from Southampton,UK, 12 August 2009, 12:38

Comment: Hotel Bulgaria is superbly placed, within easy walking distance of the main shopping and dining areas of the new town and the tourist sights of the old town. It's tricky to locate by car - especially if you're coming from the South of the city - as it's in a pedestrianised area, and it has very few dedicated car spaces. There is a secure car park a short drive away but this is closed from 17:30 to 08:30. From the outside the hotel looks attractive and modern, but this is deceptive. We had booked a standard room and this was tiny, dark and in desparate need of refurbishment. To be fair, it contained all essential facilities but we found it very depressing. The shower was in a wet room which would have been fine except that a toilet and wash basin had been squeezed into the same limited space. After one night we asked for an upgrade and moved to a luxury room which was very spacious and comfortable, with a good sized bathroom including bath and shower - although it was similarly in urgent need of refurbishment. The towels in both rooms must have seen 20 years service and the pillows were a strange shade of yellow (although the pillow cases and bed linen were fine). Breakfast was served in a gloomy basement, and although there was a perfectly adequate cold buffet provided, it was only replenished very slowly - so if you are not an early riser it's a matter of luck what there is available when you arrive. The butter was consistently rancid on each of the four mornings we were there. The reception staff were excellent, with a very high standard of English and always smiling and willing to help and explain. Overall, with the convenience of the hotel's location, we would give a qualified recommendation - but only based on having a 'luxury' room.All reviews