Hotel Ela in Borovets

We sadly didn’t stay at the Hotel Ela this time but will when we next visit. Everything about the ski hire, lockers, staff and facilities was perfect. George was our ski instructor, we had never even seen a ski boot prior! George was amazing, kind and so utterly professional 👌 Juliana, Peter and Roxen (apologies if misspelled!) Such a fantastic team from the first moment we entered the shop. Everything was explained, and a complete understanding that we had never been skiing, so even the smallest details would be essential for a smooth and successful trip. Thank you so very much for everything we will forever remember our first ski holiday and how special you made it 🤗👍

Before arriving the communication with the hotel team was excellent and they accommodated our request to have the 2 rooms we booked together which we really appreciated, we also found the rooms perfect for our needs. The spa was great, we had a massage which was brilliant, highly recommend this, one of the best I have ever had! Location is great, very close to the slopes and ski lifts. Overall the hotel was clean and modern, it’s been refurbished which isn’t mentioned or reflected in a lot of the older reviews. The only issue we had was with the evening meals, I always found the temperature of the food luke warm, during one meal the chicken wasn’t cooked, its was extremely pink which is really dangerous. I gave this feedback to the manager in the restaurant and at reception when we checked out, but they didn’t seem to care much which was disappointing. The food is the only reason couldn’t give this hotel full marks which is a shame. Overall the hotel is very good, I’d recommend and stay again, but would eat out in the evening if I did.

We stayed for three nights on our first skiing holiday and the hotel itself was lovely, with a good location, cosy room and themed nights to the lead up to new years. The interior was nice and seemed clean… plus the food was genuinely good throughout our stay — (hard work getting a drink at evenings)? Unfortunately, the experience was let down by the woman at reception when checking in and again when checking out. She came across as rude, with no customer service skills and definitely should not be the first face you meet when being excited for a holiday stay. She was unhelpful regarding our booking, with that reason left us feeling let down about the next few days we will be spending at Ela. Similarly, she was particularly disappointing when we asked about using the hotel amenities after check-out, I.e a shower following a final day of skiing and a late flight — something that is usually standard courtesy in hotels. Again, she was abrupt, blunt and inflexible, which really spoiled the end of our stay. This negative also overshadowed the many power cuts we faced! It’s a shame, as the hotel itself has a lot going for it such as the price, location and facilities… but due to this employer we will not be returning.

The building in not new but everything around and inside has been fully and very elegantly renovated. The rooms have been completely refurbished and are now very cosy, comfortable and well-equipped. The reception, the bar and the restaurant offer wide space and large windows opening to the surrounding forest. Everything looks clean and new. The staff is very professional and helpful in any situation. A very nice and recent spa section is available : there is a pool, a sauna, and a pleasant outside place to relax. Some amongst the group have ordered for a massage and came out of it fully-relaxed and completely satisfied. Breakfast and dinner offer both a large buffet and the food is excellent. We had booked for 2 nights, we stayed one more, and personnally, I could have been staying there for much longer since I felt there just as if I was at home.

The Hotel Manager Mr Martin and his team hotel personals Thank you very very much for everything Our group Kayak Kardeşiliği from İstanbul We feeling heaven on the Ela Best Regards We hopefully each other See you next winter holiday We wishes all best Best Regards

“Our stay at Ela Hotel was truly exceptional! The hotel offers top-notch amenities, beautiful surroundings, and impeccable service. A special thank you to Manager Martin, whose professionalism and warm hospitality made our experience even more memorable. His attention to detail and dedication to guest satisfaction truly set this hotel apart. Highly recommend for a seamless stay!”

We had never been to Borovets before and only booked a few days prior via ***********. We had a 5 star experience from the minute we arrived the reception team were fantastic and so helpful, arranging tax transfers and late check outs without any trouble at all. All staff were so friendly and welcoming, the restaurant staff and chefs were wonderful and provided a great service throughout our stay. The hotel has just been refurbished to a very high standard, I've never stayed in such a lovely hotel. The bedrooms were beautiful, comfortable beds and furnishings, hot showers, TV and fast WiFi. A daily towel change and beds made was a nice treat. The whole hotel is gorgeous, the restaurant is spacious and classy. The breakfast buffet had massive selection of pastries and breafs, fruit platters, cheese and meats, cereals, yoghurts, coffee and juice machines as well as a huge hot buffet. We had paid for half board and every evening a huge buffet welcomed us all Everythibg was so fresh and tasty and home cooked. Local soups, a big said bar, cheeses and tapas, bread baskets, huge choice of desserts and then again a big hot buffet with ever changing choices of pastas, rice , pork, chicken, beef, fish, there was no chance of being bored and it never ran out. Service was fantastic too. We also used the spa every day, each changing room had its own sauna and steam room, there was a lovely pool and soaking tub. All gorgeous plus a massage therapist if needed. The hotel was only a 2 minute walk to the gondola and about 10 minute walk to the Rila chairlifts and ski area. We used the ski shop beneath the hotel to rent gear and got a 20% discount which was brilliant. I would definitely return to the ELA, we loved our stay.

I recently stayed at Hotel Ela in Borovets, Bulgaria, and it exceeded my expectations. The small hotel has been beautifully renovated, professional and kind staff to all guests. The food was very delicious. Spa center was very quality. Lovely bar, perfect location and very close to the gondola lift. Highly recommended!

Lovely hotel, recently renovated to a high standard. Food was really good, best we have had in a Bulgarian hotel. Spa, bar, ski storeage and great location for gondola lift too. Comfy beds. Lovely new bar area with lots of seating plus a log fire. Sensible priced drinks too.

Overall it is a nice place for 3 stars.
The staff is very friendly.
The rooms are clean and spacious enough, though I highly recommend to get a room with balcony, especially if you visit it during the summer.
Be careful as there are no power outlets next to the bed... the closest is around 2.5m away so charming your phone while in the bed is only possible if you bring long enough power strip in your luggage.
Don't expect high food quality from the kitchen... it isn't awful but it is barely acceptable.