Emerald Spa Hotel

The hotel's central location near ski shops, slopes and restaurants was its one advantage. We had a dreadful stay otherwise. The place was dark and gloomy, with bulbs removed to cut running costs, and everything seemed to be falling apart. The fridge didn't work, we had to request a kettle, drawer fronts came off when opened, and the three plates, cutlery and one saucepan were dirty. The beds were awful, the carpet was threadbare, and neither the sink nor bath had a plug. The lift groaned loudly across the corridor, so getting in it felt risky. There was no main entrance door in working order, so we used a side door. The WiFi was useless and cost us mobile data. Everything was closed, supposedly because of the pandemic five years ago. They didn't advertise a restaurant or pool, but gave no indication of their condition either. Lydia at reception was nice enough, but we only saw her on arrival and checkout. We didn't see other staff, although our room was made up each day. Maybe that was Lydia! The photos need to come down because they don't show what the place is really like and give a false impression.

The only good thing about this expensive, rundown hotel is its location near the gondola. Staff seemed indifferent, and most of the equipment wasn't working. Our room's elevator, fridge and TV were all out of order. We had to throw away our dairy products after realizing the fridge was broken. The cleaners didn't do a proper job either. The uploaded photos don't match the reality: the hotel was dirty, shabby and had an 80s interior. The owner seems unfamiliar with the idea of renovation. I wouldn't recommend making a reservation here.

If you're coming to Bansko for the slopes, this is a good value place and I'd stay again. The lifts are close enough to walk to in ski boots, which also saves you paying to park at the gondola. There's parking at the hotel, breakfast and some spa access included. Staff were helpful and nice. Breakfast had enough options and started early enough to get to the lifts when they opened. Rooms were clean and spacious, though they could use renovation and were still okay.

The one plus was being close to the ski lifts. Otherwise, this was the worst hotel I've stayed in. In midwinter there was no central heating, just a small fan heater to warm the room. When I asked for another one, the receptionist rudely told me not to cry. There were no amenities, the room looked untouched since the 80s, and they wouldn't take credit cards. Breakfast was basic too.