Hotel Avalon

Our very first experience of Bulgaria some 5 years ago was The Avalon, we were NOT at our best arriving late, travel weary, hungry and in need of a bath,so it was great to be greeted by Vanya and James (who's English but speaks fluent Bulgarian ) who promptly offered a hot cup of tea / cold beer and a dip in the HUGE bath .This was just what we needed and gave us THE BEST first impression . The Hotel is a real gem in the original Bansko "old town" and has real character Our room was very clean and comfortable with great views over... more

After being to Bansko on a package skiing holiday we decided to go to see what it was like in the summer , we turned up with bikes and no idea where we were going , it turned out to be one of the best holidays we have had, James and Vanya are great they pointed us in the right direction and away we went , we have been back to Bansko about 15 times since and love it more and more each time. We now have our own apartment so unfortunately do not stop at the Avalon but we always spend a lot of time propping the bar up, I would recommend anyone... more

I have stayed at the Avalon several times and cannot fault it. Small feel-at-home hotel with friendly atmosphere, James and Vanya and the staff can´t do enough to help. Very comfy beds, cracking showers, cosy fire, free internet, hot tub, cheap beer and always some locals at the bar to talk to. Good location near old town and main street. Having stayed at several other hotels in Bansko , I would say that if you value simple comforts, friendliness and budget, over swimming pools and haughty staff in penguin suits, then I recommend here.

I stayed hear for a week walking in the mountains and horse riding. The hotel manager, James, helped me to arrange everything and was a superb host. The hotel was clean, good value and had a great friendly atmosphere. It seemed that it was the place to hang out and chat and all were made welcome. I really enjoyed the Bulgarian mountains, the countryside is spectacular. Can't wait to go back.

Stayed here for a week of skiing with my wife, 2 grown up children and their partners this January. Firstly we found Bansko had deteriorated since our first visit 3 years ago. The lifts cannot cope with the high volume of people & as more hotels and appartments are being built I cant see this situation improving. The slopes were only groomed to bulgarian standards ( a bit like the local food ) ok but not great and the runs are pretty limited even when all the lifts are running it was pretty crowded on the slopes and this was a quiet week... more

Stayed at the avalon for 4 nights and found it a very pleasant and friendly hotel what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in how james and his staff want to make your stay as nice as possible, my room was lovely and clean and the bed was so comfortable slept like a baby,just a short walk to main bars but we used taxis which james called and they know him never got ripped off once in fact they were so cheap it was embarrasing james put us in touch with local ski hire and again so helpfull and cheap you dont get these benefits at a big... more

We only had 4 days at the Hotel Avalon but we will absolutely be going back. James and Varnia the owners are friendly, helpful and accommodating. There is always someone there who speaks english (although perhaps the night porter only has a few words) and they are all personable. James is only too happy to spend time recommending places to see, restaurants to eat at (and NOT to eat at) and his knowledge of the area seems reliable and extensive. One of the reasons we chose the Avalon was that the owners spoke English therefore we could... more

We had a premium room which had a double bedroomwith a little balcony overlooking the street and a sitting room with TV and sofa bed (suitable for a child) . Excellent value for money. The owners and staff are very welcoming and have loads of ideas for short and long walks and mountain bike rides. Found Bansko very quiet at this time of year, even though it was a Bank Holiday weekend and many mehanas in the old town were shut on Saturday night. Thanks to James for his tip to stop at Yundola en route back to Sofia - the stalls... more

We stayed in Bansko for a weekend in summer. The hotel was wonderful for the price (25 Euros) - spacious, comfortable room, prettily decorated, helpful English speaking staff, and close to the centre of the old town. Would definitely go back.

Stayed at this hotel for 3 nights. Great place - the owners are friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable about the local area. Accomodation was perfect - spotlessly clean rooms, comfy bed, great showers. Location around 5 minutes walk to the main square in old town and 5 minutes walk up to the new end of the resort. Lovely communal area with bar (cheap beer!) and free internet access..... perfect!