Orchidea Boutique Spa

At first appearance the hotel seemed fine, well greeted and as we were very late were provided with sandwiches, fruit and water. Rooms were fine and a good size. Breakfast was as expected. A short tour of the hotel quickly showed that this is not a good hotel for children, especially very young ones as there are no facilities for them, both indoor and outdoor pools quite cool and totally unsuitable. Before we left home I’d looked at the hotel’s website and downloaded a copy of the list of facilities some of which were not available and others expensive. Poolside bar was not open, rooftop terrace closed, mini bar empty, in-room safe £15/week and paid for airport shuttle not available. The evening meal left something to be desired as although some of the choice was quite flavourful, much was only lukewarm if not cold. The dining area was also somewhat grubby and we ended up cleaning the highchair ourselves. Also at dinner you have to pay for tea, coffee and water. The hotel’s website’s “City” shuttle only goes to the Golden Sands beach about 6 times a day but if one misses the bus it isn’t too bad walking the 2 km to the beach but, as the hotel is up a very steep hill, walking back is very, very hard. The hotel purports to be 4 star but they will need to up their game to achieve this. We met guests who had been to the hotel in the past who stated that it had gone “down hill” recently.

I think the location is too far and price too expensive for what you actually get compared with other hotels on the Golden Sands. It would not be difficult to find better hotel that is more walkable and deliver better value. Night receptionist was also not the empowered to help with a minor reservation modification, so I was not pleased with that.

The following are my observations rather than my opinion . Too far from anything. Downhill hike no pavements. Uphill trek to return ( about 1kilometer) . Mobility problems will be expensive to overcome. Taxi by day 10 lev. After 6.00 pm 15 lev. Extra for additional passengers . Service in hotel is often none existant. Food repetitive, OKish. Buffet service get there before the other guests turn into a bun fight cum trough. Shuttle service to beach 1st at 10.00 am last 16.00. Still have to walk some distance to beach. Beach front expensive and doesn't represent value. Usual stalls full of counterfeit everything. Off the beaten track much cheaper alas the service didn't improve. Would I return.......jury's still out. That said, it was not expensive for a one week, stay half board basis. Would I return.....jury still out! .