Hotel Samokov  

Perched at about 1,300 m in Borovets and surrounded by pine forest, this alpine hotel sits steps from the gondola lift and minutes from Borovets Ski Resort and Tsarska Bistritsa. It’s roughly a one-hour drive from Sofia and a good base for nearby mountain highlights like Seven Rila Lakes and Malyovitsa.

Alpine-style property with 262 guestrooms, many featuring balconies with mountain views, minibars, flat-screen or satellite TVs and bathtubs. Rooms feel classic and comfy; expect practical touches like refrigerators, desks and complimentary Wi‑Fi.

A full thermal and spa complex — hammam, steam bath, Finnish sauna, Kneipp pool, sea-salt foot baths and relax area — plus an indoor swimming pool, gym, beauty centre and hairdresser. Playful extras include a bowling alley, billiards, table tennis and an arcade, plus a nightclub and poolside Barbecue Terrace. Wake up to mountain-view balconies and pine-scented mornings; ski-in/ski-out access makes it a solid choice for winter stays.

Conference centre and meeting rooms, 24-hour front desk, complimentary wireless internet in rooms and public areas, free self-parking and laundry/dry-cleaning services.

Panorama Restaurant serves a complimentary buffet breakfast and buffet dinner plus an à la carte menu. The poolside Barbecue Terrace offers grilled specialties and fresh salads, while a lobby bar, sports bar and pool bar keep cocktails and cakes on hand. Local flavours feature on the hotel’s menus and limited room service is available.