Riu Helena Park Hotel

just had 2 weeks in sunny beach and although the hotel was ok the resort itself was dirty, run down and full of stalls overcharging for everything they sold. hotel pool was too cold to use but the sea was nice. We have renamed it sunny rip off!

This was our first holiday in Bulgaria, we were looking for exciting nightlife and a friendly, vibrant hotel. We were not disappointed with the nighlife, being 19 and 21 it was certainly aimed at our generation. However, the hotel was something else. We booked half board, and didn't even eat at the hotel most days.
We arrived at 5am, obviously grouchy and ready for bed, the reception staff were less than friendly, not even offering us a smile. A whole family were seen to before us, although they were waiting behind us, once checked in, we were told we had been upgraded to a "pool view" (which we had already requested on booking), on arrival at our room, after 20 minutes of wandering around the hotel as we wern't given directions or shown; our "pool view" was actually a ping pong table and a road.
Breakfast was interesting, the food was barely warm (which leaves you to wander how long it had been sat at room temperature), the fried eggs were not cooked, and the staff acted as if we hadn't paid, asking us to sit outside because they wanted to set the tables for lunch, it took 10 minutes for them to bring us cutlery.
The welcome meeting was helpful, reccommending restaurants, bars, excursions etc, although the trips (as was expected) were very expensive.
The actual resort of Sunny Beach was lovely, the bars and clubs were brilliant, although quite quiet because it was the end of the season. Not many places to get a sandwich, all fast food (wouldn't reccomend the pizza, it sits in the sun all day). The hotel beach, which is free for the loungers, is quite shelly and stony, but far too quiet and out of the way (better for the older generation) we preffered to walk 10 minutes down the beach and pay, just to be with other people.
There was 2 sittings for dinner, 6pm and 8pm; which you have to choose, and stay at the same table. The food was AWFUL. Grey pork, chicken soaked in oil, beef that had been in storage for at least 2 weeks, the chips were OK, but we both had an upset stomach while we were there, and I am still suffering a week later. Most days we didn't even bother with dinner, we went to Raffaelo's 10 minutes down from the hotel, beautiful and very cheap. There is no way the hotel food could be described at 4*, and neither could the service.
Our waitress at dinner couldn't manage as much as a smile on greeting us, we sat down with our plates and ordered 2 drinks, she then had a chat with the German couple sat on the table next to us, took their orders, then had a few photos took with another German family, she served both of those tables first before us; it took 25 minutes for her to bring 2 bottles of water! We arrived at the hotel willing to tip, not one staff member earned it. One morning, I had just gotten out of the shower, my partner was ready to get in, when our room door opened (we had the "do not disturb" sign on the door) and TOLD me she had come to check the mini-bar. I asked her to come back in 10 minutes, she declined and walked past me to continue her check with no apology, despite me being soaking wet in a towel; embarrassing to say the least!
The Helena Park pool looks lovely, however it is always shaded by the Sands building and trees, so it always very cold. When we were there, nobody got in the pool, the average age of guests being 65. We spent as little time as possible in the resort, as we were treated VERY disrespectfully by staff and guests alike. The staff definately treated the German guests with priority, and the German guests were incredibly rude, pushing in front of the queue at breakfast.
The nightlife in Sunny Beach was brilliant, the most vibrant being at Flower Street, we became friends with the staff at the Bacardi Bar, and regulars at Next Level club. Revolution, Viking and Iceberg also on reccomendation. For 7 lev p/p, the pub crawl was amazing, lots of free shots/free entry and BOGOF on drinks. When walking down the strip, the promo guys do pull you in but aren't aggressive with it. They are worth bargaining with, we got free entry, 2 free shots each on entry, BOGOF on any first drink and free shots all night at Next Level.
One night, we returned to the hotel at 2am, to find all 3 gates locked! We had to climb into our 4* hotel like criminals! I was appauled!!
All in all, the Sunny Beach Resort is brilliant and we would definately go back, though in peak season when there would be more people our age; but would NOT recommend this hotel to anyone unless you are of the older generation and German!

My husband and I went to this hotel in september 2009 not knowing what to expect as it was out first time in bulgaria.
The hotel is out of this world they are so friendly and would do anything for you. Unfortunately the weather was against us the first week but they still accommodated us with the dinner outside. the wind and rain was awful but they put covers up and done everything they could to help us.
After the first the weather improved.
I have to say though once you go outside the hotel it is very tatty be prepared to pay for the toilet (old man with no teeth on a white chair) it just waited till i got to the hotel. I would say you would either like or not it is a shame the hotel is brilliant but NO not for me sunny beach they need to clean their act before i will return.

4 readers found this review helpful

My family and I have just returned from Helena Park Hotel in Bulgaria, we had a fantastic time, the staff couldn't have been any friendlier and helpful especially Stella from the saloon bar,she made our wee boy who has learning difficulties feel very special.She even took the time to buy him a card for his bithday and the hotel presented him with a tray of fruit which he was over the moon with.We will definatly be going back.

8 readers found this review helpful

First holiday in Bulgaria, was very dubious as to what to expect.
Hotel was out of this world, sooms are very spacious and clean, the hotel is beautiful and clean, marble floors through out and fantastic pictures on the walls.
The service is outstanding, the people are so polite they will do anything for you.
Food is hard to comment for me, I am a very fussy eater so I ate pitze and ommlette salad for a fortnight, however pasta fish chicken lamb veal is plentiful.
I would say the wine is very expensive we found a lovely white chardonnay but it cost us 17blv for half a bottle £7.50. There again you are paying for the setting and the service, so really we didn't matter once or twice.
Unfortunately once you step out of the hotel to the beach, the standards drop dramatically , i would hate to think what it would be like in high season, same tatty shops and fakes.THE beach it beautiful but be aware of the price of the beds and parasols per day,22blv a day £10.
Reflecting back I would say I would definately go back to the hotel without any hesitation, it is just a shame that sunny beach is not for me.

4 readers found this review helpful

We have never been to Bulgaria before so were a little dubious. It was fantastic. From booking our holiday with thomson in Leyland to getting to the hotel there was nothing easier. The hotel is out of this world. The rooms were spotless and the beds enormous. Beautiful view from our balcony. The staff were ever so friendly and very very helpful. The food was spectacular. The maids cleaned and tidied our rooms everyday. It was the best holiday we have ever had and we are going back next year with my mum and mother-in-law. Credit where credit is due this hotel is definately 5 star and highly recommended.

4 readers found this review helpful

this was our first visit to bulgaria and i must say we were very impressed, we went with a open mind after reading some of the reviews and hearing in newspapers about food poisoning. on arriving at the hotel we had coffee and sandwiches waiting for us if we wanted but at 3 o clock in the morning we just wanted our bed. The hotel was wonderful they couldnt do enough for you it was spotless clean and staff were very polite. The restaurant was very clean and food was very good(no tummy upsets). The resort was very busy and yes there were jelly fish on the beach but only a few just had to watch were you were walking. All in all a execellent holiday well done thomson for recommending this resort.

4 readers found this review helpful

My family and I have just returned (yesterday) from two weeks at the Helena Park Hotel. We were not sure what too expect as the reviews are varied, but all I can say is that I was very pleasantly surprised. I have to say that I am the kind of person that will find fault and complain, but with this hotel I was delighted!! The rooms are lovely, clean and spacious. The food, contrary to what other reviews may say, is excellent. You have to accept that you are in a different country and therefore it may not always be what you fancy. However, the menu is vary varied, with no two days be exactly the same. Anyone who chooses to complain has not had poor holiday food. The hotel food is really very good!! A nice touch we found which seemed to be missed on some people was that at the start of each evening setting (1800 hours and 2000 hours) the restaurant staff lined up to greet you.
The pool is a bit cold, but nice once you are in.
The entire complex is beautifully kept and very clean.
I would say the one single best point about this hotel is the staff. They were absolutely brilliant!! From the moment you arrive and are greeted with a glass of champagne, you are treated really very well. They are not all pushy with regard to tips, but they are so nice you do feel inclined to give one every time.
To mention a few staff that were particularly nice and helpful, they are Stella and Marin in the upstairs bar, Atanas and Maria in the restaurant (you are given a set table with you own waiter) and of course the Animation Team. The Animation Team consisted of Nina, Pavlin, Jon and Villy. They kept you entertained during the day if you wanted to be involved, but left you alone if you didn't want to. We all got to know them very well and were sad to leave them!
The only slight negative point about the hotel is the evening entertainment. The Animation Team did well with various functions during the evenings, but by about 2200 hours it was all over and then the guests tended to disappear.
With regard to Sunny Beach we were a bit disappointed. The end at which the hotel is situated is described as the 'posh end', which is a good description. The opposite end is not so good and a bit too 18-30 ish, but we tended to avoid it, so that was fine too.
I have also read poor reviews about the airport, but we were delayed longer checking in our cases in the UK. Bourgas Airport is a bit basic, but as long as you don't expect too much, then it is okay. However, if it happened to be raining when you wait at the terminal then you will get wet!!
All in all, the Helena Park Hotel is not expensive to stay at, but in my opinion is well worth the 5 stars. My family and I (2 children, aged 14 and 11 years) had a really great time and would go back again. Next time though we would like to get out and see more of Bulgaria!! Go there and enjoy!!

2 readers found this review helpful

My family and I have just returned (this morning) from two weeks at the Helena Park Hotel. We were not sure what too expect as the reviews are varied, but all I can say is that I was very pleasantly surprised. I have to say that I am the kind of person that will find fault and complain, but with this hotel I was delighted!! The rooms are lovely, clean and spacious. The food, contrary to what other reviews may say, is excellent. You have to accept that you are in a different country and therefore it may not always be what you fancy. However, the menu is vary varied, with no two days be exactly the same. Anyone who chooses to complain has not had poor holiday food. The hotel food is really very good!! A nice touch we found which seemed to be missed on some people, was that at the start of each evening sitting (1800 hours and 2000 hours) the restaurant staff lined up to greet you.
The pool is a bit cold, but nice once you are in.
The entire complex is beautifully kept and very clean.
I would say the one single best point about this hotel is the staff. They were absolutely brilliant!! From the moment you arrive and are greeted with a glass of champagne, you are treated really very well. They are not all pushy with regard to tips, but they are so nice you do feel inclined to give one every time.
To mention a few staff that were particularly nice and helpful, they are Stella and Marin in the upstairs bar, Atanas and Maria in the restaurant (you are given a set table with your own waiter) and of course the Animation Team. The Animation Team consisted of Nina, Pavlin, Jon and Villy. They kept you entertained during the day if you wanted to be involved, but left you alone if you didn't want to. We all got to know them very well and were sad to leave them!
The only slight negative point about the hotel is the evening entertainment. The Animation Team did well with various functions during the evenings, but by about 2200 hours it was all over and then the guests tended to disappear.
With regard to Sunny Beach we were a bit disappointed. The end at which the hotel is situated is described as the 'posh end', which is a good description. The opposite end is not so good and a bit too 18-30 ish, but we tended to avoid it, so that was fine too.
I have also read poor reviews about the airport, but we were delayed longer checking in our cases in the UK. Bourgas Airport is a bit basic, but as long as you don't expect too much, then it is okay. However, if it happened to be raining when you wait at the terminal then you will get wet!!
All in all, the Helena Park Hotel is not expensive to stay at, but in my opinion is well worth the 5 stars. My family and I (2 children, aged 14 and 11 years) had a really great time and would go back again. Next time though we would like to get out and see more of Bulgaria!! Go there and enjoy!!

1 reader found this review helpful

This was a 1st visit to Bulgaria for my 12 year old daughter and myself. We decided to try somewhere new due to the hotel looking so fantastic in the brochure and online.
On arrival in the early hours the airport was interesting with one toilet to queue for but we found our bags and coach quickly. The 50 minute journey was ok and we arrived at the hotel at 2am.
1st impressions were that this was indeed a luxurious hotel with marble and black leather everywhere. The room was large and well appointed. Nice marble bathroom and satellite TV (all German channels...the hotel and resort are all geared up for them-they are worshipped whereas the Bulgarians are less polite to the Brits outside the hotel, as in the hotel they smile for tips whilst standing joking at guests at evening meal) there also is a mini bar with soft drinks and alcohol not badly priced.
A big warning sign in the room is not to bring food and drink from outside the complex. There is a supermarket across the road that is dirt cheap with a good selection so as they watch from the front of the hotel (security at times) you hide what you buy best you can.
The hotel is expensive and the buffet dinner is great if you love all forms of salad. The main courses what there is of it is indescribable cut up meat in sauces/stir fried and dry looking fried chicken with grey/black week old batter....chips are ok though ! (people used to poor hotel buffets will be happy) We both came home with bad stomach and my daughter with food poisoning.
The Helena Sands sister hotel is next door and you walk thru it to get to the beach but the rep says they do not like you using their pool (even though its billed as shared facilities).
That pool is lovely where as our pool was crowded and small so we paid for sun-beds on the nice sandy beach (18 LEV a day) The sea was nice apart from dead jellyfish and seaweed.
The mini tornado on the beach was fun too as peoples processions got tossed 20 feet into the air. Unseasonal heat wave meant it was 45c in the day which for my daughter especially was crippling, thank goodness for excellent hotel air-con...did not feel safe at night walking into resort lined with cheap stalls but good bars and all suited to the 18-30 brigade.
Several power cuts in the hotel but bear in mind it is a poor country. Airport is so small on the way back its funny (they normally queue in car park to check in).
Altogether 1960`s Spain but at least we both lost weight. Hotel is good I cannot deny but will not be going again.