Bargain Luxury Bansko Royal Towers Studio - SIMPLY THE BEST i Bansko !!

We stayed in Block 5 at Bansko royal Towers, which is very centrally positioned for a couple of minute walk to most bars and most importantly the Gondola,

The Apartment was we equipped and modern, however upon arrival there was an overpowering smell of cigarette smoke in the apartment that lingered throughout our entire stay. But I would like to point out that when I booked I didn't pay any attention to whether this apartment was smoking or non smoking.

The location in great, the spa is close next door. Not very big, but absolutely clean and well furnished apartment with all you need

This studio is exactly as described and the pictures are accurate.

Clean and comfortable and has everything you need. The bath in the studio was greatly appreciated after a days skiing!

Great service and communication from the owner.

Close to the gondola, shops, bars and some very good restaurants.

I will be hoping to book again next year.

Ideal location right across from the gondola. Plenty of bars and good restaurants within easy walking distance. Well equipped and comfortable studio with the addition of a bath ideal for relaxing at the end of the day .

For airport transfer from Sofia Airport via taxi we used "motoroads". Very efficient and on time.

The actual apartment is around the corner from the main entrance, on the third floor (access is available by small lift). They were a little late letting us in our room (just one hour), but the lobby is spacious, has wi-fi and Reception did store our bags while we took a walk around Bansko. The Hotel Porter helped carry our suitcases to our apartment, which was nice. Watch where you walk in Bansko, as the pavements and drain covers are not that well maintained. The staff at reception are helpful providing wi-fi codes, swimming pool location, additional towels, general maintenance issues (though do not make my mistake, and speak slowly).

The Aldo Supermarket is just across the road and is good for supplies of food & beer; along with the normal Trip Advisor advice for restaurants & bars.

The apartment though equipped for 4 people, is ideally suited for a couple (as the sofa bed for the 3rd & 4th person is not that big or very comfortable, but if your skiing all day, then the exhaustion does help you sleep !). I would suggest its 2 adults (in double bed) and 1 or 2 small children combination on sofa bed at best.

Cooking facilities are fairly basic (fridge with incorporated small freezer, microwave and two induction hob rings), but food is cheap by UK standards. A bread knife and strainer would enhance the use of the kitchen. You would also have to be prepared to eat sitting on the couch or bed as there isn't a table and chairs. We could figure out how to put the extractor fan on or operate the light over the hob.

The TV and DVD Player worked fine, with our daughter taking a selection of UK DVD's to watch in the evening.

Ski hire, pass & lessons are approximately £200/person at "bulgariaski". Skis and equipment can be left in the apartment, but ideally there would be a wall rack and water trap to avoid slipping and water (we placed boots on a towel). My main advice on skiing is either get to the Gondola by 7.40am or use one of the taxis (cost 4 Lev per person) to get up the mountain in a reasonable time - otherwise be prepare to queue during school half term.

Be prepared for a bit of noise at the weekend (from the revellers) - this was only really frustrating on our last night, as we had an 7am departure for the airport.