Mura

I am writing on behalf of 6 men in the family who went it. They all had a great time. Hotel was basic, clean and after a days activities comfortable. The language barrier is a bit difficult especially when my husband left his phone there. The customer service through email was brilliant thanks to Katya the phone is now home. It is in a good location to get round. Plenty of places to eat.

We arrived late and as we had missed dinner they gave us a plate of breads, cheeses and meats. There was a minibar in the room, very small charge for any drinks consumed, I think the most expensive was just 3 lev. Went down to the bar and was greeted by a lovely barman, he was cheerful and friendly. The room was very clean and well situated on the 9th floor, in the morning we had a wonderful view of the forest and the beach. There was a hair dryer and toiletries in the bathroom and facilities for tea and coffee. WiFi worked brilliantly for us both inside the hotel and on the beach. The food we found to be great (although others may not agree) . We found the breakfasts repetitive, but this is the norm for most all inclusives in our experience. Lunch and dinner was lovely, plenty to choose from with hot food, salads, soups, breads, deserts. The drink in the AI were great, the barmen got to know us and always had a drinks ready for us!!! They are not stingy with their measures either !!! There is a shop in the hotel, staff in there are super friendly and you can get currency in there which is very convenient. It had long opening hours which was ideal. The beach is amazing and you can walk for miles, the hotel itself is situated on the beach. One evening they did an unexpected Christmas which was charming and they even gave everyone a gift which was a really nice touch. Albena itself is very quiet, there is a little train which you can take up in to the town, or the taxi outside the hotel will take you to Varna, Golden Sands etc.. A couple of days before we left, we were told we would need to go to a neighbouring hotel called Gergana for our meals. This wasn't an issue, it was a couple of minutes walk and we were treated so well, we were allowed the AI there so we could have all of our meals and drinks. We were a bit surprised at having to do this, however it didn't have any ill effect on our holiday. The food was lovely there too, the only complaint was the dining room was ridiculously hot and if you sat outside the wasps were your best friends!!!. Having not visited Bulgaria before, we really weren't sure what to expect, however we had a really lovely time and the staff at the hotel were lovely and helpful the whole time we were there. Special shout out to the evening barman, he was fantastic and the manager was charming. We will definitely be back. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, this is probably not the place for you. Always best to do your research first!! But if you want a lovely relaxing holiday and a gorgeous location, then this is the place to come. Eating out is very reasonably priced and everywhere we went people were polite and friendly. We will 100% be back, thanks for a great holiday 😀

Arrived end of September so this is perhaps slightly skewed by it being out of season but this is what we found. Arrived early hours due to a flight delay. Checked in ok although they kept asking for a voucher that we did not have as booked via loveholidays. Got to room to find complimentary plates of salad, ham, cheese, bread and bottles of water as we had missed all the food. All good. Next morning down for breakfast. Now anybody who has stayed in an all inclusive knows exactly what the food was like. Pretty standard fare for an all inclusive. Not horrendous, just dull, boring and repetitive. Lifeguard shouted at one of us for seemingly no reason. Even a member of staff who spoke English said he is always miserable and angry. Not a great look for the hotel. 3 days in, we went for breakfast and everything was being cleared away, screeching tables and chairs. Horrendous. Lunch time we were told the restaurant was closed and our meals from then on were at the Gergana a couple of doors down. A little better but still not great. If the food was a colour, it would be Magnolia. Bar staff were some of the most miserable I have ever encountered. Just didn’t want to be there. Ok it’s the end of the season and you’ve had enough but it’s your job for goodness sake. Manners cost nothing. Reception staff - again not helpful. Could we have a second key ? No. What’s a good price for a taxi to Varna ? Shrug of the shoulders. Just didn’t want to help in any way. Didn’t even say thank you or how was your stay when we checked out. Maybe they hate the English ? Maybe they’re just rude. Either way, there’s no need. Room was functional and clean if a little dated. Facilities generally dated and the place has random decorations everywhere. Vintage radio with a bowl of shells on top ? Check. Ancient typewriter in the restaurant ? Check. No, Albena itself. Seemingly closes I’m guessing early September so there was nothing to do. We got taxis into Balchik and Varna. Not too expensive and much nicer places to visit. Taxis outside the hotel are more expensive than getting a taxi elsewhere - 60lv from the hotel to Varna but a taxi from Varna back was only 40lv. We had an evening pickup on the return and the staff are basically jangling the keys waiting for us to leave so they can lock up for winter. I would never return to either this hotel or to Albena. I would happily go elsewhere in Bulgaria but I’m done with this place and would urge you not to waste your money