Black Sea Hotel

We trained at this small gym in the Black Sea Hotel for the second time. Most standard equipment is there, though it lacks a pec deck and calf press. The machines are dated but sturdy and maintained; the cable machine could use some attention. Its height doesn’t adjust, which limits what you can do, and the leg press tops out at 50 kg per side because the weights are so thick. The equipment wasn’t our main issue this time, though. Three years ago, we paid what seemed a reasonable amount for a week, but I can’t remember the exact price. This visit, the male manager, who was the same friendly and pleasant man as last time, said a month would cost 60 levs and that he’d ask the female owner or manager about a two-week rate. When we returned, she said two weeks cost 60 levs and a month 80. We paid the 60 levs because we didn’t know of any better gyms nearby. A local who trains there later told us the monthly price is 60 levs. The hotel website also says gym access is free for guests. When we brought that up, she said it wasn’t free, just discounted for guests, but didn’t explain the price. It left us feeling tourists were charged based on what she thought they could afford. I know people are struggling after Covid, but overcharging tourists isn’t the way to handle it. Even for locals, this gym costs considerably more than a UK gym with newer, more modern facilities. We found another gym in the area and will use that next time.

The restaurant staff were really welcoming. We tried some typical Bulgarian dishes, simple food but very tasty.

The rooms were clean and the food was good, especially if you like rice 😂. The staff were wonderful. When we ran into a problem, they tried to sort it out. And Ivailo, it was nice meeting you!

The staff were so kind, especially IvAilo! The food was great, and I loved the pool and the sea. For such a low price, the hotel and its conditions were very nice. I felt like I was in Greece.