Arabella Hotel, Golden Sands, Bulgaria
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £140
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Arabella Hotel is situated in the lively part of the resort with easy access to the beautiful beach. It will appeal to anyone seeking a holiday offering a choice of activities as well as peaceful relaxation. loading...
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Arabella Hotel Reviews
" Three of us went last year, and we... "
Submitted By: Miss R Barnes
Three of us went last year, and we enjoyed it so much we are going back. the hotel is excellent, the food is varied and well done, the staff are lovely, our maid even arranged our pajamas into butterfly shapes and things on the beds, which added a lovely and quite funny something to our mornings. there is a mix of people, and its right next to all the main places, from the bars to the beach.
best hotel i have ever stayed in and i look forward to going again in two months time
best hotel i have ever stayed in and i look forward to going again in two months time
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have just returned from a 2 wk... "
Submitted By: Mrs R MCINTYRE
I have just returned from a 2 wk holiday with my family and my parents. I would firstly say that this is the best hotel I have ever stayed in - for room comfort, food and cleanliness. The flight was only 2 hrs 45 mins which with 3 children is just long enough, then the hotel transfer which took about 40 mins which went quite quickly.
When we got to the hotel the bellboy met us at the coach and helped with the cases which he then took straight to our room. The room we had was absolutely fantastic. We had an entrance lobby and two bedrooms which were massive as we had an end room. We a large TV in each room which saved on the arguments between the kids. The linen was changed regularly and towels changed every day - couldn’t fault the chamber maid an absolute diamond considering she had to walk into our room every day.
The food was fantastic something different every day and always something for even the fussiest eater - although the other guests didn’t believe in queuing up so be prepared to be pushed in front of. There was also a snack bar by the smaller pool which had a selection of burgers, pizza, chicken, pork, chips and pasta with salad (they had other food as well as cakes). There were fizzy drink machines along with coffee, tea and drinking water machines which you helped yourself to if you didn’t want to go to the bar.
The pools were well kept, the pool attendant was extremely efficient if the children were doing something that they shouldn’t he would spot it and sort it straight away without being horrible. The pool attendants were always sweeping the water away so people didn’t slip up and generally tidying all the time. You could also get pool towels which you changed daily. The pool toilets were also spotlessly clean.
The staff at the hotel were extremely efficient and pleasant. We had a taxi into Varna one day and used the hotel taxi who I must say were more like tour guides and again very pleasant.
The entertainment at night wasn’t really up to much they do need to get in more professional acts in. Saying that they animation team worked extremely hard and kept the children entertained for most of the day with shuffle board, darts, volleyball and waterpolo. My two boys were always disappearing saying they were taking part in something.
Sunbeds were bit of an issue; my hubby was getting up at 6.30 to get a sunbed. You could go to the beach which was just across the road but you have to pay for the sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also plenty of watersports on the beach which is quite reasonable in price - they do have a man taking 'professional' photos of you in action if you haggle with him you can get the price right down.
All in all I would go back to this hotel maybe in a couple of years and I have recommended it.
When we got to the hotel the bellboy met us at the coach and helped with the cases which he then took straight to our room. The room we had was absolutely fantastic. We had an entrance lobby and two bedrooms which were massive as we had an end room. We a large TV in each room which saved on the arguments between the kids. The linen was changed regularly and towels changed every day - couldn’t fault the chamber maid an absolute diamond considering she had to walk into our room every day.
The food was fantastic something different every day and always something for even the fussiest eater - although the other guests didn’t believe in queuing up so be prepared to be pushed in front of. There was also a snack bar by the smaller pool which had a selection of burgers, pizza, chicken, pork, chips and pasta with salad (they had other food as well as cakes). There were fizzy drink machines along with coffee, tea and drinking water machines which you helped yourself to if you didn’t want to go to the bar.
The pools were well kept, the pool attendant was extremely efficient if the children were doing something that they shouldn’t he would spot it and sort it straight away without being horrible. The pool attendants were always sweeping the water away so people didn’t slip up and generally tidying all the time. You could also get pool towels which you changed daily. The pool toilets were also spotlessly clean.
The staff at the hotel were extremely efficient and pleasant. We had a taxi into Varna one day and used the hotel taxi who I must say were more like tour guides and again very pleasant.
The entertainment at night wasn’t really up to much they do need to get in more professional acts in. Saying that they animation team worked extremely hard and kept the children entertained for most of the day with shuffle board, darts, volleyball and waterpolo. My two boys were always disappearing saying they were taking part in something.
Sunbeds were bit of an issue; my hubby was getting up at 6.30 to get a sunbed. You could go to the beach which was just across the road but you have to pay for the sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also plenty of watersports on the beach which is quite reasonable in price - they do have a man taking 'professional' photos of you in action if you haggle with him you can get the price right down.
All in all I would go back to this hotel maybe in a couple of years and I have recommended it.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" Went on the 24th of May 2006 and from... "
Submitted By: R Lees
Went on the 24th of May 2006 and from the moment we arrived me and my family had the best holiday we have ever had. Our 12 year old daughter would not leave the hotel at night in order for her not to miss the animation teams shows which where always of excellent class.
Food was always well presented and nice even if most of the food was catered for the Germans. Animation team where always polite and cheerful and they helped make the holiday great. Our daughter nagged me and my husband so much to go back that we have already booked for next year and she is already counting the days down. I think that in its self shows how family enjoyable the holiday is.
Whilst grown ups relax the children can be playing with the animation team. Great holiday no downsides and Miro Gali Zlatti and Stayko make one great animation team.
Food was always well presented and nice even if most of the food was catered for the Germans. Animation team where always polite and cheerful and they helped make the holiday great. Our daughter nagged me and my husband so much to go back that we have already booked for next year and she is already counting the days down. I think that in its self shows how family enjoyable the holiday is.
Whilst grown ups relax the children can be playing with the animation team. Great holiday no downsides and Miro Gali Zlatti and Stayko make one great animation team.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Fantastic holiday. Mix of... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Noble
Fantastic holiday. Mix of nationalities - British/German/Dutch/French etc and food had a great mixed feel about it. Plenty of British dishes to choose from.
All facilities were clean and fresh. Rooms were lovely and cleaned to a high standard every day. Also, there were no insects to bother you in the main resort which has ruined other holidays before now.
Plenty of sun beds around the pool which was nice - we didn’t spend too much time on the beach, but you had to pay for the sun beds there.
Would mention that the same holiday booked through the Thomson website was £200 more expensive than the same one on the Portland Direct website. Play the two companies off one another.
Also - I'd advise against the Yacht excursion - you get taken to a remote beach which is nice, but the area where they cook the food for you is surrounded by flies and was disgusting - £35 each down the drain.
All in all, a fantastic holiday - wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
All facilities were clean and fresh. Rooms were lovely and cleaned to a high standard every day. Also, there were no insects to bother you in the main resort which has ruined other holidays before now.
Plenty of sun beds around the pool which was nice - we didn’t spend too much time on the beach, but you had to pay for the sun beds there.
Would mention that the same holiday booked through the Thomson website was £200 more expensive than the same one on the Portland Direct website. Play the two companies off one another.
Also - I'd advise against the Yacht excursion - you get taken to a remote beach which is nice, but the area where they cook the food for you is surrounded by flies and was disgusting - £35 each down the drain.
All in all, a fantastic holiday - wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" Difficult to fault this hotel, last... "
Submitted By: selfey
Difficult to fault this hotel, last minute booking and what a winner, already fans of Bulgaria as stayed in Sunny Beach previous year. Food excellent choice, rooms clean and luxurious, we had a suite, included mini bar which was included in all inclusive. Entertainment superb and they listened to suggestions, said not much for teenagers so next day they were catered for in rifle shooting etc. Drinks plentiful and no limit, cocktail bar set up some evenings.
Only downside was having to pay for sunbeds etc on beach. Would recommend the Arabella to anyone.
Only downside was having to pay for sunbeds etc on beach. Would recommend the Arabella to anyone.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Having previously stayed in Riu... "
Submitted By: Miss Cl Jones
Having previously stayed in Riu hotels in the Caribbean I had high expectations for this hotel. The hotel itself was good. It was always clean and tidy and was very spacious. However the decoration of the hotel was not as elaborate as that in the Caribbean, but was still nice.
The food at the hotel was generally good. There was a choice of a buffet restaurant or another serving Bulgarian cuisine. There was always a large variety of food, but a lot contained meat, and it was mainly German based stews and so on. A more American style approach to cooking would have been better. The breakfast was always excellent as was the lunch, and the dinner was the only meal that could have been improved.
The staff were always very friendly and willing to help in any way they could. The entertainment team in particular were very good.
The shopping here is fantastic, along the beach there are many stalls were a variety of clothes, perfumes and bags can be bought for very cheap prices.
Overall it was a nice hotel and resort area, with plenty of restaurants if you wish to eat out. Although I would go back for the shopping next year I want to return to the Caribbean where the weather can be guaranteed!
The food at the hotel was generally good. There was a choice of a buffet restaurant or another serving Bulgarian cuisine. There was always a large variety of food, but a lot contained meat, and it was mainly German based stews and so on. A more American style approach to cooking would have been better. The breakfast was always excellent as was the lunch, and the dinner was the only meal that could have been improved.
The staff were always very friendly and willing to help in any way they could. The entertainment team in particular were very good.
The shopping here is fantastic, along the beach there are many stalls were a variety of clothes, perfumes and bags can be bought for very cheap prices.
Overall it was a nice hotel and resort area, with plenty of restaurants if you wish to eat out. Although I would go back for the shopping next year I want to return to the Caribbean where the weather can be guaranteed!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" Clean and comfortable accommodation... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Pinder
Clean and comfortable accommodation maintained to a high standard. All staff friendly and helpful. The manager was seen on a regular basis and he would ask guests if they had any problems. The Bulgarian Restaurant gave a good sample of Bulgarian food with appropriate crockery and drinks provided. Highly recommended and this is the only holiday where I would go back next year.
Overall all staff accommodation and food to a high standard. A most enjoyable holiday, well worth the money.
Overall all staff accommodation and food to a high standard. A most enjoyable holiday, well worth the money.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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The food is another thing, if you like everything in gravy and only luke warm then you are fine as this is all you get.
The mention of 4 resturants is all false as there is only the al a carte (crap) which you can visit once a week and then the main resturant which has the grill bar, the pizza bar and the roast and that is the 4 resturants.
The hotel is very clean and the maids are great and the waiters will take your plate as soon as you go to put your knife and fork down so beware.
Also take plenty of Immodion with you everyone had the runs.
Not a place for children and not much to do in the resort.
All in all not a bad place the weather was terrible only 13 degrees and rain and wind the 2nd week so that did't help.
I would not class the whole hotel as 4 star but the rooms were. I certainley would not return