found this review helpful

I really liked the Mediteranean looking interior design. Although, the hallways in the part of the hotel which is more closer to the beach was furnished in the same way but, for some reason I got the impression that something was missing. Maybe tv, or plants for example. Something that would give it a touch of liveliness.
Girls at the reception were very polite and most of them could speak English.
The room we had was very spacious, in good condition and with a central cooling system which worked quite well. We didn’t receive any toiletries apart from 2 teeny- weenie soaps which is a big no-no for a four star hotel.
The food was ok. I've tasted better in other hotels but, apart from the breakfasts being somewhat repetitive, the food was always hot and catered for many different tastes.
The hotel’s location is excellent. It’s right in the middle of the resort & everything is close. Shops, banks, bars, telephone booths, restaurants etc. The beach is only a few minutes walk away. The music can get a little loud at night, but it’s bearable when you shut the door. (It’s probably a lot louder for the rooms facing the pedestrian zone). Also, the train that goes to Nessebar stops right out the back of the hotel.
The gardens around the hotel were very well kept which I cannot say about the pool area and the pool itself. Our room was on the 4th floor facing the pool and every afternoon my son and I watched the pool floor getting more and more muckier each day. Not once did we see anyone taking water samples. The filter grids around the pool were absolutely filthy. The water was absolutely freezing cold! Even in the middle of July. So, if you want a relaxing swim in the warmish water of the pool – forget it!
We never ever saw anyone clean the sunbeds and the sponges on them were filthy and smelly. Smokers would put out their cigarette butts everywhere. (I am also a smoker but, I always took an ashtray from the restaurant which I would empty regularly).
Speaking of sun beds, if you didn’t put your towel down by 7:30 you couldn’t get one.
Even though there was a “no-jumping” sign, there was of course lot of guests who ignored this. I also saw a young teenage boy who was running around the pool’s edge, slip and bump his head really badly. All of these things happen becuase there was is lifeguard overlooking the pool which for me is the biggest no-no of this hotel!
Thank god for the beach!
All of this is a shame really because the pool & pool area are quite attractive.
To wrap things up, as someone has already quoted, this hotel is very cosy. It’s a comfortable hotel and in a great location. But, they really have to hire a lifeguard, maintain the pool and everything that goes with along with it.

1 reader found this review helpful

Me (17), my mum (39), my auntie (41) and my boyfriend (18) all went to bulgaria..
well wot can i say.. this place is so cheap!!
I really enjoyed myself.. there was something for everybody!
Stay @ Hotel Alba.. Beautiful hotel.. Some of the maid r abit ignorant.. Our maid was always singing and happy bless her.. Staff were bit ignorant 2..
When to this place at the back of the hotel every night.. THE BOUNCE.. AMAZING PLACE!! ''Puff'' the DJ absolutely wicked guy.. My boyfriend and him got on really well and he made us loads of cd with bulgarian music on, really friendly people there..
the only real complaint i had was the food.. it wasnt very nice.. anywhere...
id deffo go back to bulgaira.. but in a few years wen the food as improved.
overall tho wicked place.. deffo worth a visit.. x

1 reader found this review helpful

Just returned from a week here. Airport a little small but that was ok. Roads are a little basic and bumpy, but no major problems. Hotel reception friendly but some confusion when checking in with another couple and seemed near impossible for them to understand that we weren't together and mixed up our passports, late stay etc.
Room ok, towels a little worn but cleaned daily and cleaner went out of her way to make swans out of the towels some days which my son loved.
Alba is slap bang in the middle of a 24/7 resort, music playing around the clock, but with balcony door shut you couldn't really hear it and my little one slept fine. Everything you want is within a few minutes walk.
Didn't enjoy the food at all in the hotel and after a couple of days ate out. Eating out was really cheap and loads of choice. I recommend the trip's Khan Tent and Bulgarian Village both great nights but don't book with your tour operator you can save loads booking locally with any of the excursion companies. (Shop around).
Beach is packed but plenty of sun beds for hire. You get lots of people handing out leaflets for bar etc but quite friendly with it. I would go back but to a quieter part of the resort and on a self catering basis.