Hotel Splendid

We paid 75 euros (150 lev) in September for a room for three, and it was awful. There was almost nothing in the room besides beds, with very loud air conditioner-radiators under the windows. The supposed two rooms felt like narrow corridors, single beds lined along the sides and a toilet in the middle. Its door was almost transparent, so you could clearly see someone showering, which is especially uncomfortable when three people are sharing separate beds. The shower area had no proper enclosure, just a showerhead coming out of the wall beside the sink and toilet. You had to wash there with water splashing everywhere. We only learned about the water schedule after paying and getting the keys. Water is shut off completely overnight from 11:00 PM, and also a few times during the day. We checked in at 10:40 PM. Parking nearby was almost impossible too. The receptionist suggested a space under a sign saying it was reserved for city authorities. I’m surprised this place has such good ratings here and on Booking.

Room 303 was clean and looked after, though a bit small. I was also able to check in at 12:15, before the usual 14:00 time. The best thing about the hotel is where it is, right in central Pleven, a few hundred yards from the square and pedestrian street with fountains. There’s a good view of the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 mausoleum/ossuary. Given the rest of the stay, I’d say the location should account for over half the room price. The hotel is an unassuming four-floor building down a small street off the main pedestrian area. The many paintings in the lobby, on the landings, in corridors and rooms, in all sorts of styles, struck me as kitschy and pretentious. It is categorized 2** and charges 120 lv / 60 euro for a double room, or 100 lv for single occupancy, with no breakfast included. Room 303’s “kitchenette” was just a sink and kettle taking up space. There are five guest parking spots, but they aren’t reserved, so availability is uncertain; otherwise you’ll need a street space or a nearby paid lot. There’s only a breakfast room, no proper restaurant, and no balcony. The bathroom is sparse, and a clogged floor drain left about an inch of standing shower water. The AC controls were locked on the rather noisy maximum fan setting.

I only stayed one night, and I slept really well in the beds. The building was very clean, and the room had working air conditioning, though there’s no fridge. I didn’t eat there, so I can’t say for sure, but I think the food is good. I barely used any of the hotel facilities, but I’d still give it a solid 4/5. I’m not very prepared for this review, but wanted to post it. It’s a good hotel, though there isn’t much around the area apart from a water show right by the entrance.

The fountains are nearby, which is the good part of the location. The bad part is skateboarders making noise there at 2am, jumping on their boards and keeping you awake. Without air conditioning, you either roast or open the windows and hear them all night. Don’t stay here, find somewhere else.