Sunny Beach Bulgaria Review
Posted by Michael on Friday 23rd January, 2009
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Summer is coming! If you want to go to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria but are unsure about the place i will fill you in. I was there in 2007 and from what i have heard from others, not much has changed about the place. I wrote a review on a different website last year, so i will put some points up from that.
Hotel
The hotel i was in, The Majestic, is probably the best in the area. Huge place, more of a complex than a hotel. Private section of beach (not that it matters, its all sand! 
) and more facilities than you would need including conference rooms, shop, spa, gym and its own tatoo parlour. The bad things about this hotel was the distance from nightlife and the food. The majority of the hotels run along the beach front, and the Majestic is at the far end of that. It was about a 15-20 minute walk to the nightlife, but there are plenty bars on the way 
The rooms are amazing, i was in a residance, which you can buy.
) and more facilities than you would need including conference rooms, shop, spa, gym and its own tatoo parlour. The bad things about this hotel was the distance from nightlife and the food. The majority of the hotels run along the beach front, and the Majestic is at the far end of that. It was about a 15-20 minute walk to the nightlife, but there are plenty bars on the way The rooms are amazing, i was in a residance, which you can buy.
Nightlife
As i have said there is lots of nightlife, places like Disco Orange, Grabarna Buss, Mania, Lazur, Corner Bar, and more. Drinks are not too cheap! People have the impression that all drinks are cheap and you will spend next to nothing. This is NOT true! Some drinks like local beer, cocktails and shots are cheap, if you want to drink those then it maybe cheap. Drink anything imported like Smirnoff vodka, Redbull, branded beers like Budweiser or Stella and it is not as cheap as you think. Prices are ‘holiday prices’ which is maybe a little bit less than in Newcastle (or England) but not a large amount. However buying Alcohol at the supermarket is cheap. You can buy bottles of branded vodka and it is very cheap in comparison to the UK.
Eating out is not expensive and there are many places you can go. On the beach front there is kebab stand after kebab stand selling chicken kebab and chips. The meat is very thin and you dont get much, same with the chips. You basically get scraps from most the stands. Eating in restautants is not expensive and the food is very good. There are also neumerous McDonalds around Sunny Beach.
Trouble, Fights, Prostitutes and the rest
The biggest worry of people is trouble in Bulgaria. You probably have heard of people getting beaten up, prostitutes everywhere, stealing, beggers and the rest. It is all true. However, noticing any of this depends on you to some degree. If you are going with a group of lads and act like you are “the boys” and be cheeky, play up or whatever, some people may not take to kindly to it and you might have problems.
There are prostitutes and if you are going with other men then its likely you will get approached, this will happen alot. If you are going with a women (i.e. a couple) then this probably will not happen.
Its fair to say if you are a girl you will probably be alright. If you are a man however it could be a different story all together 
Bulgaria is hit and miss with people. I know of some who love it and go back year after year. Others will not go back. It all depends what you want in your holiday and what you are into.
UPDATE
You can see some of my pics by clicking here
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Hiya, I’m going with my 3 friends this July. Where all 18 year old girls and just want a nice relaxing holiday but with good night-life.
posted on Monday 25th January, 2010 at 17:23After we booked this holiday and told people where we were going we were getting the feeling that we made the wrong choice and are now regretting booking it and are trying to find a different place. We heard that lots of people get their hotel rooms robbed and also get abusive things shouted at you by prostitutes! We are really dreading going
Do you think we’d be safe going?
Write back please
Hello Amelia,
I cant really say “you will be safe, or you wont be safe” because things could happen in sunny beach, or if you went to greece or magaluf things could still happen. Also, i went 3 years ago, it may have changed a bit, i doubt it though.
What hotel are you in? Mine was amazing, the best hotel i have been in.
The nightlife is good, but i always felt a bit on edge, it didnt really feel safe, maybe because i have heard all the stories about people getting beaten up for no reason, most places had heavy security (even mcdonalds), a prostitute came upto me and i was walking quickely because i was in a bad mood, and as soon as i got to mcdonalds she disapeared…Its like they had an agreement with the prostitutes that they can do what they want with the tourists on the streets but keep out of the business, e.g. my hotel had a few security guards, not really seen that before! Most the prostitutes are around the square, where corner bar is etc.
But all of that kind of stuff is directed at the men, so i imagine you would be fine.
You will also get people trying to get you into their restaurants in the day, and bars at night. People try to sell you fruit on the street, i wouldnt recommend buying it! And also the odd begger, even children. Keep an eye on your money!
So is it safe? well i wanna buy a new camera, and if i went back here i think i would leave it at home and take my old one :p Also, i never wore my watch (its d&g), i only wore it the day going and the day coming home
Its really the kind of place where you dont really wanna draw attention that you may have some money…And speaking of that, if people tell you its cheap (buying alcohol in bars) it isnt really! 
If you wanna know anything else let me know
posted on Monday 25th January, 2010 at 18:59Hey Amelia,
I am also heading over in July. I am coming from Australia and have no idea at all what to expect.
When in July are you going?
posted on Monday 3rd May, 2010 at 5:40Hiya.
posted on Monday 3rd May, 2010 at 19:31Me and lasses are going to sunny beach at the beginning of july. We have heard so many different stories so not knowing what to expect. But im sure things will be fine well we hope! Went to zante last year end there was plenty of begging going of there so that will be nothing new for us.
Were staying in the marina hotel! So if any of you are going at the beginning of july look out for us yorkshire birds lol.
Hey Julia!
Thanks for reading my blog
I was in Sunny Beach Bulgaria in the summer 2007
Are you sure that your hotel is in Sunny Beach and not Sunny day? I did a search and it come up Sunny Day.
What airport are you going to? (bulgarian airport)
Girls are treated better than the men, girls dont fight or get beaten up
posted on Monday 3rd May, 2010 at 20:29Hi Michael
posted on Monday 3rd May, 2010 at 21:08No worries!!
Yep the mariner on sunny beach. Were flying to the Bourgas airport.
Aye i hope so. Just a little worried that the mafia run it don’t they? :/
Yeah Bourgas is the airport for Sunny Beach, its tiny!
The mafia run some hotels (or are involved) and some bars and clubs etc.
It will be fine for you, you’re a girl, its not like you have to worry about getting attacked or the prostitutes
I uploaded some pics of where i was, my hotel etc. You can see them here:
http://www.michaeladams.eu/summer-lovin-bulgaria-sunny-beach-2007/
I was further away from the action, thats where the some of the better hotels are. Still walkable to the main parts of the nightlife.
Its very multicultural, if you like that kind of thing (i do) you will enjoy it more; Lots of Scandanavian, German, and Russian holidaymakers; I would say more than English.
If you ask people what its like and read reviews etc. they are all really mixed…I have been, I had some good times, nothing bad happened to me, but i dont think i would go again
posted on Monday 3rd May, 2010 at 23:48i have lived in sunny beach for long periods of time through necessity not through choice i would not reccomend anyone to come here ignorant locals for most part,fake money dealers on main square and nessebar, gypsey prostitutes everywhere trying to rob you ,shoddy fake goods bad roads little or no pavements hotel food pretty pathetic and not as cheap as you think for food or drink .Only one decent restaurant i can reccomend de jannys in centre of sunny beach otherwise most pretty poor i dont know who gives star ratings for hotels but most are 1 or 2 stars below what they quote going by international standards .In case you are wondering i have visited some 10 european countrys and with the exception of romania this as to be one of the worst!! Holiday here?NO, NO ,NO NEVER AND YOU WONT EITHER IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSE !!!
posted on Monday 10th May, 2010 at 2:05Hey, Thanks for reading my blog David
If its so bad why are you staying there!?!?
Its bad i think, but nothing bad happened to me, and nothing happens to lots of people, but some bad things do happen to people more than the usual holiday resort.
The thing about Sunny Beach/Bulgaria is that people dont know what to expect when they go, because there are so many mixed reviews.
Its true what you say about the cheap souvenir shops selling tat, they are littered in Sunny Beach, same as the “Kebab stalls” on the beach front, and you usually get scraps of meat and chips. But if you go to a proper restaurant its not so bad, i went to a few, most were alright.
My hotel was amazing, and the best part about it. I have already said that before, there are a couple of great hotels, but obviously a few cheaper ones that arent the same standard.
As for the locals, they were hit and miss. The odd few were good, talkative, typical nice workers abroad. Some on the other hand were ignorant and not friendly.
posted on Monday 10th May, 2010 at 19:45Hey Julie, im also staying at the Mariner (yes Michael it is in sunny beach, -its new tho- lol) 5th July for 2 weeks! looks out for the 3 Hull boys dressed as girls
posted on Friday 2nd July, 2010 at 14:22Hi, can you tell me if there are public payphones available and if they are easily found? Just I don’t fancy taking my iPhone out there!
Thank you,
Laura
posted on Wednesday 7th July, 2010 at 22:56Hello Laura,
Thanks for reading my blog
To be honest i cant remember, i am sure there are, and there may be some in your hotel. I wouldnt take an iPhone either! Maybe get a cheap mobile and take that!
posted on Friday 9th July, 2010 at 13:15Hi everybody. I’m bulgarian and when I read this topic i’m like … LOL
The idea not to bring ur iphones is good but all the rest… u have so much worries that im not sure what kind of holiday is it to you… 
ofcourse there are bad things that can happen to you (sounds chilling…) but that can happen to you everywhere everytime…
posted on Saturday 17th July, 2010 at 14:031. there are telephones in sunny beach… and they are easy to find – on the main alley right next to the sand and even if you dont find them or dont remember where they were when you need them … just ask!
2. jeez like you’re goind to jail… just be cautions but dont overdo it ok? ur on a holiday…
hey me n two of ma gal pals r goin 2 sunny beach on the 30th july n r stayin at the mariner hotel any advise lol n is there any bother from the russian mafia with the tourists a got told the men over there r like turkish men lol thanks
posted on Tuesday 20th July, 2010 at 0:16hey danny random question but r bulgarian people friendly n do the russian mafia mix with the tourists
posted on Tuesday 20th July, 2010 at 0:19Thank you for reading my blog Danny.
Overdo it? Most people who read here are English and always overdo it!
Hello Stephanie,
When i was there i found the locals a bit hit and miss…I met a few which were cool, but lots gave strange looks like “oh its them western europeans” kind of thing. They WILL try to rip you off if they think they can get away with it….I got one of them pedel taxi things, arranged the price of 20LEV before we set off. We got back to the hotel and he decided “no that was the price per person”.
posted on Tuesday 20th July, 2010 at 10:33Hi Michael!
posted on Tuesday 10th August, 2010 at 3:48I’m soon gonna go to SB…I’m planning to book some hotel room…do you have any experience on how they behave if you try to bring someone in, let’s say for the night?….say you get lucky..shall i book double-room ahead, or complete waste of money?!
Some-places I’ve been at they’re mad strict about that….so ya know, better safe than sorry….
thx
Hello Sonny,
I think this will be different for each hotel. My hotel would never know, there were so many doors you could go in, and also 99% of the time everyone used the back of the hotel to go in since thats where everything was, so nobody could tell, plus it was huge, so it would be hard to tell.
I dont quite understand what you are doing…Are you gonna get a single room for yourself and then bring a girl back? It would probably be fine but that depends on the hotel. Also, if hotels are very strict, then it doesnt matter about room size, because if you get a double room its still only just for you, a random girl would not be “staying” at the hotel, if you know what i mean. You cant get a room and “book a girl in” for yourself
I am sure it would be fine though.
Michael
posted on Tuesday 10th August, 2010 at 17:01Hiya we have been back from SB a week now …. we stayed in the Hotel Ivana Palace which was about 5 mins walk from the main bit!!! Great beaches and water was warm and ok. Kids loved it … In the hotel we were paranoid as maid was not friendly and complained there was blood on the sheets!!! well that was from my little girls loose tooth where she had dribbled in the night
The reception staff were great and said no problem. The SB promenade was ok but did feel a little seedy at night girls dancing on tables seductively!!! Much to my 10 and 13 yr old lads amusement lol. Went in the Victoria Palace hotel WOW if went back would stay there!!!! Wouldnt rush back but it was a great break and lovely and hot!!!! Oh and Thank you to Micheal the doc who helped my middle son when he had the ear infection from the pool like most others 
there were lots of comments going round about the Russian mafia ?????? Bit scary eh ?
posted on Friday 20th August, 2010 at 14:55Oh there were gypsies too children as we crossed the road from hell which my kids enjoyed givin the very small change too awwwww poor things!!!! Gave it straight to their parents who were smokin lol Wondered if they were anything to do with the horse and carriages ?
posted on Friday 20th August, 2010 at 14:58Glad you had a nice time Kirsty, i think the Victoria is the one next to the one i was in, 2 massive hotels
posted on Friday 20th August, 2010 at 19:27I think some people are losing the plot a little. Have ye ever been on holiday before. I have an apartment in Sunny Beach and go back year after year. I have never seem anything nasty. Yes there are the odd person begging down towards the Nessebar, but you would find the same anywhere in the world, Spain,Turkey, even Italy. Yes, it you are drunk and are walking alone, you’ll probably get robbed, do you think it wouldn’t happen to you in Spain or Ibiza, think again! Anything nasty that I have seen in all my years holidaying involved drunken English people thinking that they owned the place. Sunny Beach has lovely beaches, nice restaurants and the people are ok. Imagine them coming over the middle of Liverpool or any of the big cities, what would they think of us! Go enjoy you holiday, the beach, the warm water, and just look after yourself like you would in any other county – including your own.
posted on Monday 11th October, 2010 at 14:37Hello Emma,
Thanks for reading my blog
I am amazed if you havent seen anything nasty and live there, I was only there a few weeks and i did, also heard lots of things which happened, and lots in the News; People being killed etc.
You are right, bad things can happen in any country you go to, including your own. But to say that Bulgaria is the same is wrong. You have to watch yourself and be careful so much more than other places you mentioned.
Bad Things
I didnt think the beach was all that great, floating green shit, not good! Also beggers on the street, thought the day and night, not good. People trying to sell you dirty fruit when being out though the day, not good. Prostitutes bothering people, not good. You dont get ALL of that in one place very often, i have been to many countries and those bad things arent there, yeah there are some bad things, but not one after the other after the other.
p.s. Paying for toilets aswell…Its just wrong!
posted on Monday 11th October, 2010 at 17:07Michael,
Me and my mates are planning on heading to SB for a ‘lads holiday’ next June for 2 weeks – we’re pretty much planning on having a real good time i.e, sun, alcohol and girls. There’s 6 of us going, from Scotland we’re all 19.. Is this a risky move? Or is everyone over reacting in relation to the apparent trouble which seems to be easily kicked off, and the theft etc.
Anyway, great blod – cheers!
Stefan
posted on Monday 6th December, 2010 at 21:36Oops, I meant ‘blog’ lol
posted on Monday 6th December, 2010 at 21:37hey Michael,
nice review i have a few questions. I am going to Sunny Beach next July with 4 friends one who is male, three who are female. we will al be 18.
to be honest we are only going for the night life, can you tell me what is the best club and like the safest club because i am alright i just want to look after the three ladies we are going with.
thanks, Ryan
posted on Monday 3rd January, 2011 at 18:00i have been to sunny beach a few times now and i love it there ,yes there is danger but as in every country you take care , sunny beach is less dangerous than london there are parts of london i would not like to walk alone at night ,i feel people are adding a stigma to bulgaria ,in my times there i have never had problems i found it safe to walk around even at night ,i am a male and yes there are prostitutes but i found if you tell them your money is in hotel safe they leave you alone ,sunny beach is a nice place for a holiday ,if you are planning on going then please dont be put off by bad reviews , you will have a good holiday ,as it has been said on here before if you go looking for trouble you will get it , the police take no no shit from anyone but they will protect you ,go to sunny beach enjoy your holiday forget any bad press you may have heard ,
posted on Sunday 9th January, 2011 at 16:04sorry forgot to mention girls will have no problem’s there but i would recommend as in any country girls do not walk alone at night this is just a precaution ,
posted on Sunday 9th January, 2011 at 16:09thats a good review tom
still, If it were me, and I wanted to go on holiday then I wouldnt go back.
why? It is just not safe. Safer than London? Well of course there are dangerous places in london you wouldnt go to, but that is just the thing, you know about it and stay clear. Sunny Beach is not the safest choice, but “bad things” can obviously happen anywhere (UK or abroad).
Sunny Beach is definately one of those places where you will hear a horror story from 1 person and “the best holiday ever” from another.
IMO it doesnt offer a draw for someone to go…Its not cheap despite what you might hear (in terms of going out drinking), and like lots say including me, its not the safest place on earth, its not exactly “Western friendly”. Food and supermarkets are pretty cheap.
The best thing I would say is what I have always said, if you stay in an expensive hotel like I did then it is worth the money, my hotel was the best I have stayed in (I have been to turkey/Malta/Netherlands/Cyprus/hotel in UK/ and Spain a huge number of times.
Michael
posted on Sunday 9th January, 2011 at 17:12After reading all the above posts i would like to say that i have been going to SB by myself and with my family (wife and 3 young daughters) for 15 years now and i have seen a lot of changes. Yes it is mafia run but in order for them to make money they have to try and provide a secure and safe resort, i have witnessed the beggars, prostitutes, fruit sellers etc but if you just go and enjoy yourself you will have a great time, the locals are welcoming (most of the time outwith the gypsies who are just poor and beg or try and sell u fruit (beware of the price and avoid) but u get beggars in every major city. As for getting attacked and robbed again it’s just common sense, the police look heavy handed but they are there to help if u should need it. I have made a lot of local friends over the years and i would recommend SB to anyone, just don’t walk about with a large crowd of males at night causing trouble and u will be fine. The prices for eating out and having a drink are good 1.5lev to 4 lev for a pint of lager =75p to £2 depending where u go ( i recommend D Janns or the Condor near the market) as others have said always haggle especially with taxi drivers as they will try and rip u off, but u can always use the wee trains that runs about the resort for a few lev or the buses even cheaper, anyway just go and have a good time and stop worrying about all the negative reviews. Shit can happen anywhere i live in Glasgow Scotland where people are attacked every week of the day (myself included lol) but am used to my city. So forget all the negative reviews and go and enjot SB.
posted on Saturday 15th January, 2011 at 21:19Hey I was reading how you went to Bulgaria, sunny beach. It sounds pretty cool me and my best friend are going away for the season in May. Where do you reccomend cheap to stay and near the night life? x
posted on Sunday 16th January, 2011 at 19:50Thanks for reading my blog.
I wouldnt call it “Safe and secure” myself, If you are a young person (18-25) you may get away with some things in say Magaluf or Ibiza and wouldnt here. Maybe it is better than 10 years ago but it doesnt make it good.
I have wrote lots here already so wont repeat myself. Dont ignore the bad reviews though, dont think “it wont happen to me” yeah bad things can happen anywhere but thats not really a good selling point. We live in a western society and Bulgaria is still very Eastern.
posted on Monday 17th January, 2011 at 15:19This was a very good review to read.
posted on Monday 17th January, 2011 at 16:27My boyfriend and I are staying in the Hotel Juli (18-30 hotel) in June for a week, I’ve read in its reviews that they take your passports upon arrival in case anything is broken when you leave- is this common practise out there!? I’m not very comfortable with handing over the only ID which would get me home at the end of my stay…
Are the problems with prostitutes/pickpockets really as bad as some online reviews make out? Thomson never made us aware of any of these things when we booked, so it is slightly worrying to read about now!
Hey Michael,
posted on Wednesday 19th January, 2011 at 23:51I;ve just booked up to go on the 24th June 2011 woth 9 other lads. Would the term safety in numbers be relevant her because we can all lopok after ourselves or is there a big chance of us being in trouble with the locals?
Also, is the nightlife as mental as Magaluf and Ayia Napa etc or a bit more toned down?
Cheers, Josh
Hey Josh,
I wouldnt say its as mental as somewhere like Malia or has that reputation, malia and magaluf has the rep for tourists fighting each other, drunken brits etc. Sunny Beach is more of locals beating up tourists, robbing them, prostitutes etc. It doesnt happen to everyone obviously, but it happens.
Brits are more of a minority, plenty of russian, german, scandinavian, other europeans though. I like that, some may not.
Its not really a case of safety in numbers, its about how you are, what you look like, how you act, just like anywhere really. If you are all rowdy drunk and they think you’re taking the piss you may have problems.
Michael
posted on Thursday 20th January, 2011 at 19:45.hello everybody, i am bulgarian living in uk.i do not like some of the comments!!!!!!!!!! sounds like nothing is right in my country.if you are looking for trouble you will get it!!!!BULGARIA is safe place to go.as for the restaurants pay more and you will get better food(logic).bulgarians are not ignorants we are nice and very tollerant people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!thanks to the people that gave good reports about BULGARIA!!!!!to the bad reporters i can recomend to sit down and read a bit of the BULGARIAN history before judging everything and everybody!!!!!!
posted on Thursday 3rd February, 2011 at 23:10Hello Anna,
Personally I have only written what I have found. There are many bad things here you wouldnt find in a western resort, paying for Taxi’s and being ripped off is one example. Paying to use a toilet in a bar or club is another. I could go on. I am sure it has come a long way from the past but I didnt go 20 years ago, and “improving” doesnt mean good.
I do think its unfair to say anything bad about ALL the people in general. There are some bad people out there, but I did have a couple of convasations with some nice Bulgarians.
posted on Friday 4th February, 2011 at 16:05Hi,
posted on Sunday 6th February, 2011 at 20:29I’m going to Sunny Beach, and staying in Victoria Palace on the 10th June 2011, just wondering if anyone has been and stayed in this hotel, and what their thoughts on it are. I’m also wondering how the money is there, to work out spending money for the holiday – I’m away for two weeks but all inclusive so wouldn’t be eating out much.
Hey Diane,
Thanks for reading my blog. I was in the Majestic, I believe that the Victoria Palace was the one next door?? Check my pics here:
http://www.michaeladams.eu/summer-lovin-bulgaria-sunny-beach-2007/
Is that it, on the left?
Its not as close to “the middle of things” as other hotels, when we went out we walked to bars/restaurants/shopping/etc. but got a taxi back (at nights).
For money I found it like most other holiday resorts, not “super cheap” as people were saying.
Michael
posted on Sunday 6th February, 2011 at 21:13Hi
i am going to Sunny Beach for a week 11th July 2011 with 2 friends we are aged (27-30 all girls) We are staying at the meridian hotel. anyone know what it is like?
I am a bit worried after reading some of the reviews about hotels getting robbed, getting robbed in the street and beat up etc. Is there a lot of this type of crime in bulgaria or just the odd case. What is the crime like compared to somewhere like barcelona as it was bad there but I never seen anything.
Im a bit worried about hotel getting broken into, does this happen a lot?
posted on Tuesday 8th February, 2011 at 16:46Also is it safe to walk back to hotel at night from the nighlife – how close is it to the meridian hotel?
posted on Tuesday 8th February, 2011 at 16:48hello,
I am sorry I dont know where that hotel is. You could try looking on a map or reading a review of it.
Michael
posted on Tuesday 8th February, 2011 at 21:52Hi Angela
posted on Sunday 13th February, 2011 at 8:47You will be fine at the Meridan it is centrally located so you are close to the nightlife and also next to Nessebar. Have a nice holiday.
Here is a link >http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/16150-Sunny_Beach-Meridian_Hotel-Holiday-Review.html
Hi Everyone
i stayed at the Sunny Day Club Hotel in July 2010 and i did not experience anything terrible like some of you have reported. I didn’t see any prostitutes or any crime and the people were all lovely. There were a few beggars but you get that ANYWHERE… in fact EVERYWHERE. I actually lost my boyfriend one night after i stormed off after a row, and i was wandering around the resort, quite tipsy trying to find him, and i didnt feel unsafe at all. Hotel staff, tourists and locals alike were all more than happy to help direct me back to my hotel.
The night life out there is always good, lively bars and clubs, and lots of lovely cheap restaurants.
As long as you keep your wits about yourself- just as much as you would anywhere else you will be fine. I mean theres no excuse to cause drunken disorderly behaviour no matter what country you are in.
I hope you all enjoy your holidays. I am returning there for 2 weeks in august staying in Hotel Sredets.
Thanks.
posted on Friday 18th February, 2011 at 15:40Hi there, my boyfriend and his mates all are in relationshipds except one and there all off to bulgaria borovets on saturday the 5th of march, im so worried that something will happen and he’ll come back to a a not happy girlfriend…me… are they asking for trouble and get lured into all these sex bars or isit just a myth.
posted on Thursday 3rd March, 2011 at 11:55thanks
Hello George93,
This is about the holiday resort in Bulgaria, Sunny Beach. I think Borovets is a ski resort in the mountains.
Michael
posted on Thursday 3rd March, 2011 at 12:14hi! 8 welsh boys ages 18-19 just up for a laugh for a first boys holiday! we are staying in summer dreams and would like to know if the hotel if full of familys or a bit of both young people and familys?
posted on Sunday 27th March, 2011 at 18:03Michael….I think youre over reacting a bit regarding all the negative points…youve mentioned yourself that you stayed at a expensive hotel so i’m going to assume youre more used to luxury holidays and nice western holiday destinations etc…now ive been going SB every year for 3 years and im 21 and ive never had a problem. obviously if youre looking for trouble you will find it but SB is no different from somewhere like Magaluf etc…ive travelled to over 30 countries and SB doesnt even rank in the top 20 for dangerous places. there are beggars and whores etc but who cares they are only broke they mean no harm. it seems as if youre just a bit posh and not used to a beach holiday that isnt Barcalona or Barbados :p……in all honesty people its a lovely place and anyone with a bit of common sense will have no problems. its a bloody holiday for god sake..looking at how worried some of you are no wonder you need a holiday!!!!
posted on Monday 11th April, 2011 at 4:36Hey Shaun,
Thanks for reading my blog. Well if you have went on 20 holidays more “dangerous” than Sunny Beach it doesnt say much for those 20?!! Also, I never claimed it was one of the most dangerous places on earth or anything like that.
I am going off my own experience, people who I personally know, and what I have read
Saying Sunny Beach is the same as Magaluf is wrong, .) its completely different culture, and the locals arent as easy-going on tourists as the Spanish who are used to “drunk brits” for example. The beggers and whores line is funny, who would want that on their holiday?
I am not posh, I have been to other places which in my opinion are better e.g. Cyprus and Turkey. Its a holiday, I wanna chill, I dont wanna worry about people hassling me to buy fruit in the street or kids begging or taxi drivers ripping me off. Its all well and good people saying things like “its ok if you dont look for trouble” and things like that, its partly true, but also innocent people get caught up in trouble.
I know, I know, I know its been said above many times… “you can get trouble anywhere”
p.s. Barcelona has really high crime rates in tourist areas, and I wish I was used to beach holidays in Barbados
Michael
posted on Monday 11th April, 2011 at 13:48I’m off to SB at the end of May. Staying in the Majestic. I’m sure it will be fine. Me the wife and our two boys aged 4 and 8. Just want a nice hotel, Nice beach and decent food. Not looking to party the night away just chill. Cant wait! I’m sure it will be fine!
posted on Tuesday 12th April, 2011 at 16:47I was in the Majestic, it is a really really nice hotel, it was the best part of my holiday
p.s. If you like to sunbathe by the pool and the hotel is busy you will have to get up very very early to get a sunbed.
The food wasnt the best, sometimes warm at best, the odd staff member wasnt friendly but other than that it was great, i’d go back to this hotel every time if it were in a different resort
The rooms were just amazing for the money, I have spent more in the past for a far lesser room 
posted on Tuesday 12th April, 2011 at 18:44Michael. Strange question….Can you flush paper down the toilet or is it binned?
posted on Wednesday 13th April, 2011 at 9:11Strange question……Can you flush paper down the Loo in The Majestic or is it binned?
posted on Wednesday 13th April, 2011 at 9:22You can flush it down the toilet
posted on Wednesday 13th April, 2011 at 15:25How did the Majestic prices for food and drink compare to the local bars and cafs?
posted on Thursday 14th April, 2011 at 15:40Hey,
Its one of the better hotels, and the prices at the bar reflect that, there were cheaper bars around. Also, when I was there they had 2 for 1 cocktails at the bar near the pool after 5pm (i think) which made it cheaper. I remember the local beer (forgot the name now) was around the same price as the stella, but I cant say much about the bars outside because I drink vodka and Redbull which isnt cheap at the best of times
Restaurants outside were reasonable, as were shops. You will find the beach which faces the back of the hotel (that is the exit/entrance everyone uses unless you want a taxi) is a big strip of kebab stands, more or less one after the other. It was good at first, but it does get very old very fast
Scraps of chips and chicken kebab meat.
But the whole myth about it all being cheap isnt true, maybe it once was, I found it the same price as most beach holiday resorts. Dont go thinking you will get imported bottles/spirits in bars/clubs dirt cheap, it wont happen. Its not expensive by all means, but its not super-cheap which is what people were telling me when they were there.
posted on Thursday 14th April, 2011 at 23:09Thanks Michael, Your Blog has been very helpful.
posted on Friday 15th April, 2011 at 9:21Hi, your blogs have been very useful. I am going to SB in August with my family including a couple of kids (8 in total) Never been there before and these reviews scare me a little. I am open minded and do not tend to carry valuables and large amounts of cash around with me where ever I go on holiday Spain, Turkey etc, so common sense is needed. We are staying in the Evrika, anyone been and whats it like?
posted on Tuesday 26th April, 2011 at 13:23Hello Tracey,
Thanks for reading my blog. Lots of what is written may not be relevant to people going on a family holiday, e.g. you may not be going out to bars and clubs, or going out late/early hours of the morning.
I cant say anything about your hotel as I wasnt in it.
There were a big mix of people when I was there, i.e. families, young groups, couples, etc.
Which parts of the reviews scare you?
posted on Tuesday 26th April, 2011 at 15:31hi michael ;the young people on this site will be scared out of there wits instead of enjoying a great holiday in sunnybeach ;whitch they will if they go and enjoy themselfs;all this talk about mafia getting beat up not taking i phones ; bulgarian people are brill and proud people;if u look for trouble u get it no matter where u are; i have a feeling that u dont like bulgaria for some reason;but let people enjoy there holiday ; dont have them going on there plane with there heads full of brocken bottlels; been to s.b many times and have flats there;sorry for going on but its like something out of the news of the world paper; oh whitch country is that paper from;;; john
posted on Saturday 30th April, 2011 at 20:07hi tracy; hope you all enjoy the holiday; bulgaria is an up and coming holiday country; not the finished artical yet; the street vendors try it on so dont use them and they will dissapear ; would michael leave his wallet sticking out his pocket in his home town; and yes they flush toilet paper down the loo;they dont in some holiday resorts that michael has visited.
posted on Saturday 30th April, 2011 at 20:29Hello John,
Thanks for reading my blog.
I just give my honest answers about questions. I dont buy the “its an up and coming holiday resort”, you are already making an excuse for it. How long can it be “up and coming” for anyway?
I dont know why you are making it personal towards me, plenty people above have said their piece which wasnt positive, aswell as the other thousands online.
“would michael leave his wallet sticking out his pocket in his home town”
posted on Sunday 1st May, 2011 at 18:45No, but Michael would use an iPhone or camera or something in a bar or at night, I wouldnt wanna carry something like that around in Sunny Beach on a night.
hi micheal; im not making it personal; just trying to say if we all think that everybody is going to get robbed ;get jumped on by a prostitute get our phones stolen ;we would all just stay in our lovely hotel rooms nothing personal michael just the facts of life in 2011; john
posted on Sunday 1st May, 2011 at 20:04Nobody said thats so its alright
posted on Sunday 1st May, 2011 at 20:17Thanks to you both for your comments. I find all aspects of these blogs useful. As I have said there will be 6 adults (who are all 30′s and 40′s) and 2 x 11yr old boys, so although we won’t be out in the middle of the night clubbing (I wish) we will be out in SB at night as we all are fun loving and enjoy a good night out. I have already heard about the prositutes, trannies and street traders, so I am a little concerned, but as long as you are careful and don’t carry valuables for everyone to see, we should be OK. But like I said, it does concern me somewhat, but I have found these blogs even more useful and feel that I know alittle bit more about my future holiday than before. I’m still looking forward to it though – just very open minded!!
posted on Tuesday 3rd May, 2011 at 13:05One question…..Why Bloody Beach at the top of the page?
posted on Tuesday 3rd May, 2011 at 15:56If you are in a mixed-family then you should be fine, the most hassle you may get is people trying to get you into their restaurants. going as a group of 21yr old lads may be a different story
In reference to bloody beach, thats what many media/people called it when I was there, a tourist was killed, from Denmark as I recall. I think lots of tourist operators had stopped holidays there calling it “unsafe”.
p.s. If you have kids there are a few McDonalds there. They probably want to know that
posted on Tuesday 3rd May, 2011 at 17:30I really dont know whether I’m dreading going now! I’m off to Lanzarote in July and Ibiza in October so if SB turns out wonky at least I have 2 other hols!!
posted on Wednesday 4th May, 2011 at 8:50I wouldnt be dreading it. In my opinion I did not feel very “safe” and always had to think about things just that little bit more, be a little more aware of my sorroundings etc. which isnt what I want to do, its supposed to be a holiday
Your staying at the majestic, its an amazing hotel, I couldnt really say much bad about it other than the food being warm and not hot sometimes, the odd staff member wasnt the most friendly, and I doubt you would get a lounger by the pool.
You will have to come back to my blog and write a comment of how it all went
posted on Wednesday 4th May, 2011 at 13:29Hello
I have just booked for next June 2 weeks at the Aqua Nevis Clubhotel located on the west side of sunny beach 500m from the resort centre according to the brochure. This is where the big water park is located.
posted on Sunday 8th May, 2011 at 23:21I am taking the wife and two kids aged 8 & 10.
Apparently the hotel is new for 2011.
My wife is getting herself into a bit of a worry as she has been reading this blog.
We are going all inclusive so for the most time we will spend our days & prob nights at the resort.
Naturally we will want to venture out to the beach and see the local area at some stage.
Its a long shot but has anyone seen this hotel? is Sunny Beach a place for family’s? I wouldn’t take my kids to San Antonio in Ibiza as its a full on party resort…can the same be said for SB?
I realise that you could find trouble anywhere if you went looking for it. Please put my mind at rest
Thanks
Brad
next June, like 2012? Wow thats booking up early!
There is no real “west side” I dont know what they would mean. Sunny beach is on the East coast of Bulgaria, and the strip runs north-ish to south-ish (obviously cant run any more east, you’d be in the sea
) It sounds like you will be quite close to resort centre.
It is true Sunny Beach is quite a party place, I think it will depend on whereabouts your hotel is, where you wonder at night to see how much of a “party place” it is. If its a cheaper hotel closer to the nightlife maybe it will attract more younger people? Its hard to say.
posted on Monday 9th May, 2011 at 21:30Yes me too at the Aqua Nevis next year. I cannot find any more info about the hotel or where it is. If you find out anything, will you let me know
posted on Thursday 12th May, 2011 at 16:41Hi Michael,
I know it was a while ago you went to Bulgaria but I was wondering if you or anyone else knows if it is better to change your money when you get there?? I’ve heard not to go to the dodgy exchange places and know to use the crown but I’m finding it hard to find the current exchange rates on the net for Bulgaria. I’m thinking you’d probs get a better rate over there but would rather find out before I fly 13th june. thank you.
posted on Wednesday 25th May, 2011 at 13:09Rich
There are new pictures of the Hotel on first choices website…looks good. We shall see. Our friends have booked the same holiday so should be good.
posted on Wednesday 25th May, 2011 at 18:02Hello Michelle,
I cannot really give much advice about changing your money over there, since I didnt do it. I heard about only using crown exchanges. As for the rates, maybe they will be a little better over there maybe they wont, I wouldnt let that bother you, the rate differences are hardly anything unless you get thousands and thousands; e.g.
post office £1000 = 2069 LEV
Travelex £1000 = 2093 Lev
(those were todays prices, they will change!)
So that is only 24 lev difference on £1000, which is only around £12; Obviously getting less money means less difference.
Remember the golden rule of “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”
Michael
posted on Wednesday 25th May, 2011 at 22:57hi, me and my friend are going to Sunny Beach this July and were wondering how busy the resort is in the evening (near the hotels as opposed to in the centre) ?
posted on Sunday 29th May, 2011 at 22:42As 2 teenage girls, we worry about the journeys home in the evenings, would you advise to get a taxi?
thankyou
hi guys ,, i am going to SB with 2 friends from leeds to morrow at 7 pm 30/jun so we really look forward to it and we staying in imperial hotel ,, i sany one else going there and any one know some thing good or bad about there thnx
posted on Sunday 29th May, 2011 at 22:54oop is any one i mean sorry ,,,,,
posted on Sunday 29th May, 2011 at 22:55Hello
Sarah, the resort was busy when I was there, I probably will be in the peak season. It depends where your hotel is, some are close to the main bars and clubs and some are not. If you get a taxi remember to agree a price before you set off.
posted on Sunday 29th May, 2011 at 23:12Dispelling the Myths……………
I was in Sunny beach last week from 23 May and got back on Monday 30th May.
I stayed in The Majestic which is superb. It has an excellent pool for the kids starting at nothing and slowly getting deeper on a shallow incline. The food was great and the whole hotel experience is one of the best I have ever had. Only complaint was that the windows in the room opened fully with no restriction and they could not be locked. They opened out directly onto a drop down to the floor. Toddlers and children could easily open these and fall straight out onto the floor below and there are 9 floors! We were on the 6th! I had to tie both handles together for peace of mind with having a 4 year old. Sunny beaxh IS still cheap compared with the Eurozone and even cheaper than the UK. Some bars are cheaper than others with lots having 2 for 1 offers. In one bar we got 4 rum and cokes, 2 white Russians, a kids cocktail, a bottle of water, a pizza, nuggets and chips, 2 burgers and chips and 2 pints of lager for £35! The area we stayed in to the north of Sunny Beach is a lot better than the resort centre which is more your Benidorm type thing. We only ventured there once and it was during the day. It was ok though, your usual resort for the young revellers! Would have been me 20 years ago! Ha. We saw no Mafia, No prostitues and no trouble but like I say that was during the day. Nessebar was nice but you get hassled every step to buy trinkets for £2 a necklace. Just politely decline or they will swarm on you! The weather was brilliant. 23 degress every day but felt a lot more. Always sunny! I was concerned about the weather as the internet sites were always saying cloudy or Thundery! We had a bit of cloud but it was nothing really! Overall——–Would I go Back? Most definately yes but I would have to stay in the same area in the same hotel or one nearby. There were about 5 hotels in this area which looked top notch!……I was really concerned about going to Sunny Beach after reading this blog but after going and seeing it for myself and can reccomend it for Families staying in ione of the better hotels. I cant speak for the others in the centre of Sunny Beach as I would imagine they would not be as good.
Lanzarore next in July!!!
Cant wait.
posted on Wednesday 1st June, 2011 at 9:44glad you had a good time
posted on Wednesday 1st June, 2011 at 19:51Hi Michael, Im 36 year old male, thinking of moving to sunny beach to work an live, im slightly concerned about property being broken into, how is the place out of season? I just want to do what im doing now, which is working an living but abroard, its just the propertys are so cheap to buy
Chris
posted on Monday 6th June, 2011 at 21:49i just came back from sunny beach and i had great time ,, hotel , restaurant , room , food . staff ,,,and every thing 100% perfect i cant wait to go back ,,,,,,,,,,
posted on Monday 6th June, 2011 at 22:09Hey,
I am sorry I have no idea about what its like out of season. If you are going to live there you would probably be better off going for a holiday after the holiday season to see what its like. Also learn Bulgarian
Good Luck
posted on Monday 6th June, 2011 at 22:33Hi
posted on Thursday 9th June, 2011 at 9:32Can I go to the beach (or pools) topless or it isn’t possible???
Yes you should be able to go topless; The pools may differ depending on the hotels.
posted on Thursday 9th June, 2011 at 20:37Me and my pals are over on sun, have it large all the way from west london! ain’t having all this scaremongering about mafia this and that we’re 24 hour geezers and won’t stand for any gypsy shit! D’you work for Thomas cook or something? cos i’m not sure if your spouting?!?!
posted on Friday 10th June, 2011 at 7:44R.I.P. Wacko
posted on Friday 10th June, 2011 at 9:04Wacko sounds like a nutter ! we are going over ( 20 of us to be exact ) on sunday aswell. wacko do you want to be my personal bodygaurd ? Essex boys on tour and anything wacko can do we will match !!!!!!!! whats the drug situation like out there michael ? shall we take our own bugle or can we get plenty over there ?
posted on Friday 10th June, 2011 at 20:39you should say no to drugs
posted on Friday 10th June, 2011 at 20:58Hi Michale,
We are 10 Liverpool lads going to SB for a stag do. We wont be dressing up in fancy dress as to not offend local custom and traditions.
Instead we will be sporting our everyday casual wear that boasts black and pink shell suits and trainers with smart curly hair do’s and the odd one or two of us may even sport a handsome moustache for the ladies
Do you think we will be OK in SB, is it any worse then say Toxteth on a Saturday night?
We was thinking of hiring a car but are worried that the locals may steal the wheels…what do you think?
posted on Monday 13th June, 2011 at 21:20hi scouse ,, you will be ok dont worry about any thing , i came back in S B 2 weeks ago then i was worryed like you , but evry thing went 100% perfect just go and enjoy ,,,,,,,,
posted on Tuesday 14th June, 2011 at 2:48I and others 3 my italian friends go in SB in july hotel Chaika..can you tell me how
posted on Tuesday 14th June, 2011 at 17:02how what ?hhhhhhhhh
posted on Wednesday 15th June, 2011 at 0:22hey folks me and my mates are headin to SB on 15th july and stayin at mariner for 2 weeks, there are 11 of us and all lads aged between 19- 22 and scottish anyway just wanted to get some up to date info of evrything lol prices food drink hot spots and wat are the best things to do when out there and wats the best clubs ? im plannin on takin 1000 pound ? will this be enough to last me 2 weeks ? any help or info would be very helpful
posted on Wednesday 22nd June, 2011 at 1:50Hi im going in july with 11 friends all boys. How much are the prostitutes?
posted on Tuesday 28th June, 2011 at 13:28Get a girlfriend, They’re free and disease free to boot!
posted on Tuesday 28th June, 2011 at 16:10Hi ppl. I’m going to sunny beach 11th July 2011 and i want to take my bank card, what are the ATM machines like if they is any lol. Thanks
posted on Tuesday 28th June, 2011 at 17:33I think that people should remember that this was a review of Sunny Beach in 2007…..with respect Michael, you are most certainly no expert on Sunny Beach and yet you are giving advice 4 years after your holiday??
Sunny Beach was a very different place in 2007, remember it was only on 01 Jan 07 that Bulgaria joined the EU, a massive amount has changed since then
If people want proper up to date advice then they should ignore this and look at forums like tripadvisor with people who have been recently and can give really accurate advice on the resort, your information actually had a bit of relevance in 2007 but is way out of date now!
posted on Wednesday 29th June, 2011 at 8:13You are right, but just because it is old does not mean its irrelevant. There are things which may have changed, but also things that havent. The initial review is about my time in 2007, but I know people who have been since, I have read other forum and website reviews, and those are as mixed now as they were when I was there. If you didnt go in 2007 but you do now how do you know it HAS changed?
As far as what I have read I wouldnt say the reort has changed from 2007 to 2011.
I am not an expert on Sunny Beach, never claimed to be, and never really gave much “advice” per-say, only told of my experience there and what I have read and heard from others; Advice I have given (e.g. about exchanging money) has no difference of the date or even where you go, Sunny Beach or not, just general holiday tips.
From what I read elsewhere there are still beggers, people being ripped off, prostitutes, fights, people thinking it was more expensive than they first thought; Those are negatives, and I am still reading about them. I have also read in other places most people liked the hotel I was in, just like I said, and they complained about the exact stuff I did. So I am thinking that hasnt changed either, even after “4 years”
Michael
posted on Wednesday 29th June, 2011 at 9:29I visited Sunny Beach on the 23rd may 2011 for a week with my best friend and have to say we had the most fantastic time! We stayed in Iberostar Tiara Beach hotel which was an excellent choice, the only downside to it was we had to walk 20mins to get to the main strip (flower street) but it was nice to have a quiet retreat away from the nonstop action in the main part after a heavy night out! & we did manage to catch the little road train for 3lv which was so fun, felt like the Queen as everyone was waving as we went past ha!
We did experience a few issues with men over there making inappropriate comments or having our bums groped! However We never felt in danger and met so many lovely people, both locals and of other nationalities which totally outweighed the bad ones.
Yes you do get hassled alot to buy things including food, drink and souvenirs, we found having a laugh with them worked best, i.e replying with silly answers etc..made them laugh & leave us alone (prob thought we were a bit crazy!)
Didnt get anything stolen, I accidently left my blackberry in the hotel lobby and returned to my room, once I realised it was gone I thought I would never get it back, but the barman at the hotel had handed it into reception which proves the point that not all people are out to get you..or your belongings!!
Never experienced any violence, Im sure it does occur as in any place, perhaps we were too drunk to notice!
So I guess to sum it up… DONT BE PUT OFF BY THE BAD REVIEWS! we had a fantastic time and the pros definitely outweight the cons! As for your personal safety, I’d say common sense prevails!, chill out, relax, sunbathe, drink, and have a FAB time!
Any questions, dont hesistate to ask!!
posted on Monday 4th July, 2011 at 23:07Hi Ellie
Me and 3 of the guys are away next week. We are all early 30s but still enjoy the club scene etc. Just wondered if you could tell us the average price of drink in levs (in pubs as opposed to ‘clubs’) and also if you could recommend any good places to go at night. Do you have the full range of beach activities you might get in the Balearics, for example (jet skis, para sailing, watersports etc)
Many thanks in advance!
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 3:48All the usual beach activities going on. Not sure about the drink prices in the main area of Flower St. I’m too old for that now!! From what I experienced though its still a lot cheaper than the eurozone and the UK.
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 10:27PS Watch out for the Jellyfish! There were loads. I’m not sure if they sting. I trod on a dead one and nowt happened!
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 10:28I just googled. They are Moon Jellyfish and they dont sting humans!
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 10:33Thanks Charlie.
This to all – We are staying at Marack apartmenthotel – anyone got info on this?
We are from Glasgow – really can’t imagine SB to be any hairier than Sauchiehall St at 3am on a Sat night (Magaluf and San Antonio were completely tame by comparison!)
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 15:27Hey John.
in the pubs you can get a beer for like 2-3 lv and they are like the big tankard glasses which is cool, cocktails were buy one get one free pretty much everywhere and they cost around 10lv, so if you split that 5lv for each glass.
International brands like corona etc are quite expensive so id avoid those if you dont have much cash. Jager bombs were around the same price as here, We didnt have alot of spending money so took advantage of the all inclusive in the hotel and stuck to the cheapest drinks so mostly the local draught beer!
If you like live bands, there was a place called the funny pub which we went to first for a few drinks and seemed to have a band playing every night. theres loads of little bars which are alll pretty good. as for clubs we mainly seemed to end up in iceberg, probably beacuse we got free entry before 12 (because we are female). if you do go there make sure you find a promoter in the street as they hand out a voucher for a free cocktail!,
We did notice jet skis along the beach but didnt enquire about them as we thought it would be quite expensive.
Hope this helps
posted on Thursday 14th July, 2011 at 15:47Hi,
We going for two weeks in high season on self catering basis. We will eat out everday and plan to have a good couple of weeks. Can anyone estimate how much we need to take?
Thanks
posted on Saturday 16th July, 2011 at 20:08Just been reading through the comments on here and i’m glad to hear that the locals/mafia do not take kindly to Brits on the piss waving their knobs about. Sounds like the same as anywhere, if you act like Ricky Hatton in Birmingham Town Centre there will be a Floyd Mayweather round the corner. Show me a place thats blissful paradise and trouble free and i’ll show you a tourist board thats full of shit. As long as you respect those around you and their culture the chances are you will have a good time…simples!
posted on Sunday 17th July, 2011 at 19:58Nobody can estimate how much you need to take, it depends how you live for the time you are there (where you eat, where you drink, what you drink, buying other things etc. etc. etc.)
posted on Sunday 17th July, 2011 at 23:17Just got back from Sunny beach after a weeks hol (10-17july), so glad i never read these reviews before i went or i would of been worrying, i have been in many different countries on holiday and can honestly say i absolutely loved it and cant wait to go back hopefully before sept when the season ends the weather is fantastic and it cools down on an evening so its not stuffy, bulgarian people lovely and helpfull, you can shop around and get a pint of lager for 1 lev or pay 3 – 4 lev its up to the individual if they want to shop about same with the food. Mc donalds was the most expensive i have been too, i got 2x happy meals for 20 lev. Our hotel the sunny beauty was not on the beach but was only about a ten min walk away it was only 3 star but when we arrived and went into the appartment it was really nice and would definately recomend it, i also had a little look in a few more on the beach to get prices and an idea of what they are like for our return and i found the hotels were all of a high standard compared to other holiday destinations, all in all very impressed, never seen no beggars, prostitutes or any trouble at all.
posted on Monday 18th July, 2011 at 0:14hi im going to sunny beach on the 22nd july 2011 with my husband we arestaying at the hotel pomorie ive read a lot of bad reviews on the pomorie and sunny beach and to tell you the truth im so scared about going ti be quite honest im petrifed!!:(( somebody please put my mind at ease…. the only thing iv heard its great for clothes is this true? and what designer labels can i find???
posted on Tuesday 19th July, 2011 at 10:24Kerry not sure about your hotel but as for SB in general stop worrying. It’s fine! I was there in June this year. Reading this you would think your going into a Mafia Run prostitute ring! Its so not like that!
posted on Tuesday 19th July, 2011 at 10:53To be honest if I heard loads of bad things I wouldnt of booked; That’s why I havent had a holiday in Afghanistan yet, I hear its not a nice place to be
I would also be careful about buying fake designer goods (from any country). Customs are clamping down on people bringing in such things.
About the reviews….
You have to understand that its different types of people going on different types of holiday who have different opinions, so they will do different things and see different things. The same for people saying “its cheap” or it isnt…Try buying a bottle of Corona or Bud, A Vodka and Redbull or something like that in a bar/club and tell me its cheap
The most worrying thing is I suppose is that the reviews are so mixed, Even since I was there in 2007 there are still the same good and bad reviews.
posted on Tuesday 19th July, 2011 at 14:08Sunny Beach has developed hugely over the past few years due to its popularity. If it was as dangerous as is being incinuated on here the resort would have faded long ago.There are also a high number of Brits who have purchased holiday apartments in the area. This would not have occurred if there were these massive concerns over safety. To compare a holiday destination with Afghanistan is well…. Also try nipping into any city centre club in the UK and order a Vodka & Red Bull..you’ll get ripped off every time.
posted on Wednesday 20th July, 2011 at 10:45I was being sarcastic about Afghanistan obviously
People are buying places because its cheap, simple as that really. I actually had a look (online) at some and there were some amazing looking places in sunny beach to buy for anywhere from 25 – 40k which is super cheap; To buy something similar in Spain would be 100k+ I would tempt me…..(i wouldnt, but i’d be tempted 
)
Vodka and Redbull is expensive pretty much anywhere, that is my point…People say that SB is cheap, but if you drink imported things (like many do) then it can be just as expensive as the UK, Spain, Greece, or anywhere else
It was not expensive, it was just “normal” which some call expensive because they have an obsession that a holiday should be cheaper than home for some reason. Some people actually think they will be able to get branded spirits like Absolut or Jack Daniels in a club and it will be a few quid.
On the other hand, if you drink cheap things then it is cheap; But you can get that anywhere too if you know where to look; Somewhere here in the UK were doing 2 cocktail jugs for £10 which was good.
Alcohol in supermarkets is cheap for sure, if you wanna buy it, have drinks in your room and then go out late that would be something. Personally i’d rather go out for the duration of the night.
I dont really go on holiday to go around all the bars and restaurants to see which is the cheapest, I go to where I want to go to, wherever is good
posted on Wednesday 20th July, 2011 at 16:35Going here on the 2 sept for a week. Going on a club 18-30 and staying at the Juli hotel (was meant to book mariner but it sold out
) Does anybody have any experience of the 18-30 holiday over there or of the Juli hotel would be really appreciated
Thanks
SW
posted on Saturday 23rd July, 2011 at 17:28I too am going to Aqua Nevis Club hotel in June 2012, new hotel, And I am going as a single parent with 2 children under 10! I will stick to the hotel and not venture too far out as the last thing I need is harrassing although I usually just say no thank you very firmly and walk on. I always purposely book family friendly hotels so that all the entertainment my children need will be on site. Previously took them to Salou and this year Turkey, Maybe see Riich or Brad and families there.
posted on Monday 25th July, 2011 at 17:36Karen
Don’t want to worry you but it looks like the Nevis Hotel hasn’t even been built…yet.
Go to Tripadvisor.co.uk and look up Sunny Beach – Aqua Nevis Club Hotel forum.
Also been trying to get info from First Choice with no luck.
posted on Monday 25th July, 2011 at 21:01Here is the link to the post on Trip Advisor:
click here
If I were going to this “hotel” I would be very worried, judging by what is written. I have read other reviews about people going to new hotels (including the one I was in) and I wouldnt wanna be a guinea pig according to what they wrote.
I would advise going to the people you bought the holiday from and asking them whats going on, I wouldnt rely on what they say either; They are salesmen at the end of the day; Remember that this is your holiday and you are paying money for it! On the upside there is lots of time, but i’d be thinking of alternative accommodation if it were me.
posted on Monday 25th July, 2011 at 22:30I have booked to go to SB with my husband and son aged 7. I did a lot of research online before I booked, but now doubts have crept in.
According to this website, sunny-beach-bulgaria.com it sounds the ideal place with waterparks, jetskis, pirate ship adventure tours etc.
I am more worried about my son seeing things he shouldn’t (trannies, prostitures, beggars etc.). Timeshare touts and people trying to get you into a bar or restaurant are everywhere in every resort and to be expected but I would like to know if anyone has gone as a couple, with a young family and experienced any of this.
My idea of a holiday is to go and explore, not be confined to the hotel or to dash back to base before 8pm!
posted on Tuesday 26th July, 2011 at 23:08Hi Hazykay
posted on Friday 29th July, 2011 at 2:13You have no need to worry about your time in SB, I have been going for over 15 years with my family and the resort is fine just ignore the beggars and fruit sellers simply shake your head and say no thanks and u will be fine. The prostitues only bother single guys not a family on holiday. i think Michael needs to go a few more times ( or grow up a bit with all his negative comments) as this is putting people off.
SB is a great family holiday if u have booked 3* accomadation or above, so go and enjoy.
negative? Or true?
As for the comments etc. you mustn’t read much of what others do write, or even what I have; Different people do different things on holiday regardless of where it is; If you are 50+ or a family and don’t go out at 2am then you may have a different view of SB to others who do.
I have been, I have read what others have written, and its not a place I would want to go back to. That is my opinion, if you don’t agree that is fair enough
posted on Friday 29th July, 2011 at 8:58Thanks Colin, my mind has been put at ease.
Michael, everyone is entitled to an opinion and you have given yours. Some people may not like it, but it is, at then end of the day, your opinion. Some people love it and return year after year some won’t go back.
I’ll go, make the best of it and I too will have an opinion when I come back.
The world would be a boring place if we were all the same
posted on Sunday 31st July, 2011 at 21:01You are right
But people shouldn’t going with false hopes of things, there are many people (who have comments here and many others) who like it, have a great time and have no problems. If you are ignorrant to some things that is upto the person; I don’t need to go into them again. I never said you cant or wont have a good time, only pointed out some things which I did not care for, lots are facts as well as opinion
posted on Sunday 31st July, 2011 at 22:38Michael, I hope you don’t think I was having a dig at you, I was just saying that some people seem to not like what you have said.
You have many points which are so true, not everyone likes the same thing, one man’s meat is another man’s poison as they say.
Thanks for the blog, it has been very informative and I have now gained a little insight into Bulgaria which I didn’t have before
posted on Wednesday 3rd August, 2011 at 14:22Sunny beach its a real shithole they hate anyone who speaks english its just a place for a russian
posted on Thursday 4th August, 2011 at 15:07to act like they are someone …
Hello Hazykay,
No I dont think you were having a dig. People can like, dislike, believe or not believe what I have written, I have been and experienced it, and given my thoughts. Many things are down to opinion, many are facts like I have said. There are beggers, prostitutes, mafia presence, fruit sellers, having to pay to use toilets even in bars which you buy drinks in, people looking to rip you off, hassling to get into bars/restaurants and so on. You can choose to ignore the “bad” points if you like, its upto the person.
There are some good things, its cheap in terms of hotels/getting there, I have already said mine was amazing and have zero complaints, probably the best hotel I have ever been in. Supermarkets and restaurants are quite cheap, and a cheap drinks on offer if you go to cheap bars and drink cheap drinks.
I had some good times there, I cant say it was terrible or “the holiday from hell” because it wasnt; but I doubt very much I would go back, I did not feel I could relax at times, its like I had to think just that little bit too much, which I dont want to do, I’m on holiday!!
For me it doesnt offer anything I couldnt get elsewhere.
Derek, I found the locals hit and miss; Some I talked to and were really cool, mainly the bar owners/managers etc. lots of the people at “staff” level did seem a bit hostile at times, but I did talk to a few who were friendly.
Michael
posted on Thursday 4th August, 2011 at 22:04Hey guys,
But then again, dont you expect these people to cause any harm. They just like to look respectful.
I am from Bulgaria to be more exact. I think I can be quite helpful to all of the prospective visitors.
First of all, do you know who visits SB every single year ? The Manchester United superstar Dimitar Berbatov!! If he, who has the money to go everywhere in the world , in every hotel in the world, chooses to stay at Majestic in Sunny Beach, what else needs to be said ?
Yes, Sunny beach is mafia-run but who cares who is the owner of the hotel ? These people perfectly well realize that in order to make profit they need to be as nice with the visitors as possible. The restaurants are cheap and the night clubs are [b]not[/b] . For example, a bottle of Johny Walker Black Label at the typical night club costs about 250 lv (110 GBP)
About the gipsys , sadly almost nothing can be done. During communism (1944-1989) gipsys were afraid to look at a policeman because he had the [b]LEGAL[/b] right to beat the shit out of them for no reason. They were also afraid to go in public for the same reason and were [b]LEGALLY[/b] denied the right to show up at places with foreign tourists not to embarrass the country. Now, because of all that gipsy integration European union policies , they steal from people, from the country (electricity and water) , and no one can prevent them because it would be considered as discrimination.
P.S
There is a good chance you see more Mercedes and BMW and even Bentley cars at SB than in London. If you see someone driving such cars and he is short, skinhead with HUGE, and I cannot stress this enough, HUGE biceps, and HUGE golden or silver chains around his neck, he is a mob
About the locals, they are friendly people. Bulgarians who can afford a vacation at SB (and they are not many since the average salary is 300 GBP per MONTH), are open minded and love chatting with tourists. Many of them have been raised with western movies and traditions. I am talking about the typical 25-30 year old office worker
posted on Monday 8th August, 2011 at 16:04Dimitar has good taste because the Majestic is very nice
p.s. I agree with most of what you said.
posted on Monday 8th August, 2011 at 16:25i am a 44 year old bloke going to SB on my own on the 10th sept 2011 and i love a good drink and a mooch round different bars but a very bad picture has been painted about the place on this blog.Is it realy as bad as what some people are saying ? i have spoke to people i know who have been recently and they have said its great.I agree with people who have said just screw your loaf and its ok which is what you try to do wherever you go on holiday.
posted on Saturday 13th August, 2011 at 21:03has any one got a report on the hotel glarus ?
Hey I’m staying at the sredets anyone no what this is like and I’m going september the 5th will it still be busy?
posted on Sunday 28th August, 2011 at 17:48Hi we have just come back from 2weeks in bulgaria staying at the riu helios in sb.It was fantastic the food was good the hotel entertanment was brill (all from bulgaria) made some good friend.This was our second time going to bulgaria and we loved it.We didn’t do the night life but people told us it was good.We are now looking forward to going back next year can’t wait
posted on Tuesday 30th August, 2011 at 16:08Not long back after 2 weeks in SB. Never saw any fighting . Never saw any prostitute or any other deviants, Never saw any piss heads on side walks. Never saw any seedy couples getting it on in alley ways. Never saw any evidence of drugs…….. SO DISSAPPOINTED, BACK TO MAGALUF NEXT YEAR!
posted on Monday 26th September, 2011 at 16:51You obviously weren’t looking hard enough
posted on Monday 26th September, 2011 at 20:08Hey, this was a great thread but I have some questions. I’m helping plan a final year holiday for my uni class and there will be a bunch (100 ish) of rowdy students, but not all of them want to party all the time. Did anyone go outside of sunny beach to explore or take any excursions (are there even any excursions?). Also did anyone stay at the Victoria residencies? Looking into this and a few other places so any info would be great! Thanks
posted on Thursday 3rd November, 2011 at 20:51Hello
posted on Friday 4th November, 2011 at 16:33Yeah you can go on excursions to places like Nessebar, and a shopping centre and Sofia I think, Also Turkey if I remember. I know of the Victoria Palace hotel, dunno if that is the same as what you are talking about but it looks nice. If it’s the same one then it is further down away from the “centre”.
hello
posted on Monday 9th January, 2012 at 13:53Went to SB in 2003 on honeymoon had a fab time and never sew any trouble and locals very friendly.We are going back this August 2012 with our 6year old daughter and have booked the Aqua nevis club hotel.This hotel is still being built and should be finished for the 2012 season, if not First Choice will have to find me the same or better so no panic.Great blog on tripadvisor regarding this.All have a great time and enjoy its YOUR HOLIDAY
Hi Were going to stay at the Hotel Pomorie, is it safe at night in that area, also heard of rooms being burgled at night, can someone cast some light on this please
posted on Sunday 15th January, 2012 at 18:20hi everyone, me and 7 of my mates are looking to go my mums has a place out there at the garden of eden hotel near st valas i think i’ve been there about 3 times ages ago i just need to know if the nightlife is any good i know what to do in the day time and the apartment we are at next door is the miafa’s house and i’ve not heard of any bad things happening also, all the times i’ve been there i have never seen a black person and my friend isblack and i dont know what thier reaction will be ?
posted on Friday 27th January, 2012 at 19:04Tony…..What drugs are you on mate?
posted on Thursday 2nd February, 2012 at 9:55What do you think? Add Your Comments