Alen Mak 7

Never ever go there unless you want to be intimidated by gun wielding mafia, had money stolen from safety deposit box behind reception, and was told not to complain or things would go missing from room, i saw familys crying because they had things stolen from room. The two receptionists we were told were hookers and were working also for the mafia, was threatened by pool attendant to pay up for sun lounger. Very scary place. please dont go. Alen Mak more like Hell and Back.

Last summer we visited Alen Mak, close to the Golden Sands resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea. Stayed in an Apartment with 180' view of the sea. It had a nice pool, sauna and Jacuzzi etc. We really liked the area, the beach at Alen Mak, about 700 metres away, was fantastic. There were a few restaurants and bars in the area, serving everything from fast food to really nice 3 course meals. What we liked in Alen Mak was the local feeling. Golden Sands is nice, but everyone there is a tourist, no localls to be found. Alen Mak is a small University village, 10-15 minutes walk from Golden Sands. Many of the restaurants a frequented by local Bulgarians, though the menu's are translated into the main languages. We flew there with BA from Gatwick to Varna for about 150 per person. This year we are going to go back, though plan to fly to Bucharest with a cheap airline, hire a car and drive. We're interested in hearing from anyone else that may have done this. We found the apartment on the net at bulgaria-black-sea-apartment co uk , even if you don't stay there, some of the information on their site is useful. It has some good ideas of places to visit in the area. Am interested in what other people think of Alen Mak. Also have you done the drive from Bucharest?

we were moved to the alen mak by accident, the hotel we were in at first (tsarevets) we could not stay another second. so we went to our travel agent and asked to be moved, or sent home. They offered us the alen mak. we were dubious at first, as it was in the middle of nowhere. and we were told if we didnt like it, we could walk away.... but the staff were so nice, showed us the room we would have, and even said please stay at our hotel..the hotel was basic, a bit run down even,,, but the staff were great, when we first went there, there was a divide between the brits and bulgarians, well the older ones anyway. but due to one of the family getting sent for national service, they had a party,,we all joined in and from then on it was brill....the food was good the rooms although tired were clean. but the staff were amazing, they could not do enough to help..also the hotel put on a shuttle bus,,,,, ha ha (a transit van with some seats, which you just piled in . to take you to town for pennies.....so overall its not the ritz, just a friendly place with good food