One of the few Bulgarian resorts that works all seasons. It is located in the PirinNational Park. The natural area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the state. Bansko – an ancient Bulgarian city – is located at an altitude of 900 m above sea level at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Hotels are designed for people of different classes. There are inexpensive guest houses with apartments and luxurious 4, 5-star complexes.
On the slopes there are 18 tracks with branches, a fan park and a halfpipe for snowboarders. There are 3 main ski areas:
- Shiligarnik – designed for professional and experienced skiers, slalom competitions are held here;
- Chalin Valog – training trails for beginners;
- Banderishka Polyana is an expanse for cross-country skiing.
In the summer, some lifts continue to work, and hotels meet fans of mountain tourism and mountain biking. In August, an international jazz festival is held.
In your free time in and around the city, you can visit:
- Church of the Holy Trinity built in 1835;
- house-museum of the Bulgarian poet Nikola Vaptsarov;
- Neolithic monuments;
- thermal springs.
Hotels in Bansko have a large number of rooms. Families, companies and solo tourists come here for the weekends. They know that they will always find a place to sleep according to their needs.
Hot Springs Medical and SPA
It is located in the village of Banja (5 km from Bansko). The complex consists of a main building with double, junior suite, luxury rooms and villas with 3 bedrooms. The interiors, decorated in a classic style, are complemented by carpets and colorful paintings. Spa facilities include a sauna, Turkish and steam baths, and massage rooms. It features 3 mineral water pools. For children organized a play area, club, swimming pool with slides. There is a farm next to the hotel. Organic products are used in the preparation of the restaurant’s dishes. Breakfast is served buffet style. For adults, there is a lounge area with a lobby bar. The nearest ski lift is Bansko Gondola Ski Lift, 7 km away. A shuttle service is available to the ski slopes.
“Great bath complex. Remoteness from the center of the resort is unlikely to be suitable for young companies, but for a holiday with a family – this is the most successful option. Children’s leisure activities are designed, adults can use the services of a tour desk at the reception and visit local wineries. Free parking. It’s a pity that you can’t come with animals. Otherwise, everything is fine!”
Katarino SPA Hotel
An authentic complex, in the interiors of which natural wood, stone and brickwork are used. In the buildings there are double rooms,junior suites and apartments. For those wishing to live separately, there are villas with 2 bedrooms. The owners took care of the organization of leisure activities for guests. For them there is a bowling club with 4 lanes, a billiard room, a modern spa with medical procedures and beautician services. On the territory there are swimming pools for adults with mineral water, saunas of different types, steam baths with panoramic windows. Free private parking is available at the electric car charging station. For children – club, 2 playgrounds, swimming pool with mineral water. Ski equipment can be rented at the rental service, and there is a free shuttle bus to the ski lifts. Breakfast is served in the Katarino Restaurant. Closer to lunch, another restaurant Menanato opens. In the evening, both offer an à la carte menu. It is possible to order “ultrapension”. The complex is located at the foot of the Rila massif, 2 km from the town of Razlog.
“For the third time we come to Bansko and stay at the Hotel Katarino. It is a beautiful place and comfortable in all respects. In bad weather, there is always something to do. We relaxed in the sauna and the children played under the supervision of the staff. We did not use the ski bus, as we arrived by car. We took full board so as not to think about the nutrition of children. It’s convenient» Svetlana
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena
The 5-star hotel is the only one in Bansko with direct access to the ski slopes. It is located in the center of the resort, the gondola lift is located opposite the entrance. The fund consists of 157 rooms. Of these, the main part is double. There are also junior suites, suites and one presidential suite. There are 2 on-site restaurants. Breakfast is served at the Gallery and themed buffet meals are served. Come Prima specialises in gourmet cuisine. The chef has assembled an international team of chefs ready to surprise guests with exquisite tastes with their masterpieces. In winter, another restaurant Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki Grill opens. It features a huge spa with swimming pools. saunas (Finnish, herbal, infrared), baths, cosmetology rooms, hot tubs, a unique snow room and a therapeutic area of complete detoxification. Staff look after the children free of charge during their games at the club. The building is equipped with a ski storage room, and guests are given SKI passes of VIP class.
“We lived in a junior suite. It offered mountain views. It is comfortable and cozy, you feel welcome. It turns out that you can come here with animals. Next time we’ll take the dog with us. Barbecue-style parties are held on Fridays. It’s delicious and fun” Ilonna, Israel
Hotels in Bansko are located away from the slopes and ski lifts. Kempinski will be a good choice for those who do not want to spend time on trains in ski buses.
Family Hotel Nadine Family
If 5 stars are not quite affordable, then you can consider a cozy family hotel,which is located 300 meters from the municipality of Bansko and 1.7 km from the nearest ski lift. Single, double, family rooms,suites and apartments are decorated in a rustic style, something reminiscent of comfortable sanatoriums of the Soviet period. Breakfast is served in the morning, there is free parking, sauna. It accepts pets for a fee.
“Nice apartment (family room); comfortable; parking in front of the building (hotel staff paid for parking as we forgot about it); very good breakfast (much above average); walking distance to the city center, the main square, the Old Town; a car trip to the mountains did not cause trouble” Andrzej, Poland
Amira Boutique Hotel
400 meters from the gondola lift is a large hotel complex. Its modern design and amenities are highly appreciated by visitors. Studios, double rooms and apartments are available for accommodation. Superior rooms have a jacuzzi. The restaurant serves breakfast, a spa with swimming pool, a terrace, a children’s playroom, a storage room for sports equipment. Payment for the transfer to the lower station of the gondola is not charged. Car rental is available.
“This hotel exceeded my expectations – the staff is very professional and helpful. They complimented us and upgraded the service to the level of a studio (we rented a double room). It was very cozy and comfortable, there were free toiletries and everything was clean and sparkling. From the balcony there was a magnificent view of Pirin Mountain. The restaurant offered a hearty and delicious breakfast. The spa was very nice, the pool water was warm and very nice, the jacuzzi was fantastic. I highly recommend this hotel, it has everything you need for a perfect stay!” Maria, Bulgaria
Family Hotel Nadejda
Featuring a well-kept courtyard, the guest house is located in a densely populated area of Bansko. To the ski lift – about a kilometer. The owners focus on accepting couples, offering single, double rooms,maisonettes, attic and junior suites – all with extra beds. The kitchen specialises in local organic dishes and breakfast is served in the morning. Lunch and dinner can be found at christie Restaurant, which is a stone’s throw from the hotel. The resort centre, shops, market and entertainment venues are a 5-minute walk away.
“Very convenient location. We were satisfied with the proximity to the center and did not tire of walking to the ski lift (on foot – 900 meters). You can get there by car, but the gondola has paid parking. We went to the village of Banya, there is an excellent spa center, for food – in the village of Razlog, there is cheaper and the choice is greater. Thanks to the hosts and their son for the tips» Nikolay, Ukraine
Family Hotel Dzhangal
On the pedestrian street of Bansko, 800 metres from the ski lift, there is a quiet, family-run hotel. The interiors of the rooms and apartments are full of wood and home textiles. The hosts can enjoy a breakfast of local dishes. They opened their own tavern, so there will be no problems with lunch and dinner. Nearby there are restaurants and cafes, shops and a supermarket. The apartments are equipped with kitchens. Sauna facilities and barbecue facilities are available for a fee.
“Beautiful place, very good location. The room is cozy and clean, great mountain view, breakfast is delicious, and the host is very welcoming and helpful” Paul, Romania
Hotel Gazei
Just a 5-minute walk from the ski lift to a small hotellocated in a quiet area of the city. The owners are glad to large companies, preparing for them three and four-bed rooms,lovers and couples, travelers with children. For them there are double rooms with an extra bed and a suite. The family tavern is ready at any time to feed delicious homemade food, the quality of which can be appreciated during a common breakfast. Free parking is provided and warm hospitality is guaranteed. For relaxation there is a sauna and Jacuzzi.
“The hosts are always ready to help with any issue. I had a room with two balconies facing different sides. I liked the location of the house away from the noisy center. To the ski lifts go 7 minutes in a slow step. Church in 5 minutes. Breakfasts are soulful, filled with folk flavor. Lunch “At Ivan’s”. Huge portions – a real test for the stomach. The hotel is suitable for those who love a calm home environment and relaxation” Igor, Israel
Bariakov Family Hotel
The four-storey hotel is 400 metres from the gondola lift. In this quiet area like to settle tourists with children, lovers of local cuisine and good Bulgarian wine. Not only roomsare prepared for everyone, but also a well-thought-out system of leisure activities. For children and beginners there is a ski school. instructors are provided. Baryakova Tavern serves local cuisine. Staff periodically arrange wine tastings, which gather tourists from other hotels and locals. The staff is extremely attentive to the requests of vacationers. Here they will help to organize guided hikes, trips to the Rila and Christmas monasteries, excursions to attractions. Facilities and barbecue areas, a sauna and massage services are available.
“Hostess Veronica creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and hospitality. Delicious breakfasts, comfortable beds, beautiful view from the windows. Parking spaces are free. In my opinion, Baryakov is the best value for money in Bansko” Nikolay
Kap House Family Hotel
The guest house with attic is 100 metres from the ski lift. There are no apartments in the fund, but there are family rooms,two, three-bed rooms and suites with extra beds. The peculiarity of the hotel is that the hostess agreed with other points of the resort to provide discounts for their guests. Guests from the suites enjoy free use of the spa, all are provided with a 20% discount on massages, a place to store ski equipment indoors near the lift. There is a tavern in the hotel. Breakfast is included in the payment of accommodation, the rest of the time the restaurant is open on the menu, offering local cuisine.
“Loved the location. Near the center, ski lift, a huge number of restaurants, cafes and bars. I used the services of a sauna and a masseuse. It’s great!” Marina, Bulgaria
Hotels in Bansko are very different in cost and level of comfort. Kempinski looks the most attractive. 5 stars, a lift within walking distance and plenty of activities in case of windy weather. Fans of country holidays in the natural area can be advised Katarino SPA Hotel.
