All Seasons Mountain Vistas

Our room had a balcony with a lovely view and everything we needed, including a kettle. The host was attentive, polite and friendly, and made us a delicious breakfast. He speaks English well, so it felt welcoming for international visitors. We had a great time staying at this family-run guesthouse in lovely Govedartsi village while exploring Rila mountain. I’d definitely recommend it, and thank you for such a nice stay!

The rooms are large, but bring something from home to dry clothes and towels. We also found the guesthouse a handy base for climbing Malyovitsa and Musala peaks, and the village itself is pretty. The local food was extremely delicious, with great service and attention, though don’t arrive late because the front door is locked after curfew. The rest of our experience was much less pleasant. The owner was around constantly, and there seemed to be control over when and what we could consume. The kitchen was kept locked, and there wasn’t enough hot water for a larger group. We couldn’t rely on getting a document for the amounts we paid, at least that was our experience. Internet only worked right by the router, which also had a curfew. The cable TV wasn’t available. The contract says broken items are charged three times over, so inspect the room before paying. Parking was on the neighbors’ lawn, and I hope they weren’t too angry, though there was no grass there anyway. Using the utensils, barbecue, kitchen and dining room costs 60 lv. It all adds up. I don’t recommend staying here.

We wanted somewhere homely and peaceful rather than a hotel, but the constant monitoring and control by the owners made the stay unpleasant. Everything was charged separately instead of being included in one total price for the house. There was no internet, TV or hot water, and we were given just one towel for the whole stay with nowhere to dry it. The landlady’s constant arguments became too much for me. I love hiking in the mountains, but I wouldn’t stay here again.

We knew the arrangements beforehand: the barbecue cost extra, salads had to be ordered from them, breakfast was 5 lv per person if we wanted it, and the kitchen wasn’t for guest use. There were refrigerators for us, though. Breakfast portions were small, but he refilled our plates when they were empty. The honey and jam were homemade; I can’t say about the vegetables, but the salad was tasty. No one bothered us. They were fine with serving breakfast late, at 10, and checkout was at 1 pm rather than the usual noon. We even played loud music and people on the other floors couldn’t hear it, the “mechanics” are somehow soundproofed. We stayed one night and found the house acceptable; the person treated us well and helped us. I’d come back, and I don’t think the one-star reviews are fair.