Lighthouse Golf & Spa Hotel

We’ve always had a great time here, and I’d happily recommend it for a short winter getaway and a soak in the hot spa. After a couple of visits, spending 2-3 nights mostly in the spa started to feel repetitive, so now we drive about 15 minutes to Balchik for a walk and good food, with plenty of cats around. The resort is especially nice for a quick, relaxing break from the city when it’s cold. The food is good, but I’d choose bed and breakfast over all inclusive. Lunch and dinner are better at the resort’s other restaurants or in town.

The resort is quite far from other local attractions, but we still had a few pleasant days there. The rooms were spacious and clean, with only minor maintenance needed. Staff were attentive and kind, and the spa and indoor pool were very nice. There were plenty of massage choices, and the massages were great. Food was fresh, tasty, and good quality, though the variety was limited, with just one soup each day. The all-inclusive drinks could use more choice too: there was one low-quality local raki and only one type each of local whiskey, brandy, and gin.

I wouldn’t recommend this hotel, and I’m not planning to return soon. The staff were great and helpful, doing what they could despite some poor management decisions. The facilities are generally good, but service falls short, the food is mediocre, and the all-inclusive offering doesn’t feel five-star. The cappuccino at the lobby bar was a good example: paying guests could get one freshly made on a proper machine, while all-inclusive guests were limited to a vending-machine-style drink made with powdered milk. The machine was right there in the bar, so you could smell the fresh coffee while drinking it. Bottled water was only for sale; otherwise you could have tap or filtered water in a glass. I understand the financial reasoning, but these choices make the experience feel cheap, and I doubt the savings make much difference to revenue.

It was easy to relax here because the place was so quiet. The pool water was warm and clean, breakfast had plenty of variety and even champagne, and the bed was extremely comfortable. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the whole property, from the hotel and restaurants to the pool and golf club, was amazing. The spa was wonderful too, and I saw that the top-floor apartments have their own pools. We ate very well at the restaurant. When I mentioned that it was my friend’s birthday and asked the waitress to bring him dessert with a candle, she did, which was really kind. Mira at reception, if I remember her name correctly, was lovely and polite. For a five-star hotel, we expected higher prices, but the restaurants, bar, and minibar seemed reasonable. The outdoor pool bar could offer more non-alcoholic drinks. My car was scratched after just one night, despite being parked legally close to the entrance. I know that wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but since parking still costs money, a guard or someone to direct cars might help.