Vitanova Guest House

The yard and surrounding nature are wonderful, and it’s peaceful and relaxing here. Inside, though, the rooms and bathroom are very cramped. The ceilings are low, so tall people have to keep bending, which is really inconvenient. The atmosphere was satisfactory overall, and it’s a good place for a restful break. 🙂

A nice spot in the Balkans, with the eco-trail to Bozhentsi starting nearby. It’s around an hour and a half’s walk at most. The house has the appliances you need and a TV in every room, but the photos are very misleading. You’d think you need to be under 1.60 metres to avoid hitting your head. There are three bathrooms with toilets, which sounds good until you try to take care of basic needs in them. Unless you stay bent over, a concussion seems guaranteed. The tavern comfortably fits no more than 7-8 adults. Any more and people have to squeeze together, sit on each other, step over one another, or jump around. The place could pass for a set from The Hobbit, and you’ll feel like Gandalf. Claustrophobia will be your companion during the stay. Take a lot of alcohol and a helmet, and if you can, don’t be taller than 1.60 metres. We’ve stayed in many much better places for this price.

The house is low and narrow, and you really feel it. Staying there is like taking a trip into the past: it’s kept its authentic beams, ceilings, floors, and stairs. The property is fenced, with a large yard that’s useful if you have children or a dog. It’s close to an eco-trail and a zoo with peacocks and other animals. I’d ask the owners to stay there for a few nights so they can see what’s missing and what needs fixing. The water is a major problem. You end up monitoring the pump and taps, and it’s impossible to shower. The oven is positioned in a way that makes using it a serious accident risk, with a high chance of getting burned. There aren’t enough dishes or glasses, and the yard furniture is in poor shape. The chairs wobble and feel unsafe, the swing is broken in the middle and unusable, and the garden loungers are broken too. These things can be fixed!

Vitanovata House looks beautifully restored, with its old beams, columns, facade and roof preserved, and the fenced yard is roomy enough for families, pets and small children. The setting is quiet, with eco-trails, the road to Zmeeva Dupka cave, Bozhentsi, monasteries and other sights nearby. There is parking, though getting in is tight, and a large car, jeep or camper may not fit. Some of the yard furniture is held together with makeshift ties and feels at risk of coming apart and causing an injury. The bathrooms, toilets and rooms are laid out sensibly, but the rooms are cramped, with beds leaving little space to move around. Doors and ceilings are low too, so anyone over 160 cm should watch out for exposed beams and doorframes. Water supply is another serious problem: beyond washing your hands, there isn't enough for normal bathing and hygiene. The hydrophore system can't meet even one person's use, let alone more than three. Basic utensils and cutlery are also missing. A few basic improvements could raise the rating, but the price is high for what's offered.