Reviews of Royal Bay Hotel, Elenite, Bulgaria

royal bay

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

mwelding

Comments:

it was a superb holiday. the location was good for a relaxing holiday. plenty of sunbeds and parasols.

The staff were superb couldnt do enough for you. we never once came across a staff member who waited for a tip. the maids were fantastic, would come in everyday and clean the room. if your nice to them they will do anything for you. we made friends with one of them and when we left they brought us gifts. which is a big thing as the majority of staff have to work 2 jobs to get buy, and there on about £170 a month.

the lobby bar was ok, u had to find a empty seat. i was 20 when i went (and do look older for my age) i was asked for id. had to get my passport.

the food was very repetetive but was all cooked properly. if u asked them for anything they would go out of there way to get it. the restaurant staff were very friendly. you could see them workin hard to keep the tables cleared. u would put a glass down and they would come over and take it straight away. it was a family members 50th birthday, and they had dressed the table up with confetti and ribbons. gave us a cake and bottle of wine.

never really ventured out in to the main complex as there wasnt that much to do. the night club and ampitheatre was dangerous as the tiled floor was black, and white squares, and there were small steps that you couldnt see. quite a few people tripped up them.

The first choice reps were absolutely useless. there based in the royal park hotel, so they don't come down the royal bay. we saw them twice in two weeks, and both times were because they were doing welcome meetings.

overall a perfect and relaxing holiday. wouoldn't go back again as this was the 2nd time been to that hotel. we kept in touch with some of the staff, and they have invited us back over to stay with them and there families.
DEFINATELY WORTH A VISIT TO THIS HOTEL.

Big fun

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First

Submitted By:

mrs scally

Comments:

This place is wonderful.
I think we must be easily pleased, n have never done all inc. b4. We are not fussy eaters, but I was very disappointed with them moaning english types, which I have to say we met quite a few. Plus a few Germans to who were quite rude to staff.

We arrived in the early hours of Sat 27th Sept it was very wet.
Our only hiccup of the hol was when me n my youngest were taken in the golf buggies to the elenite villas instead of the Royal Bay. We did have a tense 20mins, were my husband was a little worried obviously, when he an our eldest went in there buggy to the Royal Bay, but the receptionist, (lovely lady) soon sorted it out, it was then of to bed nearly 3am, delay due to airline.

Saturday day little overcast but warm, gave us good chance to have good look round the whole resort.
Whats there?
In Royal Park there is the Amphitheatre (not open as late in season), crazy golf good fun, deposits are per person but refundable on return of golf clubs, oh n balls do tend to end up in water,so husband had to fish a few out, as lost balls r chargeable, good laugh though.
shopping centre, very cheap i thought, t shirts roughly £4.50 good designer copies i would say. Pizza bar, Internet cafe, an irish bar, drinks payable here. N i think one of the bookable all inc retaurants (we did not use these). Gym. Medical centre.

The waterpark its very lovely, my boys said the water was quite cold but didn't put them off. Drinks payable here, but cheap enough.

The Elenite village, Animation Hall were your bingo,kids early entertainment, then a little more grown up later happens. all inc. Another irish bar not free. Night club called Galaxy all inc. another bar all inc, next to it an arcade. Tattoo n hair braiding can't comment on this didn't use. Cocktail bar and bowling not free, but i understand reasonable prices. Rifle range. The other bookable restaurant can't remember there names though, but they are all inc. Medical centre.

Now to our much quiter hotel, with slightly less moaning english.
The Royal Bay has no entertainment,if you want all that it is about a 2-3 minute walk away. It has the lobby bar, 2 pools with bar, little play park, and a small shop. High season bar on beach. lots of sunbeds.
The views are fantastic it is clean and the staff are lovely and even more lovely if you are nice to them.

Now to the food. It is great, I defy anybody not to find something you like.
Breakfast, Lots of choice of bread,rolls,coissants. Toaster for your use, jams, honey etc. Cereals 3 choices, milk good too. All your continental ham n cheeses. Viennesse biscuits n little madeline's I think thats what there called. English is fried egg, scrambled egg, eggy toast, hard boiled eggs,continental bacon and sausages, grilled tomatoes and beans.
Drinks. Tea, coffee, Hot choc, expresso, capp, and soft drinks.

Lunch and dinner. Not always the same some similar.
Always 2 choices of soup,different at lunch than dinner. fantasic salad bar, 3 choices of meats some bulgarian style, (like a good casserole), always cooked well, the section they called the kinder choice, chips, pasta and spaghetti, chicken nuggets, turkey steak type things (and these were the things that sometimes looked a little pink), and usually fish too. Amazing how many adults ate from this section. Cakes very yummy, and 4 choices of ice cream.
Drinks as above also red and white wine, u could ask a waiter for beer or spirit, it is curtious to tip suggest 1 lev (45p) and boy do they look after you all the way through your meal.
That means for 90p a day and £6.30 for the week,you are almost treated like royalty. If you learn to say thankyou (Blagadarya) in bulgarian, the world will be your oyster too.

The room.
We had what is called a twin room on the ground floor, this is a massive DOUBLE bed, very comfy and spotlessly clean, the boys had singles one that pull out from the other, partitioned form us which was a little more private. The bathroom was beautifully tiled with sink toilet bath with very powerful shower in, water always hot.
Big patio door onto a balcony, a table and 2 chairs, with that fantastic view.
Only 2 days r room was not cleaned, one on the sat we had just arrived, and one day when we came back to the room for swimmers etc and the lady left as soon as we came in. So she did not quite finish.but she did a lovely job, the sand as we spent a lot of time on the beach does tend to follow you home. But everyday that was swept away, towels change and new loo rolls if need to name but a few things that she did. The cleaners I found spoke no or little english, but smiled constantly.

Now to our favourite staff we went with first choice, the rep Rosen is so nice, no flannel very honest, went welcome meeting told you cheapest way to trip out aswell as his bookable trips. And very friendly every time we seen him,asking if all was ok with our syay n if we needed anything.

The nicest person of all in the hotel has got to be RAINA she is so sweet,she worked the lobby bar, doing opposite shifts with man I think called Olag. Raina though had a lovely manner and was great with the kids too.Especially my youngest. She is a real credit to the hotel, and she definately needs a pay rise he he.

Trips out.
We did not want to do many as wanted to relax after a hard year of working.
We caught a taxi to Nessebar it is very nice there, I was not to keen on the jewellery street sellers a little pushy for my liking but is good for a day shopping, Rosen advised Bourgas for real bargains though. Our taxi driver Tania was the best part of the whole trip she gave us lots of culture, and history with that real personal touch talking constantly, really glad we didn't take the bus which is a lot cheaper at around 3 lev each, so 24lev approx (£11) for 2 adults n 2 children. compared to 80 lev (£36) return, but have ur own personal tour guide and comfortable ride too. The journey is a good 20-25 mins in the taxi.

Not really a trip out but we did go to Pacos bar, which is a 3-5 min walk out of the main gate of the complex, its a real old looking run down shack, from the outside. But it has great character, the food good, drinks cheap 2 lev a beer, lots of quirky things to look at in there. And if your one of those fussy english types you can get your burgers and steak etc there.

To round up I am glad I didn't go in the kids summer hols like every other destination it would be queue's amd probably a lot more moaners to boot. Just remember this is a very different country to ours so treat it and the people in it with a little respect. Its a beautiful place.

Oh yes and we had great weather too.

Did we go to the same hotel as...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs S P Constable

Comments:

Did we go to the same hotel as everyone else?



Well, not according to the reviews we have read. We arrived on a night flight, on leaving the airport, we were immediately greeted by a company representative, who gave us the number of our coach. Easy.... We gave our luggage to the driver and sat down for the last leg of our journey.... Driving through the area late at night, I was a little apprehensive about where we were going. I had chosen the holiday and was worried that my husband may not like it. We drove down the hill to our destination and was greeted by a man with a golf buggy.. we careered off at break neck speed to The Royal Bay ( we loved it.) He helped us to the reception and then showed us to our room. A lovely room overlooking the sea, the roar of the breaking waves was tremendous, but beautiful, the fridge had a welcoming biscuit bar, soda water and bottled water, very refreshing.... We went to bed very tired... but happy.



The next morning we went down to breakfast.... a good selection... cold buffet... yoghurt to die for, with two fruits to add if required..... several varities of croissant and various other breads and rolls. Then there was the hot selection.... fried eggs... huge tomatoes.... frankfurters.... fried bread... baked beans... scrambled eggs... belly pork bacon ( continental, not British but we were on mainland Europe, what do people expect?) Boiled eggs and cereals. Tea, coffee, fruit teas and cold cordials. There was no stopping you from returning as many times as you wished. There was also plenty of fresh fruit available. This was breakfast everyday. What I would like to know is what the moaning reviewers have at home. I think my husband and I live really well, but we could have gorged ourselves silly, where are we going wrong. Other reviewers please say what your home lifestyle is like, because you must be shopping at Harrods everyday to be so displeased.



After breakfast we would saunter upstairs and collect our towels and books for a day on the beach, no catching a bus... or walking miles, just a stroll down to the beach.... Plenty of choice of where to sit, and free use of the sun beds and sun shades and boy did we need it.. The weather was glorious and hot!! The sea beautifully clean and warm.



Now my husband is a fussy eater... and will not eat anything he decides he isn't going to like. So imgaine my surprise when he says he is going to have lunch...

Wonderful salads, plenty of variety and a hot meal.... no we didn't have the chips... didn't feel the need to... we are not children.... because we ate our lunch we treated ourselves to a free ice-cream. I died and went to heaven..... four varieties... I had to go back and choose the other two.... Little piggy that I am....



After lunch we would perhaps go back upstairs and collect other articles or laze on the beach again, because this was the holiday that we wanted, stress free.



During the day the bar was open to have as much drink as we wanted... local beer.. local spirits and tea, coffee, soft drinks... we worked out on the second day that the wasps knew the difference between pepsi and beer, so we drank the beer....



There is a shop next to the hotel and the young man was very helpful and sold a variety of snacks and other articles should we feel inclined or hungry....



Later on we would shower and change for dinner.... most people changed ....and the women all looked lovely in their evening wear....sporting their red glow from the days cooking!! One evening I worked out that with everything available it was possible to have a seven... yes, seven course meal... and as much as anyone could eat.. I forgot to add that wine both red and white was available with the meal both at lunch and dinner. Plus more ice-cream...



After the meal most of us went for a stroll down the prom....it was great and very necessary to work off the enornmous calorie intake!!



Not being snacky people, we didn't use the pizza bar, but our friends said they loved the pizza and someone said they enjoyed the hot dogs....



There was no enteratinment at the hotel, the brochure was quite specific, which is why we chose the hotel... we made our own entertainment by making friends and talking to people, that is what you do....



The drink was not intoxicating, which is just as well given the amount that we were all consuming..... For the group of friends we made a connection with at the hotel we didn't need to get drunk to enjoy oursleves.



We had two amazing trips out.. and I am not describing them as they were our memories, but they were brilliant. We also went to Nessebar by boat which was great fun...



Now for the moans and groans about the hotel staff... the cleaners were really friendly to us, as were the waiting staff. No-one has mentioned the exhausting hours that this group of people had to work.... 7am to 10pm. The cleaners worked so hard to keep everywhere swept and clean. One night after we had been on a trip one of the cleaners got us a coffee and a cocoa cola each, it was way after midnight. She really cared for us.... and we loved her. Just one word in Bulgarian made all the difference......Blagadaria ( my spelling) Thank you.... Everytime we said Blagadaria the staff smiled... good manners doesn't cost anything....



Of course there were a few problems..... what place works without an issue..... Sometimes we had to wait for knives and forks, and sometimes bowls and plates.... the catering staff hadn't quite got it right....I will admit that... I think the managament need to decide whether their staff are waiting staff or turn around staff, it wasn't the youngsters fault. They tried to sort the situation out as quickly as they could. I just need to know why people were clicking their fingers asking for drinks when they could have got them with their own legs... especially as it didn't take a genius to realise that the waiting staff did not have the backing of anyone.



But hey we are the great British race and expect everyone to run around as if we own the world.... Lets get it right, we were visitors in their country and yes we paid for the privilege but that's what it is, a privilege to have the holidays that we do, we forget how easy we can travel compared to many other countries... talk to the locals, they will tell you. Wake up and engage with the world, please.



I needed to use the medical centre and the staff were absolutely brilliant and so helpful and caring. No it wasn't food poisoning, but some allergic reaction to a bite, I was so lucky to have the centre so close to call upon, a couple of days and they had me sorted out.



Our end of the beach did have a problem with cigarette ends but who was dropping them?

I never saw a seagull smoking.... no-one has to do that.... what people do it in their own homes...most of them judging by their behaviour.. and yes we did see staff picking them up with their bare hands.... no Brit would do that... and they shoudn't have to.... The sand was rolled between the sun beds each evening.... my only criticism is that the sand could have done with being washed down in the evenings.



There was a problem with wasps... they were a nusiance.... but we knew that and at least by evening time they disappeared.



We cannot forget our rep Rosen what a brilliant fun guy... one of the best reps I have ever met..... he helped us and spoke to us each time we saw him and I have mega respect for him...



Would we go back, you bet we would.... but please you whingeing, moaning individuals, who think that being British affords you the right to mis-behave, be rude and treat the rest of the world with contempt... stay at home and go to Blackpool. ( sorry Blackpool you don't deserve them either.)



For those of you who were unfortunate enough to make friends with us, we can only say thank you, you made our holiday one to remember for the rest of our lives and to the staff we say a massive thank you, for working so hard to make it a truly memorable holiday.



Holiday rating 20/ 10

WARNING!!! DON'T BOOK THIS...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Ms MT Magee

Comments:

WARNING!!! DON'T BOOK THIS COMPLEX UNLESS YOU WANT A HHOLIDAY FROM HELL!!Well, when we first arrived in the early hours the sight that met us was beautiful. The complex looks like a mini paradise with a beautiful view of the beach. The hotels look the part and the little thatched beach bars add to the paradise look. The complex was well lit up showing it in a beautiful light. We were greeted by a golf buggy which brought us to our hotel which the children in our group loved.

I'm sorry to say, it all stops there. I must say first that i am not a fussy eater...anything goes. We awoke the next morning for breakfast. Should've stayed in bed. We tried bits of everything and it was either cold, undercooked or just plain rotten. I had to peel 12 boiled eggs before i could find an edible one. In our week we went to breakfast 3 times and the menu was exactly the same.

It was the same with lunch and dinner, little choice, undercooked, but we didn't starve due to chips and bread.

All inclusive was limited to our hotel. Pizza bar provided 'pizza base' with a little tomato after a twenty minute wait.

Watch out for staff who are only interested in you if they think you will tip them. A couple in our company had never been all inclusive before and were a bit shy about taking all inclusive drinks the first day. At the beach bar they asked for two beer and handed over 50 leve unaware that it was all inclusive. The bar man took it and put in his pocket, not attempting to inform the couple of all inclusive. 50 leve is about 22 pounds which even then is a bit steep for two plastics of beer. I saw this happen and had to put up a bit of a fight with the barman to reclaim the 50 leve for the couple. They felt bad and gave him 20 leve anyhow, but this barman ignored our company the remainder of the holiday. I really believe all the drink was watered down anyhow because between five adults not one of us felt the slightest bit tipsy all week when drinking the all inclusive drink. We bought drink in the supermarket and brought it into the bar which didn't go down well and the staff refused to clear our table.

All staff are very rude and make it clear they will do the least they have to in helping guests. Don't make the mistake of being to friendly with the chambermaids either. I introduced myself on the first day and was stalked the rest of the week. She still charged into the room when 'do not disturb' sign was on the door. She showed me every little thing she did in the room from moving a pair of shoes (which were doing no harm) from the bathroom to the bedroom as though she was doing me a huge favour. As the days went on I had to look out into the corridor and see if we had the all clear to leave the room or she would have held us back for another half hour(she couldn't speak a word of english either).

Now before going to Bulgaria I had heard how cheap it was. I'd love to know where. I spend 1000 pounds in a week for 2A and 2ch and we didn't get a day trip or a boat trip, nothing... sorry my daughter had a horse ride on the beach.

Eating out was really expensive. We actually thought we found a place to eat in Nessebar that wasn't extortionate. We recieved our bill only to find it was four times as much as it should be. In Bulgarian (I eventually realised what he meant) the waiter explained that prices were for 100g and our meals were 400g so the meals price on the menu had to be multiplied by four. You probably won't believe this but it did happen. I still can't believe it. Fish and chips ended up costing us 60 leve a portion (about 28 pounds).

The first time all inclusive couple are sticking to self catering from now on which is a pity because we had boasted about how much better this would be.

Entertainment was almost non-existant

Loads of power cuts and people were trapped in a lift during one.

Wasps in their droves

Very expensive to eat out. I could say a lot more but i'd be here all night.

BOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before we arrived we read some...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr S Kelly

Comments:

Before we arrived we read some of the reviews, but when we arrived the reception was spectacular then it was down hill from there, we will start with food if you like raw burgers and pork steaks the bbq bar is a must, if you want to stand for 5mins for food to be replaced then when you get to the end of the food wait another 5mins for plates and cutlery then the main restaraunt is the one for you. Now the drinks beer watered down be prepared to queue then watch as they serve anyone who speaks russian or bulgarian my advice is just walk to front like the others do. Pool area and beach if you like walking through countless fag ends then the beach is for you doesn't get cleaned at all, the pool area is dirty,be prepared for thousands of wasps round your drinks and food,when we were there the pool was closed for cleaning as it had bacteria in it. I found that all the workers wanted to do was get tips off you and chat on mobiles rather than look after you my advice is don't go to this hotel EVER.

even though the weather wasn't...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr B Mccartney

Comments:

even though the weather wasn't that good i found the staff an workers all but a few extremely rude and arrogant with no wishes to make your holiday entertaining or comfortable at all....the food was repetative an bland an the fact that they tried to leave my family including a small child without amenities,food ,drink etc. for a breath taking 10hours after check out at 12pm..this i found to just be the icing on the cake of taking the biscuit...i would advise those with children this resort is not as family orientated as it makes out in the brochure...heated pool i think not!!!all inclusive is only in select bars seems like false advertising...try sunny beach i hope it is better!!!!!good luck!!

I have never had reason to moan...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Balkan Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs M Coomber

Comments:

I have never had reason to moan but I am sorry to say that this was the worst holiday my family and I have ever had. Having looked at this website before going I tried to keep an open mind as everyone has a different opinion of their ideal holiday.

I would agree that the location was perfect but this was let down by the hotel/facilities.

Our room were cleaned everyday which was the only good thing I can say. You do expect the food to be repetitive having a two week holiday however the food was the same most days and not cooked very well. You had to locate clean cutlery yourself and hunt for a cup which was not chipped.

No snacks are served in this hotel at all you have to go further up the complex to get anything. They even put signs on the water machines asking you not to fill your bottles up, why I do not know as you are supposed to be fully inclusive !!

We were told we could use the other hotels on the complex (as stated in the Balkan brochure) but could not use any except one bar which was in a main area and all could use this. You could use the outside facilites but not any bars in the hotels.

There are various bars on the complex which you had to pay for and if you want to book for one of the restaurants you must get there early as the queue gets very long !

With regard to the entertainment, there is nothing really for teenagers to do. My son (12)was very bored and found the little entertainment there was aimed at younger children. You cannot really go walking outside the complex and have to get the bus/taxi to go elsewhere.

To top it all, we all were very ill (along with lots of other people on the complex) and my husband is currently having tests with the doctor. Yes, I am writing to Balkan to complain.

This holiday was mixed for our...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Cosmos

Submitted By:

Mr I Adams

Comments:

This holiday was mixed for our party of 9. As everyone has said the location is lovely with the hotel right on the beach. The sea is warm and enjoyable and there are plenty of sunbeds available. The weather was also really nice, hot but breezy. This is what makes it a pretty good holiday location.



I think complaints about the food are unfounded, it was pretty good - albeit that the cooked breakfast sometimes got a bit cold and they did not vary the puddings much. The rooms are big and the maid works hard to keep them clean.



The water park is good as are all the swimming pools. The resort is set out in nice gardens and is always being tidied, cut, pruned watered etc. It has a really safe feel about it (the resort is security gated with guards) and an international flavour. The volleyball on the beach is often an impromptu mix of different nationalities. Our children enjoyed the holiday and it is good for families.



On the down side, some of the staff had a poor attitude particularly to problems (some are lovely), the tables in the restaurant were not cleaned well, particularly in the mornings - they were swept with a dustpan and brush, it was very difficult to get cutlery or crockery - people kept their own mugs! Also the wasps were a pain - we had 4 stingings in our party during the stay. We had a power cut, and the fire alarm went off twice during the early hours of 2 mornings in the first week. The alarm was turned off after about 30 secs when I went down to reception (at 3am) to ask if it was for real, the guy said "I hope not!". The next time I didn't bother. Power was lost in the royal bay bar a couple of nights too which meant they couldn't serve drinks for a while - we wondered if this was a ploy as they are a bit tight, and also they only had one bar person on in all the free bars limiting the intake (our theory). The bar in the middle of the resort closes at 10pm and we witnessed one person being left in a queue that started before 10 being left and the lights turned off. When he complained the barmaid showed him the time on her mobile phone and then turned her back. But as I said earlier some of the staff are also nice and not petty like that.



Some things are not cheap - the mini golf is about £5.50 (12 Leva) each so nobody played that and we bought drinks in Nessebar and they were equivalent to English prices. We also got a bit bored after 14 days of doing the same thing as there are not many places to go outside the resort. We found Nessebar disappointing as it lack character because of all the shops.



As I say, a bit mixed, but we made it a good holiday break. Probably wouldn't return to this hotel or to Bulgaria though.

We stayed at the Royal Bay from...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Cosmos

Submitted By:

Ms R Olejnik

Comments:

We stayed at the Royal Bay from 4th to 18th August.



We arrived early hours of 5th Aug (about 1am) and were transported to our room by Golf Buggy. Room was a very good size and bathroom very large. We had a lovely sea view.







Hotel - Right on the beach with lovely views, very peaceful.







Beach - Soft sand and narrow at the Royal Bay end of the beach, which makes for fewer loungers and peace!







Wasps - yes there were wasps but you get used to them. My partner and I weren't stung at all. If you stay away from sticky sweet drinks you won't be bothered too much.







Food - I have no idea what people complain about! Food was always plentiful and well cooked. I had the Veal a couple of times and it was so well cooked it melted in the mouth!



I had chicken and Pork many times, always well cooked.



Soup was lovely, puddings were also very good, great ice cream. We both enjoyed the food and found nothing to complain about. Neither of us fell ill and didn't need the Immodium we took with us.







Cuttlery - this was more of an amusement than anything else, there are cuttlery drawers all around the restaurant and the waitiers are used to people helping themselves. If you ask a waiter for cuttlery it will be brought to you without any fuss.







Drink - wine in the restaurant is on tap and you can help yourselves, the white is nicely chilled. The wine in the Lobby Bar is not so well chilled, so enjoy the restaurant wine for as long as you can. Spirits are served in very large measures, watch out for this. Also watch your children when they go to the bar as the staff will serve alcohol to children.



You can buy a nice bottle of the local wine in the hotel shop for £2.50 / 5 Levs, should you wish to drink after midnight.







Bars - As well as the lobby bar, you can drink All Inc at the Centre of the Holiday Village in their All Inc Bar. Also you can drink All Inc in the Pizza/Grill Retaurant. The Nightclub Bar is also All Inc, if you can stand the noise. Bars where you will need to pay are the Irish Bar and the Cocktail Bar on the Beach. Two glasses of local wine will cost £6.







Snacks - you can get Pizza at lunctimes at the Pizza/Grill. There is a beach bar shaped like a boat, this also serves snacks like hot dogs.







Annimation - we didn't bother with this so can't comment. We just enjoyed a relaxing time and chilled out using the art of conversation!







Sunny Beach - this resort is a 15 min taxi ride away (£20 return in a taxi) or you can get the local bus. If you like places like Faliraki / Benidorm, then you will like it there .... it was not for us!







Nessebar - lovely old town, very pretty with lots of history. 30 mins away in a taxi (£40 return). Local bus takes you there for 4 Levs each (£2 each person each way).







All in all we enjoyed our 2 week stay at the Royal Bay and wouldn't have chosen to stay anywhere else.

The first thing that strikes you...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Balkan Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr C Hewgill

Comments:

The first thing that strikes you about this hotel is its location. There really is only one word to describe it. Idyllic. Situated right on top of a beautiful beach, complete with golden sand and crystal waters it couldn’t be more perfect. So it’s a shame really that I’m now going to tell you, that’s pretty much where the positives end.

We arrived after a 26 and a half hour plane delay tired and jaded, but were relieved when we saw the hotel. Being given a lift to the hotel on an electric golf buggy style car was very enjoyable. The enjoyment stopped there. We soon realised that the staff couldn’t have any less enthusiasm for their job if they had to do it blindfolded. They were unhelpful, miserable and had all the charisma of a door stop. There was the odd exception, but those members of staff were few and far between.

Then there was the food. Being one of those old fashioned folk who prefer there meat cooked, I didn’t fit in at the Royal Bay. Not only was it undercooked, but I’ve seen less repetitive clocks, and I’m far from a fussy eater. It was the same old stuff day in and day out. In fact, the whole dining experience was pretty awful. You were told not to bring drinks in from the bar. Instead a waiter would come and offer you one. If I really wanted a drink, I’d still be sitting there now. The table cloths were never changed or even tidied during service, which normally meant it wasn’t just your meal sitting in front of you. The plates were taken away; food was still left on the table cloth. You faced a ten minute quest to get your hands on a clean knife and fork. They were supposed to be put out again after being washed. There was more chance of finding a knife and fork at McDonalds. Instead you had to ferret around the draws they were put in, basically doing the waiters job for them.

If the whole dining experience wasn’t bad enough, it was made worse on some days, when the hotel owners and some of there friends decided to dine at the hotel. They were given knifes and forks wrapped in serviettes, different, better looking food, waiter service AND, the staff even smiled at them. Rub our noses in it why don’t you.

Still at least you could go and get a drink in the bar after, well you could, but often it was at the end of a 20 minute queue. When it did come, ice was considered gold dust and distributed minimally. Soft drinks were served in plastic cups, the selection was small and the solitary barman was more interested in chatting to his mate than serving you. Of course he expected a tip. The drinks themselves were also very basic. There was very little selection.

The pool was a positive. Never hugely busy, and very well cleaned. Shame about the HUGE swarm of wasps that were all too keen to use to as a sun-bed.

And the pool was about the only thing that was kept clean. The cleaners made the beds and replaced the towels and that’s about it. The floor was rarely cleaned and when you lifted up your foot, you could literally see the dirt on it. Proof of that came when one of our friends left a crisp on the floor. It was there for days. Whenever I witnessed the cleaner cleaning she wiped round the bathroom with her cloth, slung it over her shoulder and off she went in to the next room. If the food doesn’t make you ill, that certainly will. We were all extremely ill at various points in the holiday, I won’t go into the unpleasant details, but lets just say after I’d finished with the bathroom, the cloth needed replacing to say the least.

Still, at least you could go into the rest of the Elenite Holiday Village and enjoy yourself there. Well I say enjoy….



• Pizza restaurant – Not really a restaurant, you queue for 20 minutes for a substandard slice of pizza.



• Disco – I’ve seen a better atmosphere at a funeral.



• Aqua Park – Some good slides, some so cheaply made that they hurt. I saw two lads walking round with bleeding backs. Only really offers an hours worth of entertainment.



• Fitness room – It would have kept David Dickinson entertained. Full of antique equipment.



• Mini Golf – I NEVER saw anyone on it due to the extortionate price.



• Safety deposit box – Yes there is a safe, but it costs 100 Leva to use it for two weeks, you only get 10 of that back.



• Regular Entertainment – Sub standard, some you have to pay for



• Ice Cream 10:30am – 10pm – True but it was a 10 minute walk away



• Snacks and drinks on the beach – There wasn’t. The beach bar was closed earlier in the year as it was a pay bar and it was generating no business.



• “Drink at one of Elenite’s many bars” – The only one’s that offered any different to the hotel bar were the Irish Bar, which incidentally was as Irish as Gordon Brown and the Cocktail Bar. The staff were even worse in the Irish Bar, both were pay bars and the Cocktail Bar was very expensive.



So to conclude, to say I wouldn’t recommend this resort let alone this hotel is an understatement. Everyone cheered when the bus drove out the gates, a man sarcastically shouted “same time next year” and the thought of rainy cold England never looked more appealing. I spoke to many people in my two weeks in the resort, not one said they enjoyed it, not one said they’d come back and one said and I quote “I’ve been on 13 all inclusive holidays; this is by far the worst”.

to start with our plane was...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

balkan

Submitted By:

Mr M Layton

Comments:

to start with our plane was delayed by 6 hours and when we asked the customer service they couldnt explain why it had.when we got to the hotel the porter rtook our bags off us and helped us to our room, which was nice service but then stood at the door for 15 mins waiting for a tip! but we hadnt got any leve on us and when we told him this he walked off muttering something in bulgarian. the positives are the hotel is right on the beach with lovely views.the room was really clean and spacious and the maid did a wonderful job all week.however everytime we let the water out of the bath it come back up through the drain in the floor and brought up sewage.we told the staff and they shrugged thier shoulders and laughed.i tried telling the rep but couldnt find him anywhere. and as for the food, where do i begin!!! it was the same every day, it was all under cooked and the chicken still had blood in it. every time staff brought you a drink they expected a tip, and the wasps were a pain.but we got used to it. on the fifth day me and the people i was with went down sick and for the last two days didnt eat or drink anything.i came back on monday and ive never been as happy to be back in england.ive been to the doctors and they have said its more than likely food poisoning. im still not eating as i cant keep anything down.this was my first holiday abroad and was really looking forward to it but this holiday has changed my opinion, i dont think ill be going abroad anytime soon, ill take my chances with blackpool!!! i would advise you to think twice about going here!!!!

Jusr returned from a fantastic...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr B D

Comments:

Jusr returned from a fantastic holiday! Do not believe some of the guff written here. The Hotel is lovely, very clean and bright. Our room was great and well cleaned every day. The staff were really nice and helpful.

We went with 2 young children and they had no problem with the food. They ate plenty of fresh fruit and veg every day. If you do not like pork or veal then yes, you might find it a bit limiting but we had no complaints at all about the food. Oh and yes sometimes the tables need reset during lunch and dinner but it is hardly the end of the world as some reviews would have you believe.



Resort itself is clean, well kept and well lit at night. The gardens are lovely. The beach was great. Couple of days when the tide turned it became very choppy but most of the time it was calm and a great place for the kids to swim.



The worst part of our holiday was sitting at a table next to an English and a Welsh couple who moaned for a good 40 minutes about everything and we eventually went and sat somewhere else. They were the type of people who could not be pleased by anything other than staff running around after them 24/7 and bacon, egg and chips for tea every day. I felt so sorry for their children as all they could hear was what a rotten holiday they were having. Funny how people who stay in the same place and eat in the same place can have such a different experience. Then one of the said ' It was not like this when we went to America' Of course it was not! This is Eastern Europe not FLorida. No pleasing some folk.



My kids had a brilliant time and I would recommend squeezing a games console in your luggage, no decent TV channels to watch and it was useful in the evening. So I would recommend Elinite this if you are looking for a quiet, chilled and easy going holiday with a lovely clean beach and no club music pumping till all hours, perfect for families with younger children.



If however you think egg and chips are all you can eat, your kids are too fussy and wont eat fresh veg, hate clean sand and need to be entertained by someone else all day every day, you like the sun but not when it is too warm etc etc etc then go somewhere else!



Loved it!

Went with an open mind as read...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs J Smith

Comments:

Went with an open mind as read all reviews. Everywhere clean, food repetitive but none of my party of 7 had any sickness. Pool, beach and waterpark great, didnt bother with sunloungers as we were in the water most of the time. Food not available after 9.30 so made rolls up and left in fridge in room. No problems with any staff, they all seemed polite and helpful and hard working. No powercuts in the 2 weeks we were there. A big problem is wasps, but no mosquitos which is a big bonus. There are queues for the bar in reception, but we either tipped the waitress a couple of lev to get our drinks or went to the morris bar where there were hardly any queues. Overall i would say a holiday is what you make of it so go and enjoy it.

just back from 2 weeks. cannot...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr M Greene

Comments:

just back from 2 weeks. cannot understand all the bad press this place has received.

some of the positives - staff were very friendly, possibly cos u dont pay for anything in hotel bar/restaurant & tips harder to come by. The food was plentiful, & the choice was good, tho it got maybe a bit repetitive after 2 weeks. Rooms excellent, cleaned daily fresh towels daily, bed sheets prob 3/4 times during our stay.

The pools were spotless, & its surrounding area was, it seemed, cleaned hourly. loungers plentiful but u have to be up early to beat the Germans!

beach is also spotless, cleaned each evening and raked smooth by tractor, u dont see that every day! the Sea was waist deep to what seemed like 100 yards out, few large stones on way into sea immediately in front of Royal bay but sandier once past hotel. Did spot a jellyfish or 2 but was told they are fairly harmless!

TV - BBC world news & National Geo (some programmes in Bulgarian tho).

Aqua park excellent for kids, but you do pay for loungers/parasols - fairly cheap tho.

not much in way of entertainment at night for adults we just sat round lapping up the free beverages or visiting the beach bar where lovely cocktails are served at 11 lev each, the price of a pint at home so not too dear. if you wish to leave the resort you can always take a bus into Sunny Beach/Nessebar for 3/4 lev 1.50/2 euro.. taxi 25/40 respectively. Plenty of choices of places to shop & eat in these towns. would recommend Nessebar ahead of Sunny beach, it is much nicer. buses get bit packed tho & no such thing as a queue! so we took taxi sometimes.



negatives - the bar in Aqua park was a little pricey, packed bus trips in 30 degrees



I would highly recommend for families with young kids, or people who are just looking to relax as there is no late nite entertainment.

I went to Royal Bay Hotel for...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss I Galvin

Comments:

I went to Royal Bay Hotel for 2weeks and i would recommend this holiday to anyone!!! I'm fourteen and i loved it, i didn't want to go home!

Came off coach and got a golf buggy to the hotel, which was great fun and we took in the midnight surroundings.

I went with my step-mam, dad, little brother, auntie, uncle and 3cousins, where the ages vary from 3years to teenager to adult.

I don't know what people are saying about the staff being un-friendly and the dinner hall being un-clean as the staff there reguarly asked if you would like a drink, cleaned the tables straight after you ate and greeted you when you entered. Me and my cousin made friends with the staff even though they didn't say much English, but they waved at us and always smiled!

The entertaiment was just a five minute walk to animation hall where shows for kids to adults took place. The shows i suppose were ok and the animation people clearly worked hard.

You could also get your food from various different places: Royal Bay Hotel, small boat by the beach, Nessebar bar (where you could get biscuits, drinks, ice-creams etc.) snack bar right next to Royal Park (where you could get pizza, kebab etc.) and there was also a barbeque that you didn't have to book for dinner. The choice was extended more than people think. There was also a water park where entry was free! The slides varied to kids slides to the bigger ones further back. Drinks and food weren't free but they have to make a profit somehow!!!

The rooms were spacious and cleaned constantly by maids who worked very hard from early morning to late night. Everyday they cleaned the rooms and maids also worked around the hotel (lobby and pool area etc.) to make sure the Royal Bay Hotel was clean, which it was. Clean towels were also provided everyday and there WAS English channels, but only 2.

The beach/pool were kept very, very, very clean! Cups, bottles and just basic rubbish were also swept away and the beach was safe and you can go for a great swim!

Overall, i don't see how anyone can say this hotel is in anyway un-clean, the staff are un-friendly and the food was limited. I would deff go back again next year as the staff, room etc were fantastic!!! Highly recommended!!!