Hotel Rila Sofia

Being just a five-minute walk from Sofia's main attractions is a real plus, which makes the state of this hotel such a shame. I knew we'd booked a room listed as “non-renovated,” but that doesn't mean it should be neglected. The carpet was filthy, the sheets and curtains were torn, door handles were broken, the mini fridge was loud, and the bathroom was way past its prime. The rooms seem untouched since communist times, with no upkeep at all. The receptionist made me feel like I was bothering them when I asked to check in, and the Wi-Fi barely worked. You can find a cleaner, better place for the same price.

Hotel Rila was clean, close to the metro, and had a great range of breakfast options. The staff made the stay, though. They were warm and so helpful, printing documents for me in a rush, giving directions, arranging wake-up calls, and passing along messages. The best concierges I've come across. Five stars, and I'd recommend Rila wholeheartedly.

The view from the eighth floor is amazing. The renovated room was fine, though it could use a few improvements, like extra pillows and a spare blanket.

We arrived at night after driving an extra hour through the city, expecting a pet-friendly hotel with good standards. At reception, the man behind the desk just smiled and refused our two calm little dogs, weighing 2.5 kg and 6 kg. I was seriously disappointed by the hotel and his attitude. In the last week I'd been through eight countries and never had an experience this bad. I politely asked him to help, but he only pointed us toward another hotel, still smiling. I hope people hear about this.