Visitor reviews for Pamporovo

• March 20, 2008
  Andrea & Martyn from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  23rd Feb
  We took a party of nine (5 beginners). We stayed at the Hotel Pamporovo. Had read really bad reviews prior to going but we had no problems at all. The rooms are really nice and clean, the staff were all polite and mostly friendly, the food was fine and not cold ever, as most reviews suggested. We had a fantastic instructor, Petya, and are all now hooked. The snow was dwindling by the end of the week but they do a brilliant job with the pistes. We have already booked for 2009. Can't wait to go back.

• March 17, 2008
  Denise from IRELAND
  

  2 visits in 2008.
  We stayed at the Hotel Belmont: nice, quiet and out of town. The food was, as with most countries, luke warm, however, they now have put a microwave in the dining room which helps.
  This is our 4th time back to the resort and I have to say we love it, ok you're not guaranteed of the snow and it's not the most developed of ski resorts but we feel the brill instructors and friendly staff make up for all the negatives.
  We will be back.

• March 16, 2008
  Gary Curtis from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from a weeks snowboarding in Pamporovo, starting the 8th of March 2008.
  Location: Fabulous pine forests surround the resort and really are the highlight of the location. The actual resort is almost non-existent. Purpose built ski resort with little charm or character. The roads are shocking and the building work makes the whole place look like a building site covered in mud.
  Ski/Boarding: As I went late in the season I expected little snow and we didn't get much. Couple of days it had a few cms and it helped. They managed the slopes well and there are plenty of good runs. From the snow that was there I think they do a good job of keeping the slopes going. In full snowy conditions I could see this being a great resort for keen skiers or boarders. End of the week we were running on gravel, mud or hay in many places.
  Hotel: Stayed in the Hotel Pamporovo. Hotel is a slightly unreliable bus trip from the ski area. The actual hotel is large and very nice. Great sized rooms and fantastic views over the forests. Food was ok also.
  Problem: The shockingly rude staff. Paying your bill seemed to somehow upset them. Just being in their resort seemed to be of some major problem for them. Secondly: price. Everyone accepts that prices are higher in resorts but in Pamporovo prices are hiked as high or higher, in some cases, than the UK. This may be a cheap place to book a holiday but do not expect to stay cheaply. Almost every drink, meal or souvenir will be a rip off.
  Conclusion: Great boarding, lovely forests but ruined by poorly run resort and unmotivated rude locals.

• March 12, 2008
  chris sandercombe from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Trip was on 1/3/08 - 8/3/08. This was my first trip to Bulgaria, skiing, and we were a party of 6. Stayed at the Panorama Hotel which is out of the resort centre and in a building site. Debris and liquid mud on an unlit road was dodgy. All of the party dumped their snow boots at the end of the week. The hotel was pretty bad. No range of drinks, unhelpful staff and the food was cold/warm and not edible. Staying there you are trapped unless you use cabs who do try it on with charges.
  The skiing was poor due to the lack of snow and temperature. When it was possible to use the canons, a legal dispute with the lake water supply precluded this.
  The attitude of the staff and people is very hit or miss and can be quite rude at times.
  When skiing, we all want good conditions, if not it tends to focus our frustrations on other matters. We were not alone as generally the complaints from many in the resort were the same. As this place is very reliant on ski tourists they are, in my view, destroying the trade that supports them. What is evident is the number of building projects that are at a standstill and the reduction in flights and numbers of people staying in the hotels.
  I could never recommend this in comparison to other countries or resorts as it does not win any favours on price, skiing or its hospitality.

• March 11, 2008
  patrick from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We stayed at the Hotel Perelik for a week from March 1 to March 8, and we travelled with First Choice.
  The flights were delayed (and when I say delayed, we're talking 7 hours at Gatwick, and about 2-3 hours at Plodvik), but that is not First Choice's fault really. I blame ThomsonFly who did not have ANYONE who would take responsibility for the problem (just two brave souls at the airport who were taking a lot of flak, but claiming to only 'represent' First Choice on a contractual basis)
  On to the hotel, which was exceptionally hot, but we seemed to get the better deal when compared to Murgavets. We met a few people who stayed there who said the food was inedible. Perelik food was distinctly samey (spag bol mainly) but it was certainly edible and filled a hole.
  The rooms were large. We had three sharing, and enjoyed two balconies and a regular room cleaning service.
  It was the first resort I had been to, and snow was really running rather short. There were earthy parts to some runs, and the green run (tourist trail) was basically unuseable by the end of our stay. I did feel sorry for people arriving at the resort when we left as it desperately needed snow (snow that did not seem to be coming :()
  The best snow was found on the black runs (mainly due to the lack of people doing them) but the blue and red runs were passable. As I said, the green was pretty laughable by the time we had left.
  As for the Bulgarian people... the majority were very helpful and polite. There were a few who could have been a bit more helpful, but I know for a fact that the UK is just as bad, so it would be rather hypocritical of me to pick up on it.
  All in all, a fantastic holiday, and excellent value for money. The people we met were very friendly and there was a good atmosphere amongst holidaymakers throughout the resort.

• March 10, 2008
  Nick and Jen from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We stayed at the Pamporovo hotel for a week at the end of Feb 08. We were a bit cautious at first due to reading some bad reviews before we left. All these bad thoughts were gone as soon as we arrived at the hotel which is huge. The hotel itself is the heart of Pamporovo and when lit up at night it is quite spectacular. As for the food, that was all supposedly served cold - it was actually quite nice and not one meal was served cold. There were one or two bad points about the hotel - The worst being the rude staff that work in the mini shop in the hotel. They don't speak much English but were quite obnoxious and out of order. We went on quite a few excursions with our travel company and they were ok but maybe a bit expensive for what they are. Also, be wary of the massages that were over rated and not what is advertised. Overall the hotel is really nice and the rooms were spotless. We would definitely come back to this hotel and the resort in general. Cheers

• February 05, 2008
  Calumet from BULGARIA
  

  What a fab time. Stopped at the Pamporovo Forest Nook Villa second week in January 08 and had a ball (lovely villa, nice staff, quiet location). Flew into Plovdiv and it took 80 minutes to get to the villa door. Heard a few got caught up with fog heading towards Plovdiv airport and were directed to Sofia, we were lucky.
  Snow this year was great, especially on the reds. Food and drink still reasonable although up a bit on last year and nightlife was good. For food, be adventurous; we loved the sizzling platters of pork and chicken and Kavarma. Best of all was goats cheese cooked in honey, garlic and pine nuts.
  Did all the runs by the fifth day but plenty of stuff to do. Had a go on the skidoos and quad bikes (be careful on both of these).
  I would recommend Pamporovo to beginners, early intermediates and families. We will definitely go back again.

• February 05, 2008
  gill from IRELAND
  

  Went from the 19th Jan to 26th. Had nightmare journey to resort after being diverted to Varna due to fog. Got to hotel Elina where I stayed 2 years ago and, oh my god, it's gone so downhill even the rep said he couldn't believe the travel company were still using it (avoid like the plague).
  As for everything else, great stuff. The ski instructor (Geri) was brill and I got to catch up with my old instructor (Nikki) while I was there. Ok, so the food ain't the best in Bulgaria, that's a known fact, but it does ya no harm livin' on pizza all week does it???
  Big hello to the party of 35 from Gaa club, one of which was gods gift to women, shame he had a wedding ring on, I was gutted but with enough therapy I'm sure I'll get over it.
  On the whole, great week, great company, good snow, brill instructor, superb laugh. Maybe going again around March if I can fit it in.

• January 30, 2008
  Ruth & Roy Penhallurick from BULGARIA
  

  Arrived home 26.1.08, stayed at the hotel Finlandia. The hotel was excellent, food was a bit hit & miss but we were already aware of that. Staff & service; excellent. First time skiing for myself & our two boys. Our instructor, Yanko, was excellent and very patient with the kids. We have all got the skiing bug and are thinking of going back to Pamporovo in March.

• January 21, 2008
  Paul & Sarah Hodson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Got back from Pamporovo on Saturday. After a terrible journey via Varna with a 10 hour coach transfer (bad weather) we had an excellent weeks skiing, but the lower slopes are in need of fresh snow. Top is still very good. Some of the reds could do with it as well, as they are getting quite stony and very icy. Stayed at Cedar Heights which is lovely accommodation, but no facilities & a 20 Lev taxi ride to town. Food & drink are more expensive than the brochures suggested, but there are some really good restaurants in town. Be aware that you have to pay to go to the toilet (normally 50 st or 1 Lev) in most places on & off the mountain. Take some change with you as they will sometimes stop you going in if you've not got it. Can't wait to go back again though....brilliant place!!

• January 20, 2008
  IAN & KAZ G from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Jan 12, 2008.
  Just got back from a weeks skiing in Pamps. First time for the family and they are now hooked. Plenty of snow on arrival and more followed during our hols. All in all, found it brilliant, the locals are fun and everything is good value. Looking forward to our return. We returned with only three bells bought from cheap as chips Charlie, not honest John.

• January 07, 2008
  Richard & Sharon from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi, we have been to Pamporovo for the past two years. The snow last year was not great (Jan 07), but look at it this year. 60cm top & bottom already. That's more than they had all last season. We stay in the Hotel Finlandia traveling with Balkan Holidays. Main reason, kids 14 & under go FREE. Two adults & one child with full 6 days lessons, skis, boots, lift passes etc for just over £1000. You won't get that in the Alps. Going this year on 26th Jan & already looking to book again for the beginning of March. All in all, very friendly, good value for money up and coming ski resort.

• January 06, 2008
  Helen & Steve from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  First time skiing at Pamporovo Feb 07,went with a group of experienced skiers. Had a truly fantastic time,good beginners tuition. We are all back again Jan 12th 08. We are all excited and looking forward to having an even better time, now Steve and I are not beginners. Would recommended Pamporovo to others thinking of skiing, so long as you don't expect the best of everything, just go with the flow.

• January 06, 2008
  john and debbie gotts from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Have been to Pamporovo three times and just love the place, have always stayed at the Pamporovo hotel; lovely staff. lovely rooms, lovely food. We are going back 12th January 2008, can't wait.

• December 02, 2007
  nigel from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi all, we have a place just outside Pamporovo in a village called Momchilovtsi and many of the inhabitants work at the ski resort .We love Pamporovo and go there every year to ski a couple of times at least. Our house is a newly built one with 6 ensuite bedrooms 3 lounge/diners and 3 fully fitted kitchens. Although I love Pamps and the night life, I don't think you can beat the village community life of a village. For a start, everything is a third of the price in the village compared to Pamps. There are transfers all day long to the slopes for a couple of bob and Momchilovtsi has its own snowboard park, where, if you don't fancy skiing all day, you can have a few rides a couple of beers and then home. There;s the usual restaurants/bars, shops, internet cafe and post office there too. Hiking trails are there along with mountain bike trails as well if you fancy something different. Summer and winter.
  Anyway, have a look on our website and there's masses of info on the place there and if you fancy a luxury hol there with out being cramped then feel free to contact me. Good luck Nigel

• November 29, 2007
  pam from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  don't go

• March 07, 2007
  Samadamadingdong from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  They really like their bells............. great country. Everyone and everything has a price. I honestly wouldn't go back. The snow was unseasonaly poor (I know every other resort suffered this year in Jan). The main reason I wouldn't go back is because I spent 1472 LEV on booze, having one of the best weeks ever. I've done 3 ski seasons and never have I had lower internal back pains like I did there. They just don't stop partying!! The hotel bar stays open for 24 hours. The drinks were free after 4 am because the bar man couldn't be bothered to leave his drink and use the till. Had red wine for breakfast 2/3 times (completely free) . I think you have to remember when visiting countries like Bulgaria, that they are a little behind others in some respects e.g. food, mountain safety, ski lifts, easy drinking larger and many more, but in my very small and very unimportant opinion this is what makes a holiday a REAL holiday. Whats the worst that could happen??? You could break your spine or crash and cause yourself massive internal bleeding and, because there's no air ambulance, die from said injuries. But on the other hand you could have a truly mind blowing holiday. Like any skiing holiday, if the snow is good, everyone's happy, but if it's poor, then people can get grumpy. I hope that Bulgaria scrubs up well, and maybe in a few years it'll be able to attract more people and more money. Regarding the bells...... my advice is; buy one, or two. Whatever you do, buy one. Talk to the people selling them and have a laugh. I would say that, really, the best tip would be carry a pocket full of change. If you are like me, using the toilet is a common thing, then a pocket full of stickys can come in useful. This country scores a 7/10 for craziness, 7/10 for cost, and 10/10 for the people. Just stay away from the police.

• February 11, 2007
  Robert Gates from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from Pamporovo (from 3rd to 10th of feb), started snowing as we arrived on the Saturday night and didn’t stop until Monday morning, had one and a half feet of snow in total. It was badly needed and the slopes were great with a really good variety of runs, however they started to get icy towards the end of the week as there had been no new snow, and the main green run to the bottom of the mountain was horrendous on the Friday with soil exposed near to the four man lift. Lots of people started to get the three man lift to the bottom of the mountain, as this was easier than trying to ski down. It was a truly amazing week and the snow couldn’t have come at a better time. Our group’s instructor was called Stoika, she was absolutely brilliant and showed us some really good runs off the main slope, that were very taxing to do. Our family stayed at the hotel Perelik which is where most of the facilities and clubs are located for the resort, the hotel was very clean and all the staff were very friendly. The food had a good variety but never stayed hot for long and was normally warm by the time of eating (there were chips every night and these were always hot, there was always plain pasta and accompanying sauce, and the salad bar was very good). Food and drink on the mountain was quite cheap and of a decent quality and always hot. The biggest problem with the resort is that there is not much to do in the evenings.
  I have had a great holiday in Pamporovo and would love to return soon.

• February 08, 2007
  The Spencer Family from BULGARIA
  

  Just got back from Hotel Perelik, Pamporova, Bulgaria. We went from 27 January - 3 February. There were 6 of us (my parents, 2 children (age 9 and 12 years) and my husband. Went on our first skiing holiday and we had a brill time. We were worried before we left that there was not going to be enough snow but when we arrived there was plenty. Very good skiing instuctor. Her name was Tiadora and she had a twin sister who was also a skiing instructor. We had a great group all learning to ski, whome we are going to stay in touch with. My son and daughter found the skiing pretty easy. There was a lot of injured people on the slopes. We were told they are quick in plastering you up. My dad had a fall on the last day and they set him in a cast. He has just been to hospital here and was told there are no broken bones and have taken him out of the cast so beware!!
  Hotel Perelik is a very large hotel. Plenty to offer residents. Rooms not up to great standards, just basic. Very hot in the rooms which made it very hard to sleep. We could have done with a bath after a hard day on the slopes. Food simple and warm, not hot. Hotel rep very helpful, her name was Julia. She leant us her hair dryer all week because I thought we had one in our room. Also no kettle which would have been nice to have made a drink.
  The one thing which is very off putting for Bulgaria is that they smoke everywhere, in the reception, in the restaurant (breakfast and evening times) and in cafes on the slopes.
  Would definitely recommend skiing in Pamporova to anyone. Hope to go back next year and maybe have the same instructor.

• February 07, 2007
  Sandrine from IRELAND
  

  Just back on the 4th February from Pamporovo hotel. Terrible attitude at the reception. First night in a room with no shower and mattress on a floor and this is a 4 stars hotel???
  Good snow, good ski but still can't get over the hotel, staff not even try to be friendly.

• January 31, 2007
  megan harry from IRELAND
  

  It was good. Plenty of kids for me to play with. Nice huskies and ponies. Some good staff and some OK staff that were a bit weird.There was only a bit of snow. Good teachers and wicked slopes.

• January 31, 2007
  sophie from IRELAND
  

  Nice people,kids and really cute huskies.I liked the food and there were lots of kids to play with. There is not much snow yet but it was still a good crack.

• January 27, 2007
  Rob & Liz from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We stayed at the Hotel Pamporovo, which had excellent facilities. Staff varied from very helpful to aloof. The food was not always very hot, but was well prepared, with enough choice for most tastes. The lounge bar staff (dressed in close fitting 'Christmas Girl' outfits) where particularly popular with the male guests!
  It's a shame there wasn't more snow, but it did not seem to matter as we had an excellent instructor (Nusha) who kept us busy and entertained all week.
  The ski buses were good. We never had to wait long and usually got a seat.
  Overall it was a wonderful holiday and we can't wait to return !

• January 24, 2007
  Helen from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Been to Pamps 3 years in a row. It is a fantastic place. Not as much snow this year but didn't let this spoil things.`We have had two brill instructors called Jenny and Vasco.`Stayed in Hotel Pamparovo. Found this year it was not as good so will try somewhere else next time.

• January 23, 2007
  jason murtagh from IRELAND
  

  Went to this resort for new year , snow conditions were not great for the first two days, improved on the Wednesday with some fresh snow. A lot of the runs where closed as a result so the ones that were opened were crowded. The lifts broke down on Friday and it took up to two hours to get up as only a one person chair lift was operating from the bottom. Despite this the resort was great, offering good accommodation with a great variety of bars and restaraunts etc. Lovely friendly people and a very good ski school. I would like to try it again sometime when, hopefully, conditions and lifts are working.

• January 22, 2007
  Wendy Harris from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We returned after a fantastic new year. The frist two days were ski-able but the Tuesday was particularly poor, but it did snow having 3 days of good skiing. Friday the ski lift taking us to the top broke down and it took 2hr to get there. We stayed in Hotel Elina, fantastic bar staff with plenty of creative shots.Good food but a little off the beaten track. The bus company were taking us to the ski resort was 2hrs late first day and forgot us completely on the second day. This was rectified by the rep. We met up with some great people and plan to do it all again New Year 2008!!

• January 22, 2007
  Michael Robinson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Returned 20th Jan 2007, NEEDS SNOW!!!! Stayed at Hotel Evridika. I have skied over 40 times. Evridika :- clean, rooms very good, food very good, staff poor, hotel bar/reception always very smokey (they all seem to smoke camel dung!!) Access to slopes poor. All hotels supply mini buses to get you there and pick you up. Unfortunately should you wish to sleep in or finish early it's a long walk or a £6 taxi ride. We were three (2 adults and a 6 year old boy) I personally don't think this is a good resort for beginners. MAKE SURE YOU PRE BOOK YOUR LIFT PASS (£68), in resort it is £110!!!!! Plovid departure tour is a must. Fantastic shopping!!

• January 18, 2007
  mary best from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I am just home from Pamporovo. No snow. More would have been a lot better but we still had a good time.

• January 15, 2007
  Phil from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from Pamporovo yesterday! My girlfriend and I stayed at the Grand Murgavets Hotel which was clean, with nice staff and had good facilities. The food was a bit hit and miss though.
  The resort overall was brilliant, really beautiful. Some good bars and restaurants - Try the Perelik Apres-Ski Bar, the house band in there are amazing!
  The skiing was limited due to the lack of new snow. We are beginners and would have been most suited to the main "green" slope - unfortunatley for us this was the most populated slope and as such was very worn, rocky and icy!!
  Next time we book, we're going to get a last minute deal to make sure there's enough soft white stuff!

• January 04, 2007
  Betty from IRELAND
  

  We went to Pamporovo on 23rd Dec 06. We stayed at Hotel Belmont. The hotel was second to none, it was so clean and plenty to do in the hotel. I would recommend this hotel to anyone. Unfortunately we lacked more snow, but we got through ok. Our instructor was called Jordon, he was brillent, would highly recommend him. We hope to go back next year.