Riu Palace Helena Sands Hotel

7 readers found this review helpful

A wonderful holiday made perfect by the Hotel Riu Palace Helena Sands, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (Bourgas)
We went for sun and luxury and that's what we got, seven days of blue skies and a wonderful hotel worthy of the 5 star rating.
Sunny Beach itself isn't for everyone, it is very commercial but don't be put of by that if you stay at this hotel.
The hotel sits at the quiet end of Sunny Beach, a short stroll across the non traffic road takes you directly onto the beach for a dip in the Black Sea, which I hasten to add is slightly warmer than that of the hotel pool.
All staff were very friendly from more senior managerial staff to the ladies cleaning the floors and rooms.
The food was perfect, something for everyone whatever country they were from. If you find fault with the food at this hotel you will find fault anywhere, it was faultless.
Being English there was something to suit out taste at both breakfast and dinner, plus a choice of other foods that one simply had to try. What doesn't suit you you dont eat again, it's as simple as that. Dishes were changed every day so there was no boredom in choice.
Cleanliness was a priority in and around the hotel and as far as we saw couldn't be faulted.
As for the prices of drinks and snacks at the hotel pool they are quite pricey so don't expect cheap, it is a 5 star hotel. If you're looking for cheap booze a walk along the road will probably find it for you, but you'll get what you pay for.
I find it hard to put into words how lovely this hotel is, and funds permitting we will certainly return again.
The busy part at Sunny Beach resort itself although very commercial, at no time were we spoken to rudely or pushed into buying things that we didn't want. A browse in the shops was always relaxing with a friendly 'thank you' when we left, even if not buying.
I can highly recommend a trip to Nessebar, a short bus trip for 2 Lev, (£1) either daytime or evening is something not to miss. The old town has many interesting buildings and a better choice of shops than those along Sunny Beach. The locals were very friendly and helpful people.
The local airport is a small but efficiently run airport with a few coffee and duty free shops to pass the time while waiting to board.
Summing up, a wonder holiday all round. The hotel - Perfect.

2 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from Bulgaria staying at the Helena Sands. Had a brilliant holiday could not find fault with anything. The hotel is situated the right distance away from the hustle and bustle but you can walk to it no problem. The food was varied and always hot, the staff were excellent, the room was excellent and the hotel was spotless. The representative who was Bulgarian was the best rep we have ever come across. Everything about the holiday was brilliant.

3 readers found this review helpful

The Sunny Beach resort in Bulgaria was an excellent experience. The weather was near perfect 25c-30c, The hotel is right on the beach. Helena Sands hotel is situated on the beach of Sunny beach resort, 2.5 km from the centre and 28km from Burgas airport.
The hotel consists of 194 guestrooms each with private bathroom, hairdryer, telephone, central air conditioning/heating (according to season), fitted carpet, sat-TV, mini-bar, sofa bed, balcony. Hotel suites have bathroom with bidet, bathrobe and extra toilet, separated or adjoining living room with sofa bed, sea view. Duplex suites are on two floors and have hydro massage bathtub.
Hotel facilities consist of lobby bar; lounge bar with terrace; restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace; conference room; Internet room (additional charge); heated indoor swimming pool (90sq meters) with adjoining Jacuzzi; complimentary gym; spa with different treatments, massages, sauna, steam bath and beauty salon (additional charge); hairdresser, boutique, souvenir and wine shop.
It food and drink was cheap. The city Varna close by had good night life and shopping. The total cost came to about £1500 for 2 adults 2 children.

1 reader found this review helpful

The hotel is lovely both stylish and tasteful and finished to a high standard.
Staff were polite and friendly especially the restaurant staff, who all had a smile for you.
There is a varied buffet menu and I’m sure everyone would find something to suit them.
Across the road is a lovely sandy beach with safe swimming.
The hotel made the holiday for us and it is easily the best hotel in Sunny Beach