In particular, I will tell you why it is the ideal 4* affordable luxury accommodation in Bansko, and perfect for everyone, even the ones traveling solo.

So if you are looking for affordable luxury, elegance, and convenience for your stay, then keep reading!

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My time in Bansko

I arrived at the Grand Hotel Bansko, on a cold winter’s day, freezing and tired from a long journey.

I was also slightly nervous as this was my first official solo trip! Turns out I was worrying about nothing.

My time in Bansko was exquisite and my stay at the Grand Bansko Hotel could not have been better!

The worry with me and hotels is that I have stayed in so many all over the world, that I am now seriously picky.

I am also accustomed to a certain level of luxury and convenience. For example,  I don’t stay in hostels as I believe your accommodation can seriously make or break your holiday.

And really, what kind of holiday is it, if your hotel isn’t better than your home? Luckily for me, the Grand Bansko Hotel was waaaayy better than my home…

Let me tell you why!

Which popular attractions are close to Grand Hotel Bansko?

The Escape Rooms Bansko is only 300m from the property, and I highly suggest a visit! There is also the Holy Trinity Church about 500m away.

The hotel is located at the entrance of the town of Bansko and is close to the bus station, which can take you everywhere in minutes.

In the winter, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus taking you to Bansko’s entry to the ski lift and back to the hotel.

This is available 6 times per day at specific times of the day, and not only is it super convenient, but it also saves up a lot of money on transportation.

If you choose to walk – the central part of Bansko is only a 15-minutes walk from the ski lift.

During the summer, the hotel arranges a variety of activities, like a picnic in the mountains, walking on eco trails, cycling, and off-road experiences.

Summer travelers should definitely look into visiting the Dancing Bears Park – which is actually a SANCTUARY that provides a suitable, lifelong home for brown bears previously kept in inadequate conditions, especially for those bears raised and trained as dancing bears.

When the sanctuary was established in 2000, over 20 bears were still being forced to ‘dance’ to entertain people in Bulgaria and Serbia, even though this cruel practice was forbidden by law.

There is also parking available on the hotel’s premises.

What are some of the property amenities at Grand Hotel Bansko?

The Grand Hotel Bansko is built and furnished in aristocratic elegance. It is in line with the highest design standards and trends and with close attention to all detail.

On the grounds, you will find:

• Parking on-site
• Lounge bar
• Casino/ Gambling Hall
• Gym/ Fitness Room
• Kids Playground and Hourly Babysitter
• State of the Art Spa
• Outdoor and indoor pools
• 2 restaurants
• Ability to purchase ski pass tickets (and skip the huge queues which is a literal lifesaver!!)
• Free Ski equipment storage
• Ski Equipment Rental Shop on Site

Cons: The one thing I would have liked to see is a sheltered outdoor smoking area. There were always at least 4-5 people smoking outside in the freezing cold and snow!

Verdict 4.8/5

To book the Grand Hotel Bansko click here 

The Reception/Staff

Polite and efficient, they were quick to help with any query I had. Everyone speaks good English too ( which I have come to not expect anymore).

What really impressed me though, is that I woke up sick on my third day and a member of the staff volunteered to go to the pharmacy and get me medication!

I have been violently sick for days in Thailand before and no one bat an eyelid! These little human touches make the world of difference to me.

Verdict: 5/5

How much does it cost to stay at Grand Hotel Bansko?

During high season ( January and February mostly) a deluxe double room will set you back approximately 120 -200 euros per night.

But come March, the prices drop to 90 euros per night.

All of this changes each year though, so go ahead and check the current prices here

The Rooms

I can honestly say I have never slept in a warmer room than that, which is a big plus – seeing as it was snowing nonstop and temperatures were below freezing!

The double room was big (25 square meters), had a stand-in shower as well as a separate bathtub.

There was a double spacious bed, a flat-screen TV with full cable service and many English speaking channels.

Lastly, there was a minibar, hairdryer, and warm fluffy bathrobe.

I would have personally loved to see a bit more light in the rooms but apart from that, it was pretty perfect.

Loved the feeling of returning to my warm and comfy room after a day of snowboarding and exploring!

Pure Bliss! Verdict 4.9/5

What time is check-in and check-out at Grand Hotel Bansko?

Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM, but of course, you may request early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability.

The hotel offers luggage storage to guests before check-in and after check-out, and the front desk is open 24.7 so there is always someone available to help!

The Food at Grand Hotel Bansko

Food, glorious food!

Personally, I was pretty impressed with both the breakfast and dinner buffet service at Grand Hotel Bansko.

6 stations in total – for Bread, Salads, Fruit, Cooked Dishes, Desserts, and live cooking stations.

Everything was plentiful – and after a month in Thailand or smelling curries for breakfast it was a welcome change!

Plenty of vegetarian, vegan and calorie-controlled options and I should mention here that the dinner buffet was entirely different every single night.

From delicious soups to freshly rolled sushi, to kebabs and pork chops, to soft and fluffy fish and the list goes on.

A whole station devoted to just fruit makes snacking super easy and healthy.

Cons: No drinks available from the dinner buffet; not even water!

You can of course order from the waiters, but I personally found this rather odd.

Verdict 4.8/5

Does Grand Hotel Bansko – Fitness & SPA have a hot tub for its guests?

This award-winning spa offers so much more than just a hot tub!

Voted Best Spa in Bansko for the last 3 years, this is the slice of heaven in which you will find a rich variety of thermal zones, spa therapies, massages, and therapeutic procedures.

The hotel has outdoor and indoor swimming pools and aqua facilities that cover an area of over 2000 square meters.

I had heard great tales of the spa at the Grand Hotel Bansko and I am glad to report they were not lying!

And if you know me at all, you will know I am a huge spa fanatic!

I felt like a kid let loose in a candy shop wanting to visit every single room and explore every single service!

To book the Grand Hotel Bansko Click here

What is there to do at Grand Hotel Bansko – Fitness & SPA?

The list is impressive and endless, and the best part is that everything ( apart from the massages) is FREE for hotel guests!

Finnish Sauna

The Finnish sauna helps to alleviate pain, burn calories and eliminate accumulated tension and stress.

Inside, the maintained air temperature is around 80 degrees. The air is frequently fragranced with mint or eucalyptus that help detox the respiratory tract.

Click here to Book

Himalayan Salt Sauna

The salt sauna is a dry premise with heated air, enriched with negative ions.

The stay inside the salt sauna increases the body temperature, accelerates blood circulation, relieves stress, and effectively helps combat colds.

Aroma Sauna

Lavender, citrus fruits, and other soothing smells…beautiful relaxing music…and the deep sauna heat will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time.

Perfect for relaxing and unwinding the senses!

Herbal Sauna

Herbs and Spices enhance this Sauna Experience and help open the respiratory tracts.

Hammam

This is the Middle East version of a steam bath, which could be defined as a wet version of the sauna.

Heated floor and couches and a steaming temperature maintained to around 50°C with a high air humidity of – 70-100%

I am a huge fan of hammam services, especially Hamam Omeriye, which is located in the heart of Nicosia!

Steam Room

The steam bath has numerous treatment benefits for the skin, as well as for the respiratory tract.

It is said to improve the immune system, as well as the tissue oxygen supply which in turn favorably impacts the muscle tone and makes the skin elastic.

Additionally, the spa boasts two more Indoor Pools, 2 Jacuzzis, Ice Showers, and Numerous Relaxing Areas with a live Fireplace.

Cabin Massages at the Grand Hotel Bansko

Victoria Spa, being a part of the only Asian SPA chain in Bulgaria, consists of a team of experienced international therapists from the island of Bali, the Philippines, and Thailand.

They will make you travel to the exotic world of the Far East and forget the problems of hectic everyday life with the help of special massage techniques and SPA procedures.

Verdict 5/5 !!! (with three exclamation points!)

BOOK THE HOTEL HERE

You made it to the end – hurrah! Thank you for reading, and I hope you get to enjoy yourselves in this wonderful hotel, and beautiful, snowy Bansko! Don’t forget to tag me in your pictures, and go ahead and join my travel family on Instagram too!

Love, Tia x

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Related Bansko Articles

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Where to take ski and snowboard lessons ski Mania Bansko – Top Notch Private Ski/Snowboarding Lessons

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What to pack for your trip!The Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Packing List

Have you visited Bansko yet? Let me know in the comments 🙂

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