Lilia Hotel

We had a two-week holiday in Bulgaria. For the first two days we stayed in Golden Sands and then we flew out to the capital, Sofia for a 5 day stay in the mountain resort of Borovets. We then flew back to Golden Sands to relax for another 5 days before flying home.
The organisation of our transfers was spot on. We were picked up on time and had did not have to wait about for our flights. Every effort was made to ensure that we were not left waiting around. As an example, on our way back from Borovets, the tour operator (free of charge) organised a morning tour around Sofia. Our luggage was taken direct to the airport whilst we were taken around the beautiful city with a guide.
Borovets is primarily a ski resort but in the summer, there are endless walking routes into the mountains, which start at the foot of the hotel. I suspect from the communist era and the wish for healthy activities, all routes are signposted so that a novice can go off walking and not get lost. You can start from the bottom or take a cable car to give you a head start. If you’re feeling nervous, you can book a guide at the hotel for about £5 each. We did both. Our tour guide, Tony was brilliant. He let us rest whenever we needed to and for the more energetic he happily let them carry on (with his eye on them)
There’s not much to do at night in Borovets during the summer but if you enjoy walking, you won’t have much energy left for a night on the tiles anyway. Typically, we would leave the hotel around 10am and head into the mountains, come back for about 4pm, get changed and then wind down at a small pub until about 9 or 10pm.
The locals are truly charming, when you enter their establishments, it really feels like you are in your own home. They are not overpowering either, they just let you get on with whatever you want to do. If you want to chat with them, they will gladly interact with you however if you want a private chat they leave you alone (without you having to ask them).
If you’re not into walking then there are plenty of other activities to do during the day. We took a trip out to the Rila Monastery, which is in the heart of the Rila mountain range. It was absolutely brilliant and the views are simply breathtaking.
Our hotel in Golden sands is, without doubt the best value for money I have ever experienced. Hotel Lillia is literally opposite the Black Sea beach near to the end of the stretch of activities. It’s not too loud and it’s not too quiet. The service at the hotel was excellent. Porters would take your luggage upstairs without asking and did not wait around for a tip. (although we chased after him to give him one). The food was plentiful and very nice and we had free wine with our evening meal.
Golden Sands is typically like every other beach resort. Lots of souvenirs, bars, restaurants and clubs but it’s very cheap, very civilised and a great way to wind down having spent 5 days hiking in the mountains.
This was my first time to Bulgaria and I cannot wait to go again. Next year we’re hoping to stay at Hotel lillia again but spend 5 days in another ski resort called Pamporovo.
I would recommend this holiday to everyone. Golden sands has plenty to do for all the family and if you like walking, I would also suggest splitting the holiday for some time in the mountain resorts.
This brilliant holiday cost £1200 for 2 adults on a H/B basis. We took £1000 spending money and brought home £600. We just couldn’t spend our money!!!