Albena Beach Club Hotel, Albena, Bulgaria
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Hotel Description:
The recently refurbished Albena Beach Club is a popular choice with British guests who come here to enjoy the great location on a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sandy beach, next to the picturesque forests of Baltata Natural Park. loading...
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Albena Beach Club Hotel Reviews
" After booking our holiday to Bulgaria... "
Submitted By: cleverclogs
After booking our holiday to Bulgaria we decided to check out other reviews...oh dear what a mistake!! What we read made us doubt our choice...reports were very mixed but mostly BAD.
However on arrival to Albena Beach Club we were pleasantly surprised. Hotel extremely clean- cleaners from early morning to long after dark, staff very pleasant and helpful, large variety of food...something for all palettes!
Entertainment team - boy where did they get their energy!! We thoroughly enjoyed this relaxing holiday have recommended Albena to our friends and we intend to visit Albena beach club in the future.
However on arrival to Albena Beach Club we were pleasantly surprised. Hotel extremely clean- cleaners from early morning to long after dark, staff very pleasant and helpful, large variety of food...something for all palettes!
Entertainment team - boy where did they get their energy!! We thoroughly enjoyed this relaxing holiday have recommended Albena to our friends and we intend to visit Albena beach club in the future.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" Booked through First Choice which... "
Submitted By: Mr WL Little
Booked through First Choice which have now become my last choice, firstly after being told both by the brochure and the First Choice rep that the airport transfer time was 15 minutes only to find out when I arrived it was in fact 1 hour 45 minutes in the back of a small van!
I arrived at my hotel to extremely rude staff who barely spoke English, our hotel room had light fittings hanging off the wall, plug sockets that didn't work, a tv that had only 4 bulgarian channels half of which didn't work! The hand rail in the bathroom had come clean off the wall, the balcony crumbling and a half eaten mini bar that we were later charged for!
Where was the First Choice rep I hear you say?? not to be seen apparently she was based in a pool bar across from us which we were entitled to? I certainly couldn't find her. As for the hotels food?? fresh and varied according to First Choice's brochure?? snack wise its cold pizza or stale salad in which flys run amok! The breakfast, dinner and lunch was the same each & every day and was appalling.
The staff were so unhelpful and just were not interested, I wouldn't recommend this hotel, and would never book through First Choice again. This holiday cost me £1144.85 for two people on an all inclusive board for 7 days, I wrote to First Choice sending photos, the reply was simply an apology, that to me is unacceptable and in the end was offered £100 still unacceptable I am taking this further, bottom line don't book through First Choice.
I arrived at my hotel to extremely rude staff who barely spoke English, our hotel room had light fittings hanging off the wall, plug sockets that didn't work, a tv that had only 4 bulgarian channels half of which didn't work! The hand rail in the bathroom had come clean off the wall, the balcony crumbling and a half eaten mini bar that we were later charged for!
Where was the First Choice rep I hear you say?? not to be seen apparently she was based in a pool bar across from us which we were entitled to? I certainly couldn't find her. As for the hotels food?? fresh and varied according to First Choice's brochure?? snack wise its cold pizza or stale salad in which flys run amok! The breakfast, dinner and lunch was the same each & every day and was appalling.
The staff were so unhelpful and just were not interested, I wouldn't recommend this hotel, and would never book through First Choice again. This holiday cost me £1144.85 for two people on an all inclusive board for 7 days, I wrote to First Choice sending photos, the reply was simply an apology, that to me is unacceptable and in the end was offered £100 still unacceptable I am taking this further, bottom line don't book through First Choice.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Weather was fantastic, couple of... "
Submitted By: langley789
Weather was fantastic, couple of thunderstorms but cleared up very quickly. Transfer time was 3 hours from Bourgas Airport which wasn’t so good since in the brochure it says 45 minutes and Varna airport is only half an hour from the resort.
Hotel room was nice; we were on the fourth floor with a sea view. Very clean, maid service every day with fresh towels. Minibar stocked up every day with juice, chocolate, and alcohol, very tempting! Beach was lovely and clean. Kids and husband enjoyed the watersports close by. We generally used the pool at the sister hotel as it was larger and had a kids pool as well.
Was a good place to go if looking for a relaxing weeks break but not if you’re looking for plenty to do. Little or no entertainment at night so made use of the train going into the town most nights which was cheap and regular, train came every ten minutes.
Big problem we found was the food. Lack of variety, strange concoctions, (sausage stuffed with cheese anyone?) luke warm and unappealing. Kids and I lived on chips pasta and rice, even husband who'll normally eat anything struggled to find something edible.
Snack bar does pizza, chips, and mini burgers every day but even they didn’t look very appetising. Found that the majority of the foreigners didn’t grasp the queuing system at the buffet! Ate out at the steak house nearby which was nice, staff friendly and attentive, cheap prices. Avoid the Chinese in the town, not that the food was bad but the curry was anything but and had raw carrots all through it!
Apart from the food situation we did have a fab weeks break, would definitely go back to Bulgaria but probably somewhere a bit livelier and with a shorter transfer time.
Hotel room was nice; we were on the fourth floor with a sea view. Very clean, maid service every day with fresh towels. Minibar stocked up every day with juice, chocolate, and alcohol, very tempting! Beach was lovely and clean. Kids and husband enjoyed the watersports close by. We generally used the pool at the sister hotel as it was larger and had a kids pool as well.
Was a good place to go if looking for a relaxing weeks break but not if you’re looking for plenty to do. Little or no entertainment at night so made use of the train going into the town most nights which was cheap and regular, train came every ten minutes.
Big problem we found was the food. Lack of variety, strange concoctions, (sausage stuffed with cheese anyone?) luke warm and unappealing. Kids and I lived on chips pasta and rice, even husband who'll normally eat anything struggled to find something edible.
Snack bar does pizza, chips, and mini burgers every day but even they didn’t look very appetising. Found that the majority of the foreigners didn’t grasp the queuing system at the buffet! Ate out at the steak house nearby which was nice, staff friendly and attentive, cheap prices. Avoid the Chinese in the town, not that the food was bad but the curry was anything but and had raw carrots all through it!
Apart from the food situation we did have a fab weeks break, would definitely go back to Bulgaria but probably somewhere a bit livelier and with a shorter transfer time.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Just returned back from a holiday... "
Submitted By: Miss P M Maryott
Just returned back from a holiday close to hell the only bit of heaven was the beach and views surrounding the hotel.
Where can I begin hotel room brilliant not! Arrived 2 pm in morning 2 our room main light socket hanging off wall, blood on net curtains, shower was broke when turned on hit the wall opposite. Space what space. 3 people sharing but only 2 chairs on balcony 1 chair in room. On the up side room was clean!
Food ok if you like veg boiled potatoes pork and chicken or veal every day on the up side ice cream excellent.
Staff what can I say some need training on people skills and customer service.
All inclusive just beware this does not include towels by pool must supply your own. Mattresses for pool loungers must be paid for. If you need more than 1 umbrella must be paid for. Beds mattresses umbrellas and tables on beach must be paid for.
Talking of beach take a nice stroll past gurana hotel carry on walking down beach and you will come to a sight for sore eyes. Rubbish tipped all over the beach bottles cans plastic bags also pooh which when went in water next day we were swimming with some of the previously mentioned.
Also would like to advise anyone thinking of booking here, some holiday makers are accompanied with there dogs as hotel allows dogs to stay in hotel rooms this should be made aware in brouchers due to people having allergies or fears of dogs.
What’s left to say is I won’t be going back but good luck to all that goes there, opinions can all be different.
Where can I begin hotel room brilliant not! Arrived 2 pm in morning 2 our room main light socket hanging off wall, blood on net curtains, shower was broke when turned on hit the wall opposite. Space what space. 3 people sharing but only 2 chairs on balcony 1 chair in room. On the up side room was clean!
Food ok if you like veg boiled potatoes pork and chicken or veal every day on the up side ice cream excellent.
Staff what can I say some need training on people skills and customer service.
All inclusive just beware this does not include towels by pool must supply your own. Mattresses for pool loungers must be paid for. If you need more than 1 umbrella must be paid for. Beds mattresses umbrellas and tables on beach must be paid for.
Talking of beach take a nice stroll past gurana hotel carry on walking down beach and you will come to a sight for sore eyes. Rubbish tipped all over the beach bottles cans plastic bags also pooh which when went in water next day we were swimming with some of the previously mentioned.
Also would like to advise anyone thinking of booking here, some holiday makers are accompanied with there dogs as hotel allows dogs to stay in hotel rooms this should be made aware in brouchers due to people having allergies or fears of dogs.
What’s left to say is I won’t be going back but good luck to all that goes there, opinions can all be different.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This was our first trip to Bulgaria... "
Submitted By: Mr A J Slater
This was our first trip to Bulgaria and all I can say is it was better than any Med holiday we have been on before (mainland Spain, the islands etc). We stayed at the Albena Beach Club Hotel - what a breath of fresh air. The room was spacious, clean and had all you needed, good size room with sofa, TV (not that you needed to watch it) and a great bathroom with hair-dryer.
We had never been all-inclusive so this was new to us. Well, we need not have worried as the food in the hotel was brilliant, so much of it, all fresh and a variety. The staff were always polite, helpful and not a moment passed when we did not see a cleaner, morning, noon or night. Cleanliness was 110 per cent. The beach was brilliant - so clean, long and a step from the hotel. We cannot fault the holiday.
Now I will tell you about the best bit - the food. Basically we turned into vegetarians, not because the meat dishes were poor - what we had was delicious, but don't get me started on the variety on offer when it comes to soups, salads, pasta dishes - superb.
Our room didn't have a sea view, in fact we overlooked the kitchen entrance (this only confirmed the freshness of the food on a daily basis) not that we were there much as the beach had a habit of keeping us gainfully employed during daylight hours. If you are not into beach volley ball, water aerobics, beach aerobics, French boules or darts, a little tip that I perfected is to pretend to be asleep from the over attentive beach club entertainers (bless them!) who constantly but politely asked you to participate.
Overall if you want a great beach holiday with a multi-cultured theme then you are on a winner with Albena.
We had never been all-inclusive so this was new to us. Well, we need not have worried as the food in the hotel was brilliant, so much of it, all fresh and a variety. The staff were always polite, helpful and not a moment passed when we did not see a cleaner, morning, noon or night. Cleanliness was 110 per cent. The beach was brilliant - so clean, long and a step from the hotel. We cannot fault the holiday.
Now I will tell you about the best bit - the food. Basically we turned into vegetarians, not because the meat dishes were poor - what we had was delicious, but don't get me started on the variety on offer when it comes to soups, salads, pasta dishes - superb.
Our room didn't have a sea view, in fact we overlooked the kitchen entrance (this only confirmed the freshness of the food on a daily basis) not that we were there much as the beach had a habit of keeping us gainfully employed during daylight hours. If you are not into beach volley ball, water aerobics, beach aerobics, French boules or darts, a little tip that I perfected is to pretend to be asleep from the over attentive beach club entertainers (bless them!) who constantly but politely asked you to participate.
Overall if you want a great beach holiday with a multi-cultured theme then you are on a winner with Albena.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Just arrived back from the Albena... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Evans
Just arrived back from the Albena hotel and I have had a great time. I have no complaints about this hotel it was always lovely and clean and the staff were very friendly which made our stay just perfect.
The views from the hotel are absolutely breath taking as its right on the beachfront. The sea is lovely to swim in too, it’s very clear and it’s a while before it gets deep so the children were fine to play in it.
Also there are two small pools which belong to the hotel plus a small indoor pool but you can access an even better pool which belongs to the Gegano hotel next door.
It was great being all inclusive and we found the food to be extremely good. There was always plenty of choice so whether you want to try a nice Bulgarian delicacy or eat something less extravagant, you really are spoilt for choice.
There is plenty to do during the day and the animation team set up games like volleyball etc which kept the kids occupied while I just relaxed.
This has been a fantastic holiday and I certainly would go back.
The views from the hotel are absolutely breath taking as its right on the beachfront. The sea is lovely to swim in too, it’s very clear and it’s a while before it gets deep so the children were fine to play in it.
Also there are two small pools which belong to the hotel plus a small indoor pool but you can access an even better pool which belongs to the Gegano hotel next door.
It was great being all inclusive and we found the food to be extremely good. There was always plenty of choice so whether you want to try a nice Bulgarian delicacy or eat something less extravagant, you really are spoilt for choice.
There is plenty to do during the day and the animation team set up games like volleyball etc which kept the kids occupied while I just relaxed.
This has been a fantastic holiday and I certainly would go back.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This hotel is situated directly on... "
Submitted By: Mr S A Smith
This hotel is situated directly on the beach. The rooms are clean and well kept.
The only drawback is that this hotel seems to cater more for eastern Europeans and Germans rather than us Brits, but in all they try really hard to include everyone in all of the activities.
The staff were really friendly and helpful. The food was adequate although a bit repetitive [but we find that with most A/I].
If you are looking for a cheap family holiday with no thrills then this is for you..
The resort centre is around 1.5km from the hotel and has lot to offer although a little more expensive than you would think.
If you want to get a bargain then instead of heading to the main resort [which is to the right of the hotel when looking at it ] head left across the nudist beach for about half a mile then turn inland, where you will find a smaller resort which caters more for the Bulgarians and most things there are around half the price that you would pay in Albena.
I would return to this hotel as it fulfilled our needs, and is no better or worse than any other hotel of the same rating in any other part of the med.
The only drawback is that this hotel seems to cater more for eastern Europeans and Germans rather than us Brits, but in all they try really hard to include everyone in all of the activities.
The staff were really friendly and helpful. The food was adequate although a bit repetitive [but we find that with most A/I].
If you are looking for a cheap family holiday with no thrills then this is for you..
The resort centre is around 1.5km from the hotel and has lot to offer although a little more expensive than you would think.
If you want to get a bargain then instead of heading to the main resort [which is to the right of the hotel when looking at it ] head left across the nudist beach for about half a mile then turn inland, where you will find a smaller resort which caters more for the Bulgarians and most things there are around half the price that you would pay in Albena.
I would return to this hotel as it fulfilled our needs, and is no better or worse than any other hotel of the same rating in any other part of the med.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The beach in Albena is beautiful.... "
Submitted By: Mrs H Lang
The beach in Albena is beautiful. It's very clean and the sand is so soft. Maybe it was just the time of year but there were a lot of jellyfish in the sea, which meant we couldn't really go swimming.
The resort centre is again clean, with lots of greenery. A good view is from the panoramic hotel in the centre called DOBRUDJA, this also does very nice cakes!
There are some shops running down one street, and there are 2 small trains to get you round the resort but it can be walked quite easily.
Going out at night in Albena in October is not that exciting, most places are shutting down for the winter. People who are open welcome you in but there is a lack of atmosphere when you are the only 2 people!
Anyone going in October should consider this as we didn't expect it. In the height of the season I'm sure it would be much better and there are some nice bars around.
The hotel was poor. We had read some bad reviews on different sites about the hotel but I believe you should judge yourself. I wish we hadn't.
The food is quite bad and very repetitive. It just feels like being in the school dinner hall. We went out to eat quite often which obviously is not the point of all inclusive.
Getting a drink meant waiting for one poor bar man to serve you a weak half pint in a plastic cup- only 2 drinks at a time which was fine for us but a pain for families I'm sure.
Our room had a very damp smell to it, even the bed covers smelt damp which was awful and it was quite cold as the room never got any sun. This room was 212. The hotel was full so we couldn't move sadly.
We also ended up giving a tip to the porter, which annoyed me because all we had was large notes as we had just arrived. I have no problem giving tips but I felt this was a little unfair.
I wouldn't stay at this hotel again, really the only positive was that it was right on the beach but so were many other hotels. For couples of our age I would suggest staying in the resort of Golden Sands, which has more to offer and the hotels look much nicer.
The resort centre is again clean, with lots of greenery. A good view is from the panoramic hotel in the centre called DOBRUDJA, this also does very nice cakes!
There are some shops running down one street, and there are 2 small trains to get you round the resort but it can be walked quite easily.
Going out at night in Albena in October is not that exciting, most places are shutting down for the winter. People who are open welcome you in but there is a lack of atmosphere when you are the only 2 people!
Anyone going in October should consider this as we didn't expect it. In the height of the season I'm sure it would be much better and there are some nice bars around.
The hotel was poor. We had read some bad reviews on different sites about the hotel but I believe you should judge yourself. I wish we hadn't.
The food is quite bad and very repetitive. It just feels like being in the school dinner hall. We went out to eat quite often which obviously is not the point of all inclusive.
Getting a drink meant waiting for one poor bar man to serve you a weak half pint in a plastic cup- only 2 drinks at a time which was fine for us but a pain for families I'm sure.
Our room had a very damp smell to it, even the bed covers smelt damp which was awful and it was quite cold as the room never got any sun. This room was 212. The hotel was full so we couldn't move sadly.
We also ended up giving a tip to the porter, which annoyed me because all we had was large notes as we had just arrived. I have no problem giving tips but I felt this was a little unfair.
I wouldn't stay at this hotel again, really the only positive was that it was right on the beach but so were many other hotels. For couples of our age I would suggest staying in the resort of Golden Sands, which has more to offer and the hotels look much nicer.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2006
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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Always plenty of food around which tasted great, very comfortable apartment. Had a 1 bedroom one which was great.
Every one was very helpful and polite.
Albena is great, and an evening stroll into the town is lovely.
only bad points are that in the sea there were sometimes leeches, big ones, washed down from the river nearby. Evening entertainment was a bit scarce and not really any entertainiment area anyway.
Would definatly go back to albena but probably not this hotel. Having said that did really like the hotel.