We stayed for two nights in the Studio Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s capital until 1877.
Whilst third and fourth floor rooms attract a premium due to their splendid panoramic views, they should also attract a discount for the fact there are 50 steps, no lift and no help with luggage.
Our top floor room (402) had slightly slanted ceilings and although there was no balcony, our bed provided a brilliant view of Tsaravets, the city’s iconic hill-top fortress, which was particularly stunning at night when floodlit. The comfortable double bed had individual duvets, but only one pillow each, with a rock masquerading as a pillow in the wardrobe. The bedside tables had lights which used the only plug point, so it was a choice of either light or a charged mobile. There were two large comfortable chairs and a coffee table, an empty fridge and a small TV. Whilst tea and coffee making facilities were provided, the usual complimentary bottled water wasn’t. The brown carpet had several dubious-looking stains and needed either a deep clean, or better still ripping up and replacing with laminate flooring. However, it was a light bright room especially in the mornings when the sun streamed in. The air conditioning was not needed in September, and the WiFi worked well.
The shower cubicle in the small bathroom leaked, but there was a good mirror/hairdryer combination, and complimentary toiletries with plenty of space for ours. However, the first time I touched the toilet roll holder, it fell off the wall and remained on the floor during our stay.
The hotel’s best feature was the roof-top terrace with several bistro-style tables and chairs. We bought wine and crisps from a nearby supermarket and enjoyed early evening drinks and nibbles whilst taking in the panoramic views.
However, the downside was that there was no evening restaurant and what appeared to be a small bar opposite reception, and presumably manned by the receptionist, was never in use. Located in the hilly old town, it was slightly isolated, and a good 20-minute walk to the nearest restaurants, although tourist information was on the doorstep.
Breakfast, served 7.30am to 10am, was located in the basement. There was a good selection: orange juice, yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit, platters of meats and cheese, salad items, scrambled eggs, sausages, cheese pastries, and cakes. The coffee machine took a bit of fathoming and was incredibly noisy.
There is no doubt the location is superb, but you need to be reasonably fit to stay both in the Veliko’s old town and also on the fourth floor.
