Hotel Gladiola

Bulgaria was a new experience for me. I went with my 25 year old daughter for "quality time". Our journey from the airport took 35 minutes by taxi. The hotel is separated into three parts in the same building - central is the main reception, bars and restaurant and 4 star accomodation. To the left is "Akatsia", the three star where we stayed and to the right Gladiola Star. Facilities are shared except the 4 star patrons eat evening meals before 3 star. At the front are two swimming pools, one for children and one adult. Not huge but sufficient albeit height of season the 600 rooms would overcrowd them. Across the road is the sandy beach stretching for miles and bordered all the way by tourist attractions (stalls, restaurants, bars, clubs). A land train service runs the length at 4 Lev (£2) each way. The hotel was true 3 star. Basic bedrooms but clean and good condition only lacking a hairdryer. They were cleaned 6 days out of 7. The food was European (as opposed to Bulgarian) with salad bar and hot food bar that unusually included meat. No complaints except the inevitable repetition which the cooks did their best to avoid.Eating out always an option at very reasonable prices! There was no evening entertainment but the bars were well stocked with non watered down alcohol and large measures - a coke colouring in a glass of Vodka! The staff were very efficient and courteous albeit difficult to make eye contact -aloof. The language barrier didn't help as mostly they didn't speak English at all. As it is a German hotel they were better versed in their language.In fact we were the only English among predominantly German patrons with a few Russians.That presented a problem in socialising due to the language barrier. As a resort,there was plenty to offer including late night shops,nightclubs and an international casino as well as water sports. The weather was beginning to change - dry and warm (20 deg) in the mornings but after lunch it became comparatively chilly. Getting to see the real Bulgaria is difficult (not sure if advisable) with only a few trips and the only worthwhile one was a day trip to a Bulgarian folk village with horse and cart ride, visit monuments, lunch and a boat trip - cost £25 each and worth it. Generally, prices are low - cigarettes £2.50, beer £1 and a full meal with drinks £8-£10. 7 days was sufficient unless, in high season, you go for excessive sunbathing and partying. Keith and Zoe