Sofia Hotel

The place looked lovely on our video tour, and we were ready to book it for our wedding this spring. My fiancé was there in person while I joined from another country. A date was available, so we asked to reserve May 22nd. Afterward, my fiancé filled me in on details I hadn’t caught during the call. We wanted an outdoor ceremony, but they don’t provide chairs, so the decorator we hire would have to arrange them. With all the weddings they host, that seemed ridiculous. Desserts weren’t part of the 950 uah per plate, which was fine. I planned to order our own and bring them, possibly from my fiancé’s aunt’s baking company. But we were told the bakery had to have certifications to ensure the ingredients were fresh, and that they could offer recommendations. We didn’t find that acceptable for our own wedding, and asked my fiancé to call back and confirm. She spoke with the woman handling venue reservations. As soon as she asked about bringing in outside desserts, the woman became very impolite and rude. The friendly manner from the tour was gone, replaced by a tone that seemed to say, “How dare you question our policy.” She said the rule was for guest safety and to ensure the food was fresh. I could hear the disrespect in how she spoke to my fiancé, even over the phone. That treatment was the main reason I asked my fiancé to cancel. The venue would have cost around $3500 for about 100 people, and guests from my side who had nowhere else to stay would likely have rented rooms there too. When my fiancé called to cancel, the same woman asked why. My fiancé mentioned the desserts and certification rule, and the woman just said “ok” and hung up before she could explain how rude she’d been. I won’t accept being told what I can and can’t do at my own wedding, something that’s meant to happen once in a lifetime. Another business that wants the money can have it. Most of all, I won’t put up with disrespect toward my fiancé. Such a shame, we both liked the place a lot.

The staff were helpful, and we had a relaxing overnight stay. It’s close to the main road, with good accommodation and tasty food from the on-site restaurant.

The outdoor area is comfortable for visitors, and it’s a lovely place overall. There’s a good selection of fresh food, and the service is high quality.

We were on a date and sat inside; it was nice and cosy. The food was tasty and the service was good.