Studio Berlin golden beach

The rooms were clean, service was excellent, and the food was great. The buffet had a good balance of vegan and non-vegan choices, and there was also an a la carte restaurant. We liked the hotel for what it is, and Bulgaria is reasonably priced in general. Meals were split into two one-hour sittings. You get a green or blue bracelet depending on whether you eat early or late, and you can't come during the other group's time. That may suit a couple, but with small children it feels like rush hour since they take time to eat. Meals shouldn't have to be timed like a military barracks. The hotel advertises a gym and indoor pool, but neither is there. It does have a spa, though it's not included even in the gold all-inclusive package, and you have to take a bus to get there. That's a hassle.

By my fourth and final day, I was itchy all over and had red spots on my skin. I checked under the sheets and mattress and found live bedbugs moving around. When I called reception and spoke to a manager, they offered to change the sheets and, if I insisted, the mattress. I asked for another room because this one needed sanitizing. After I said I would call the National Authority of Consumer Protection, they got defensive and tried to blame me. They offered no other solution, so I had to move into my friends' room. The problems had started on the first night: the sheets had a hole and stains. I left them on the floor to be replaced, but came back to find the same sheets on the bed. When I called room service again, I watched the cleaner remove them and throw the blanket on the floor in front of me. She seemed offended that I asked her to change everything again. The towels were dirty too, and reception took three attempts to find me a clean pair. There was also a smell in the room, ants even though we were on the 6th floor, and wasps on the balcony. The toilet at reception, the only one accessible from the beach, smelled of urine 24/7. Worst experience of my life. The staff and rooms were despicable.

For the price, the value felt fair, and the quiet, relaxed setting seems better suited to families with children or older guests. Younger people may find little to do at the hotel or nearby. The staff were kind and willing to help, but almost nobody spoke English, making it hard to get information or ask questions. The area around the hotel often had an unpleasant smell. Rooms were clean, though old and in need of renovation. The food looked varied at first, but only a few options were really good, so I often ate the same things each day. The fruit was fresh and fine. Beer was very light, and there were just two or three cocktail options.

The beach bar and beachfront location were good. Parking cost 100 euros for 7 days, and there was no medic at the hotel. It's at the edge of the resort, and there are four buildings under the same hotel, so groups should take care when booking. All-inclusive meals run in two shifts, which means you can't eat whenever you want.