Elenite Holiday Village

Were reallocated to Elenite from Russalka due to problems there, and just got back yesterday.
A party of 9 (6A,3C) we found apartments clean and basic. Bulgarians think that ceramic tiles on the floors is the done thing, beware they are lethal when wet!
We made an effort to speak-a-de-lingo and were greeted with huge smiles when the locals realised we were trying to communicate in their language - otherwise they were po faced and serious-but that’s their way. But we tried... and so should you!
The food at Elenite was passable and edible-we heard it would be nearly cold, but each hot dish was in a covered Bain Marie and piping hot (a little overdone if you were late to dinner). Yes chicken and pork reigned supreme, but it fell apart and was cooked well. No chips (well once) but who wants to go to rural Bulgaria and eat English? If you do there is McDonalds (2 actually) in Sunny Beach - go there if you’re desperate! No drinks or food ran out while were there, beer, soft drinks, pizza, bacon butties, hot dogs and ice cream available all day and evening.
Pools clean but Royal Bay (next door) got a bit murky by end of the stay. They don’t hose the perimeter so it stays grubby and sandy around it.
Beach within spitting distance, very safe sea (saw dolphins one evening!) but could do with raking once in a while.
You do have to be alert to danger at every turn, slippery steps, irregular steps in stairs, dips and pitfalls everywhere, I think they haven’t found tarmac yet...
Extremely cheap souvenirs/booze etc but beware of rip offs and children grabbing stuff.
Overall experience was great but the weather helped, probably desolate when raining. Don’t expect Blackpool, but if you lower your standards and try to communicate you will enjoy it more.
Done Bulgaria now, probably be great in ten years (if you like commercialism).

We didn’t actually choose to go to this resort, we were placed there on behalf of First Choice, who deemed our original choice of Russalka below their standards! If Elenite is within their standards I would have hated to see exactly what Russalka had to offer!!
The food was absolutely appalling. It was constantly unappetising, unappealing, under cooked, of poor quality (what adult would want smiley potato faces for their evening meal?) It improved marginally in our second week, but that was only because Thomson’s allegedly flew out two Health & Safety Executives to sort the place out.
The staff were miserable, under staffed, over worked and sometimes rude. It was not unusual for the beach snacks to run out at 12 midday without being replenished. It was common to queue for at least 25 mins for pizza or drinks at the bars. We tried to get ice cream at 3pm (it is stated available until 10pm) but there was only one flavour available.
You couldn’t get a cup of coffee in a cup!! They would only serve it in a flimsy plastic cup apart from at breakfast.
The complex’s pathways are badly lit and extremely badly maintained, the pathways concrete were breaking up. There were no fire hoses in the fire hose reels and the complex is poorly signposted for emergency exits.
The First Choice Reps were blasé about any complaints, one said we "should have been there in May, it was chaos". I can only say that if they knew they were having these sorts of problems over 2 months ago, they should stop placing people there until they can get it right - we are not guinea pigs.

Our group consisted of four adults, 1 six year old and a 15 month old. No facilities whatsoever for babies (not even changing facilities.) No signs for fire escapes in Animation (kids club); shortage (or non existence) of crockery, cups, cutlery etc. There was regularly no coffee, tea, hot water in dining room. Food tasteless/bland and repetitive (hope you like chicken and pork)
The staff appear to be under pressure and a smile would not go amiss. Beach very dangerous in parts (metal spikes sticking up out of sand). Nowhere to sit and have a drink/chat with friends in an evening, especially after 10 p.m.
Paths and walkways unlit and uneven making it very dangerous to walk about after dark. Fridges stacked on top of one another outside apartment (approximately 12/13) for over a week awaiting collection. Only two of the four restaurants open during the first week of our stay. No entertainment other than in the animation club, which is in our opinion a firetrap.
The site is built on different levels all connected by steps, which make it extremely difficult for anyone with a pram or pushchair. Not allowed on grass to play so only beach to run around on. Adjoining Hotel supposed to be finished early May - builders working 24/7 all time we were there. It had still not opened on the 12th June. Travel agent informed us it was illegal to do building work after 1st June.
Apartment was small (cramped with 2 adults and 2 children) but clean. Satellite T.V. advertised but only BBC World News available in English. Swimming Pools (3) all clean and very well supervised by lifeguards during the advertised opening times. Will not be returning to this resort but love Bulgaria and the Bulgarians.

The food was awful not catered to children at all. Accomodation very small but kept clean.
No kids club as advertised for 8 - 12 years.
The staff were ignorant some were rude (not just my opinion)
Beach was great sandy, shallow water great for the children.
Children could be allowed more freedom very safe.
Too many Germans.
Best place to visit Nessebar great snorkling, lovely town.
Great reps.
Would not reccomend holiday.