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The Best Hotels in Bansko for Every Traveller

The Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena has a huge spa centre
The Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena has a huge spa centre | © mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Bansko in Bulgaria is most crowded in winter, when skiers and snowboarders arrive eager to enjoy its ski runs. However, the small mountainous town is becoming more active in the other seasons with events like the International Jazz Festival Bansko keeping the place alive year-round. No matter when you come to Bansko, make the most of your stay – here’s our pick of the best hotels in Bansko.

Premier Luxury Mountain Resort

Resort, Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel

Luxury room with shaggy rug and flatscreen at Premier Luxury Mountain Resort
Courtesy of Premier Luxury Mountain Resort / Expedia

Premier Luxury Mountain Resort glows with style in all its dimensions and it might just be the best hotel in Bansko. The spacious rooms, furnished in wood and fine fabrics, have gorgeous views. In summer, you can bask in the outdoor pool; in winter, warm yourself up in the hammam and sauna. Additionally, the hotel offers one of the best fine-dining experiences in Bansko. If you want to skip the line at the gondola lift, buy your ski pass at the hotel.

Uniqato Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel Uniqato room with fireplace and minimal style
Courtesy of Boutique Hotel Uniqato / Booking.com

If you want to be first on the slopes in the morning, Boutique Hotel Uniqato is a perfect choice. Built in the style of the old houses of Bansko, it is decorated mainly with natural materials – wood and stone – for a relaxing, cosy atmosphere. The hotel has its own restaurant that features a summer garden where you can try both traditional and international cuisine. Unwind in the sauna and the steam room after an active day out.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko

Resort, Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena room with plush stools and blankets and headboard
Courtesy of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena / Expedia

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko sticks to the Kempinski chain standards and will pamper you during your stay in Bansko. Besides the immaculate service and interior, you will be impressed by the huge spa centre with treatments inspired by the cycle of the four seasons. Twelve treatment rooms, three swimming pools, jacuzzis (both indoors and outdoors) plus a snow room will revitalise your body. Make sure you try the Pirin trout drizzled with herb butter for a real taste of Bulgarian cuisine.

Lucky Bansko Aparthotel

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Lucky Bansko Aparthotel SPA & Relax with wood panelling and artwork
Courtesy of Lucky Bansko Aparthotel SPA & Relax / Expedia

Lucky Bansko Aparthotel Spa & Relax is one of the best-rated luxury stays in Bansko. It has one of the best spas in town with a Himalayan salt room, heated indoor pool, ice room, steam bath, hot tub – you name it. When hunger calls, you can choose from a classical European or an Italian restaurant on site. In winter, ski without worrying about the children; a professional babysitter is provided free of charge. There is also a free shuttle to the gondola lift and town centre.

Balkan Jewel Resort and Spa

Resort, Spa Hotel

Balkan Jewel Resort and Chalets room with wood floor and artwork
Courtesy of Balkan Jewel Resort and Chalets / Expedia

This resort is located in a valley between three mountains – the Rhodopes, Pirin and Rila – with gorgeous views, including the nearby golf course, designed by Ian Woosnam. Most rooms have a fireplace to warm you up on those winter nights. It’s a little further from the slopes than the rest, but you can take the scheduled free shuttles to the gondola lift at Bansko, town of Razlog or the Pirin Golf Complex. Don’t forget to make the most of the heated indoor pool, hot tub and spa centre.

Kap House

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

Plush patter carpet with wood panelling in Kap House Hotel
Courtesy of Kap House Hotel / Expedia

Kap House is a family property where you will be welcomed like an old friend. It is located on Bansko’s main street with many bars, taverns and shops in the area. The town centre is a 10-minute walk away, while the ski lift is only 100m (328ft) from the hotel. At the hotel, they provide ski storage and ski clothing at a discount. If you prefer a less adrenaline-packed stay, spend time in the indoor pool or just soak in the hot tub. The hotel has a traditional Bulgarian tavern where you can try the local cuisine.

Amira Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Plush blankets and carpets with small kitchen in a room at Hotel Amira
Courtesy of Hotel Amira / Expedia

Amira is a five-star boutique hotel at the foot of Pirin Mountain, a couple of minutes walk from the ski gondola. There are 15 one-bedroom apartments, 11 studios and five double rooms – think spacious, modern and stylish. A roaring fireplace welcomes you into the lobby. After a day of skiing, two massage rooms await, as well as a Finnish sauna, adult-only swimming pool, panoramic infrared sauna with Himalayan salt, steam bath and jacuzzi.

Hotel Tanne

Spa Hotel

Indoor pool with plants at Hotel Tanne
Courtesy of Hotel Tanne / Expedia

Completely renovated in 2018, Hotel Tanne is a luxury four-star establishment with great views of the Rila and Rhodope mountains. Inside, you’ll find a traditional style – homely, cosy and based in natural materials (stone and wood). The heated indoor swimming pool is great post-ski, and there’s also a cute garden full of quirky decor. There are 30 double rooms and five suites, as well as two beautiful stone-built maisonettes, each split across two floors.

Rahoff Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Rahoff Family Hotel is “home from home” in Bansko. It is close to the main lift station, while at the same time tucked away on a quiet street. The hotel has a compact gym, sauna, and hydromassage tub to make your stay more relaxing. Its restaurant is renowned for its delicious meals; if you visit it on a holiday, such as Easter or Christmas, you’ll be able to experience traditional Bulgarian dining.

Guest House Hayloft

Independent Hotel, Guesthouse

Guest House Hayloft room with wood floor, pattern wallpaper and flatscreen
Courtesy of Guest House Hayloft / Expedia

Looking for a cosy place to stay? Hayloft is for those who want a homely, unpretentious room with local cuisine on offer. Rooms are furnished mainly in wood and are located close to busy Pirin Street, where you’ll find many pubs and shops. The ski lift is a 15-minute walk away. Follow the irresistible smell that will lead you to the traditional tavern housed in Hayloft. Salads, grilled meat, regional specialties – you will find it all in abundance here.

Stuart Kenny contributed additional reporting to this article.

About the author

Maria Angelova is in love with Bulgaria, fortune-telling, photography and talking to strangers. She is the author of several travel books in Bulgarian and English, including "50 Secret Places to Discover in Bulgaria' and "203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self."

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