Hotel Gorna Banya

Getting to the center by bus or train is easy, and the staff are great. I have no complaints about HGB. The shower has strong water pressure, the WC is bright and clean, and the big windows look out over a fantastic city view.

The price is hard to beat for Sofia, and if your room faces the back, there’s a beautiful view of the city from the hill. The walls are thin enough that I could hear a toilet flush or someone lighting a cigarette, though luckily it was quiet at night. There wasn’t street noise like in the center. You can ride the metro to Gorna Banya, then walk about 10 minutes to the hotel. There’s a supermarket and a restaurant downstairs with great value for money. I had the best chicken skewer of my life there. I’d recommend it only to budget travelers.

Ring Mall is nearby, a large shopping center with great food options. I went there for a meal and really enjoyed it. At Hotel Gorna Banya, check-in was smooth, the staff were helpful and friendly, and the area was quiet. My room was clean and the bed comfortable. Breakfast was simple but enough, and I was satisfied with my few-night stay.

The place was clean, but very dated, and the views weren’t that great despite what they say. Breakfast was supposed to be included, but the restaurant guy first said there was no service. Then he brought out a plate wrapped in clingfilm with a slice of cheese, some sort of meat, a boiled egg and cucumber, and pointed me to the coffee machine, saying, I think, 17 lev.