Hotel Belle Epoque Beach

The location worked well for our one-night stay before my daughter’s early flight, right opposite the harbour and close to restaurants and the beach. The room was clean and the bed comfortable, but it was very small, barely leaving room to walk around the bed, and awkward for two people to move about. It was just off reception, so anyone there could see straight in when the door opened. They provided a kettle and mugs but no tea or coffee. It was noisy outside all night, though closing the windows helped. The hotel advertised parking, but its underground bay was far too small, so we parked on the street beside it. Since we arrived around 6:30 p.m., we paid until 8 and then parking was free until 8 in the morning, which suited us as we left early. A longer stay could make parking a problem. I’d stay again for a night, probably not longer.

Hotel Belle Epoque is reasonably priced for somewhere so close to the beach in Varna, and it’s a short walk from the railway station. Still, the hotel’s whole idea feels muddled. You can hear beach parties through the night, but the hotel and its booking site are full of warnings against eating or drinking in your room, as though beachgoers and party guests aren’t who they want. The service was rude. Our train was delayed and we arrived half a day late, during breakfast hours. I thought breakfast was included because booking.com said so, but a rude woman refused to serve us since we hadn’t booked it in advance, then laughed while shooing us away. The photos on booking sites don’t look like this hotel at all. I’d choose somewhere else, even if it cost a few euros more.

Everything is within walking distance: the beach, park, bars and nightclubs, and the downtown isn’t too far either. It’s a small, pleasant hotel with an elevator. The outside of the building isn’t much to look at, but inside it’s brand new, and the rooms are clean and cozy. The staff were especially friendly, helpful, and kind. Breakfast got a bit boring, though, with eggs, fried sausages, and potatoes every single day. They did make pancakes every other day. I really enjoyed my stay and would recommend it. Thanks again to the staff.

This wasn’t professional. I paid in advance for a hotel that claimed to provide parking, then got a message saying spaces were limited and offering underground parking for €10. I agreed to pay, but then they told me the underground lot was full. When I pointed out that I’d booked a hotel with parking and still couldn’t get a spot, even for extra money, they told me to try public parking in Varna. That costs 3 leva an hour if you’re lucky enough to find a space. For 48 hours, that would be 144 leva (€75).