Odysseus Hotel

I’ve really enjoyed my ten days here, and I’d happily give Odysseus ten stars. Diana’s cooking was amazing, especially the Carbonara, and Stella, ilyana, mary and diana were the best hosts I’ve come across in Europe. The food was great, prices were fantastic, and everyone was kind. Around the hotel, there’s a lovely square with cafes, restaurants, a 24-hour shop and a 24-hour kiosk. Svishtov is a great place to stay, by the Danube near the Romanian border, and this was my first visit to Bulgaria. I’ll definitely return. The hotel is quiet, with spotless, air-conditioned rooms. I was asked each day whether I wanted the room cleaned or the sheets changed. There’s free Wi-Fi that worked perfectly even on the top floor, plus a sauna, gym, sunbed, vending machines, restaurant and a smoking room on every floor. My floor also had an ironing board, kettle, microwave and fridge freezer to use. You can do laundry and hang it in the drying room. There are a couple of swallows nesting above the door on top of the fuse box, well away from the clothes lines. They’re lovely to watch. English isn’t spoken much, so downloading the Bulgarian language pack for Google Translate is handy. It makes things much easier. It’s not really a place for sunbathing, though I may have missed a spot. The flat roof would make a good sun patio, and I think they were installing a jacuzzi while I was writing this. There’s no elevator, so wheelchair users may not be able to manage unless ground-floor rooms are available. It was nice not to hear Engerrrrlundddd sung every night, or see people drunk or wearing England football Tops before the airport!

Stella at reception was one of the best I’ve met in Bulgaria, always willing to help. The hotel was clean and good quality. Only drawback is the lack of a lift, which could be difficult if you have trouble walking.

We couldn’t stay because nobody came to the reception. They spoke to us through the door intercom and told us to go to another hotel, saying this was now an apartment rather than a hotel. They kept our money and didn’t refund us. Don’t choose this place.

The room was pretty basic. During our week-long stay, the cleaners came in once to replace the sheets and towels, but left no toilet paper even though only one roll remained. I had to ask for more.