Behind with alerts and return rates again but I'm working on it!!
Behind with alerts and return rates again but I'm working on it!!
Member since:21.11.2003
Reviews:18
Members who trust:34
Because of various work commitments we had very limited search criteria to get a week away during September 06.
However, a direct flight from Bristol to Varna swayed the decision and we chose the Hotel Druzba in the resort of Albena - partly on price but also location - right in the heart of the main street.
Albena, like other coastal resorts in Bulgaria is not exactly what you'd call pretty. Some of the hotels are in fact, pretty ugly but this is made up for by the gorgeous beach. In addition, our hotel didn't have a pool but arrangements are there to use a pool just down the way at a minimum price (less than £1 each).
There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the main road and also along the beachside which serve large portions for a small amount of money. Add to this the fact that beer is approximately £1 per pint and you can get a reasonable glass of wine for a couple of quid, then you're laughing if you're on a budget.
Breakfast (taken in the hotel next door) was plentiful with hot and cold buffet including English, Continental, Fruit etc.
There are lots of stalls along the road selling various handicrafts and doing a roaring trade with people getting dressed up in costumes from yesteryear and having their photographs taken. There are also many little shops/kiosks selling water, soft drinks, snacks, fruit and alcohol. Because it was nearly the end of the season, the shops were all having sales and it was possible to pick up a few bargains - Albena also seems to be the designer copy capital of Europe - there are copies of everything - watches, clothes, handbags from all the major designers. A good tattoo shop is situated just beside the Hotel Druzhba. There are a couple of activity parks for the kids (and adults) including archery, paint ball, go karting etc and a couple of (quite difficult) crazy golf courses.
Accommodation ranges from the very basic to quite high-end all inclusive options - the latter being either at the end of the main street towards the lovely restaurant in an old fashioned sail boat or a bit further out although there is a little train which carries people between these and the main town for pennies.
If you're planning to travel to Albena, you do have to be aware that there are 'ladies of the night' plying their trade along the main street in the evenings. I don't know how they dress in high season but when we were there, they were not provocatively dressed. I was told that the police pick them up and move them outside town during the summer but can't guarantee this was the case. If men are standing or walking on their own then they are likely to be approached - a couple of older gentlemen staying in the hotel told me they were extremely flattered to be asked but some other holidaymakers were quite offended (tended to be the younger ones) that this was happening on the doorstep!
All in all, it was a decent week in a fairly lively resort and the beach was good.
I thnk I'd feel quite uncomfortable with so many ladies of the night around in the evenings if I was wandering around looking for a bar or restaurant... x
greenierexyboy 17.07.2009 22:04
I always think that getting tattooed on holiday is a bit ill-advised...
catsholiday 30.06.2009 19:05
Spunds like an interesting visit - obviously have to be careful what you wear so that you are not mistaken for a lady of the night !!
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