Hotel Varusha

The best thing about this guest house is the low price and its handy spot near the old city. I still wouldn't stay here again. It's a basic, unrefined place in an old four-floor building with no elevator, and the entrance is at the back. I had heavy luggage and back problems, but when I asked for help, the two women there told me to manage on my own. There was no breakfast, and payment was cash only, with no cards or electronic payments. I was staying six nights and didn't have enough cash on hand; the owner insisted I go get more right away, on a scorching 40°C July afternoon, saying she was "waiting for you." During those six nights, they didn't clean the room or bathroom, replace the towels or glasses, or bring more toilet paper when it ran out until I asked. The only regular upkeep was emptying the bin every two days. At checkout, I asked the elderly woman at reception to call a taxi to the bus station because I don't speak Bulgarian. She did it reluctantly, snorting and cursing. On other days, the gentleman at reception was the only kind person, always ready to help with his translator.

The staff were really rude. It's an old guesthouse, and they don't take cards. I'd try somewhere else.

The private parking was a real help, given the hotel is up in the high part of town. We had a large triple room, but there was no fridge, no bathroom amenities, and the broken shower sprayed water everywhere. Check-in was awkward too: they don't accept credit cards, and you check in at one place before having to find the hotel at the top of the hill. Some of this could be improved to make guests feel more welcome. I would have given it two stars, but the low price brings my rating to three.

The place was nice apart from a couple of problems. The WiFi was unreliable on our floor, and the water was shut off while my boyfriend was in the shower.