The Best Places to Stay in Borovets, Bulgaria

Take to the ski slopes in Borovets, Bulgaria
Take to the ski slopes in Borovets, Bulgaria | Courtesy of Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort / Expedia
Maria Angelova

Borovets is one of the best Bulgarian ski resorts located close to Sofia, the capital. It was once a hunting ground for the Bulgarian kings and is the country’s oldest ski resorts, opened in the 19th century. It’s favoured for its reasonable accommodation and ski lift prices compared to other European ski resorts. There are a wide range of slopes, mostly suited to beginners and intermediates. Borovets village is small with plenty of après-ski bars, as well as very reasonably priced food. Here are the best hotels in Borovets to suit your needs.

Hotel Lion

Boutique Hotel

Hotel Lion-a3735537
Courtesy of Hotel Lion / Expedia

If you want to hide away from the bustle of Borovets and enjoy peaceful evenings by the fireplace, Hotel Lion is the perfect spot for you. This recently renovated hotel has an indoor swimming pool with a large window that overlooks the snowy landscape, as well as a sauna and an assortment of massages available at its Zen Spa Centre. If you haven’t experienced the beneficial effect of a herbal sauna, now is the time to try. The lobby bar has many fireplaces, so you can enjoy one to yourself, and the hotel has a traditional restaurant with Bulgarian cuisine and a special programme showcasing Bulgarian dance.

Hotel Rila Borovets

Independent Hotel

Rila Hotel Borovets-72b0c346
Courtesy of Rila Hotel Borovets / Expedia

Hotel Rila is a ski-in, ski-out pad, right in the middle of Borovets ski resort. The building is shaped like a big piece of honeycomb, inspired by the French resort Les Arcs, after which it’s also named one of its numerous restaurants. Rooms are elegant and contemporary, and there’s even an on-site dance spot – the After Eleven Nightclub, perfect for a weekend party.

Festa Winter Palace

Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel

Festa Winter Palace-368e29a9
Courtesy of Festa Winter Palace / Expedia

Pamper yourself in the luxurious five-star Festa Winter Palace in Borovets. It is located 300ft (100m) from the ski slopes with the high-speed four-seat lift, Sitnyakovo Express, and the lower ski lift station in Borovets nearby. The spacious spa is perfect for easing out those tired muscles. You’ll also find two gourmet restaurants and two bars from which to choose. Opt for the VIP suite with a private elevator for extra glamour.

Hotel Festa Chamkoria

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Hotel Festa Chamkoria-722127a1
Courtesy of Hotel Festa Chamkoria / Expedia

Festa Chamkoria Hotel is tucked among beautiful old pine forests, less than a mile from the Borovets ski centre and the gondola lift. The rooms and suites are styled with ‘summer’ and “winter’ decor”. Fireplaces in the lobby and the heated indoor pool add to the cosy atmosphere of the hotel. If you are travelling with your kids in tow, they will be taken good care of at the kids club while you hit the slopes. The hotel is open year round, so consider returning in summer to explore the region by hiking or mountain biking.

Hotel Radina’s Way

Independent Hotel

Hotel Radinas Way-53fc56ad
Courtesy of Hotel Radina's Way / Expedia

At this hotel in Borovets, they will try to keep you fit and healthy with organic, homemade food served at the restaurant and a wellness centre where you can unwind after a day of skiing. Hotel Radina’s Way is less than two miles from the gondola lift to Yastrebetes Peak (you can use a free shuttle bus). Its sunny terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of hot tea with a view of the Rila Mountains. This is one of the best places for families in Borovets for its homey atmosphere and creative playground area.

Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort

Independent Hotel

Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort-183bba5c
Courtesy of Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort / Expedia

Bauhaus meets alpine mountain style at the Euphoria Club Hotel. The buildings are primarily wooden with abruptly slanting roofs setting a stylish tone that continues inside – not least in the spa. A heated pool with high ceilings and glass walls looks out onto the snowy forest. There’s also jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna. The skiing is 2km away but there’s a free shuttle service.

Club Hotel Yanakiev

Independent Hotel

Club Hotel Yanakiev-91fd5877
Courtesy of Club Hotel Yanakiev / Expedia

Yanakiev is a hotel for those who like to be right on the mountain when they step out the front door. There’s even a Yanakiev ski school if you’re after a lesson. The rooms are simple but comfy, and there’s a large wellness centre with a steam bath, sauna, laconium and a pool parallel to the ski slope.

Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Yastrebets Wellness & Spa -Booking
Courtesy of Yastrebets Wellness & Spa / Booking

Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa is all you could want from a ski hotel, because it is set directly on the Yastrebets ski slope. The lift for the private Yastrebets 3 ski slope in front is free of charge, if you stay at the hotel. Choose your room carefully because some of them have a Finnish sauna. After a long day on the hill, relax in the spa centre (including a steam bath and sauna, if you don’t have one already). Switch seasons by hopping from the ice fountain to the sauna and back to the hot tub. Hotel Yastrebets is open in the summer as well, when you can enjoy the greenery of the pine woods and practice yoga, mountain biking, or archery.

Hotel Alpina & Villas Borovets

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Hotel Alpina & Villa Borovets- Booking
Courtesy of Hotel Alpina & Villa Borovets / Booking

The red villas of Hotel Alpina stand out the winter snow like they’re a little Christmas village, right on the edge of the slopes in Borovets. Each villa has either two storeys, with three rooms sleeping seven people; or one-storey with a maximum of five people. In the hotel itself, there are also large double rooms and studios. The Santa red continues into the bar and restaurant.

Royal Plaza Apartments Borovets

Boutique Hotel, Apartment

If you prefer to stay at a self-catered apartment during your ski trip, Royal Plaza offers vacation accommodations for rent. The kitchenette is fully equipped with a fridge, a kettle, and all you need to cook a basic meal. The aparthotel is located right near the Borovets ski centre and one mile from the Yastrebets express lift. You can rent ski and snowboard equipment or use the ski storage service for maximum convenience.

Additional reporting by Stuart Kenny

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