Villa List Hotel

The biggest issue for us was the staff. They didn’t seem willing to work, and guests had to carry their own heavy bags and find their way between the different sections. At both the lobby and pool bars, the two bartenders asked for tips whenever we ordered, even though we had all-inclusive. Sometimes we waited a long time for water while one finished a cigarette, and if we didn’t tip, they looked at us badly. The food and drinks were disappointing as well. There were lots of salads but few main dishes that weren’t greasy, cold, or reheated from lunch for dinner, and dietary choices were limited. The fruit and salads were nice. All-inclusive alcohol was limited as described, but the soft drinks were so bad we bought drinks elsewhere, even sparkling water. The coffee was good, though the machines stopped working or needed cleaning. I heard some waiters say they’d just cover a machine so they wouldn’t have to clean it. You also can’t iron your own shirts, you have to pay and hand them to staff. I know that was stated in the offer, but I don’t think a 4-star hotel should restrict guests that way. The location is very good, with the beach right in front and the old town and center nearby. We were lucky to find free parking by the entrance. Asya at reception was polite, as was one of the bellhops. Beach towels are available with a deposit. Our room was clean, had a nice sea view, and we got the higher floor we asked for. The hotel itself feels dated and not like a 4-star place. The elevator only goes to the second floor, something to bear in mind if you’re with an older person or someone who has trouble walking. The pool was okay, but the children’s section was extremely dirty, with yellow water.

For the price, I’d give it 10 out of 10. The location is incredible, right in the city center, so some street noise is to be expected. What did people expect, only birds singing? 😂 We had a basic double room beside the elevator on the 4th floor, but you could barely hear it. The room was big enough and had its own balcony. Breakfast was amazing and tasty, with eggs, fresh cheese, ham, pancakes, fruit, and more. 🍉 I don’t understand the hate in the other reviews. 🥇

We’ll definitely come back to Bulgaria, but not to Villa List. Sozopol is a lovely, quiet little village, and the hotel’s location is great, a minute from the clean beach and clear sea, right in the middle of town. The room in building D was fairly new and clean, and the air conditioning worked well. Even so, this doesn’t feel like a four-star hotel by Western or Northern European standards. We were surprised that half board included no drinks with meals, not even water. In practice, that meant paying extra for full board. We’ve stayed in dozens of hotels around Europe and never encountered that before. The pool bar only serves full-board customers, and even if you have money, you can’t buy a drink there. Full-board guests can get ice cream, but not at the pool bar. You have to leave the pool area for the restaurant, where swimsuits aren’t allowed. The men at the bars were nice, but if you went to the restaurant in a swimsuit for ice cream, the hotel manager would yell at you. The food was inedible apart from the ice cream and salads. Hot dishes arrived cold, while appetizers were warm. Housekeeping left threatening notes in the room, including a 20 euro fine if they found food or drinks there. There were also warnings in the toilet saying you’d be fined for messing up a towel.

The beds were comfortable, the rooms cozy, and the staff friendly. It’s a beautiful hotel in the middle of Sozopol, with awesome food. Definitely recommend it.