Hotel Rila Sofia

“Very good hotel in an unbeatable location”

Stayed for three nights in August 2024 as part of a trip around eastern Europe. Warm welcome received from reception staff who remained helpful throughout our stay and would politely field any questions asked without being overly friendly. Our room, one of those that has been renovated, on the seve… more

Stayed for three nights in August 2024 as part of a trip around eastern Europe. Warm welcome received from reception staff who remained helpful throughout our stay and would politely field any questions asked without being overly friendly. Our room, one of those that has been renovated, on the seventh floor, was spotless and comfortable with an entrance hall, a minibar area with fridge, complimentary teas and coffees and a Nespresso machine – always a nice touch. The balcony housed a table and two chairs and breathtaking views over the city, Palace of Culture and Vitosha mountains beyond. The air conditioning was first class and good free Wi-Fi included. The room was impeccably cleaned daily. The location really could not have been any better, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic sites including St George’s Rotunda and the cathedral of St Nedelya in one direction and the main shopping district, bars and restaurants in the other. Serdika Metro station was also just 2 minutes’ walk away. The one disappointment and improvement I’d suggest was the breakfast buffet which felt tired and lacking in quality. I felt sorry for the very helpful lady who appeared to be doing everything by herself. Getting it right would really elevate the hotel. I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending and would stay again, providing the breakfast was improved. A great value hotel in a perfect location.

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“Excellent location, well worth staying here.”

Location and service This Hotel is located close to all the tourist sites in Sofia. Within 3 to 7 minutes you can walk to everything. There are 2 sets of room, economy and deluxe. When we arrived I ask about the room, we were shown the two choices and went for the higher floor 7 remodel room. Whi… more

Location and service This Hotel is located close to all the tourist sites in Sofia. Within 3 to 7 minutes you can walk to everything. There are 2 sets of room, economy and deluxe. When we arrived I ask about the room, we were shown the two choices and went for the higher floor 7 remodel room. Which had a kettle, a bar fridge and a hairdryer. Hand soap and body wash was by dispenser. New white Towels with hotel crest, beds were comfy, view was beautiful. Elevators work just fine, yes it’s old, but have similar in many parts of Europe. There are two and we never had to wait more than few seconds. Staff were nice at all times, pleasant, welcoming and order taxi for you. Everything is clean. Yes there is restaurant and a club but noise did not bother us on the 7 floor. Washroom is clean and new. Lighting in the room was excellent and had reading lights as well. What we didn’t like. The hallway is painted black but I think it’s meant to be a dark green. Room is painted very dark as well, though around the entrance had a colourful wall paper. Apart from Holiday Inn, all hotels walls are very light coloured.

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“The rooms were dated, clean but dated.”

Checking in was slightly difficult and took 20 mins or so because the check in staff couldn’t understand that we had already booked a room and didn’t need one booking!! (We booked through Expedia so this was meant to make this process a lot easier!) The rooms were dated, clean but dated, my plug s… more

Checking in was slightly difficult and took 20 mins or so because the check in staff couldn’t understand that we had already booked a room and didn’t need one booking!! (We booked through Expedia so this was meant to make this process a lot easier!) The rooms were dated, clean but dated, my plug socket was hanging off the wall, there were nibs to draws loose, but overall it was “fine” I was happy with the bed, the shower wasn’t great but did the job, the TV actually had Netflix which I found out on the last day when playing around, which has bumped my review up a little bit. The location is great, it’s a 5 min walk from Serdika Metro station and a 5 min walk from the main boulevard. All of the sights are within 15 min walk, Lidl and Carrefour within 5 mins, you can get a metro from T2 Airport to Serdika which takes approximately 20 mins. (If you land at T1 you’ll need to get the shuttle bus) — The view from the balcony was beautiful, I will attach pictures, the mountain range and the little square looked lovely in the mornings. They had renovated the lobby area to be modern and luxury but the rooms are still dated, I noticed some furniture that is clearly new so maybe they have started renovating them bit by bit. Overall 3* — if you’re staying for a few nights I recommend this hotel, purely for location.

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