Attention: The difference between a Hotel and a Holiday Resort
The biggest “traps” are not in classic hotels, but in aparthotels and gated complexes, where apartments are managed by different owners or management companies. There, the rules for electricity, water, and cleaning can differ drastically from the standard ones.
1. Parking: The most expensive “pleasure” for drivers
In Bansko, land is valuable, and the maintenance of underground garages in the winter is expensive. If 5 years ago free parking was standard, today it is a luxury. Many tourists arrive with the attitude that they will stop in front of the hotel, but the reality is different.
What are the prices in 2026?
- Hotel underground garage: Prices vary between 15 and 30 BGN per night depending on the hotel category. For a 7-day vacation, this is an additional cost of over 150 BGN.
- Outdoor hotel parking: It is often also paid (10-15 BGN/day), and places are limited and taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Blue zone: Almost all the streets around the lift station and the center are “Blue Zone”. Parking there is only an option for short stays. The “spiders” in Bansko are notorious for their efficiency and the fine plus the repatriation fee can cost you over 60-80 BGN.
2. The Spa: “Included” Doesn’t Always Mean “Free”
The tagline “Hotel with a SPA” is the most common marketing hook. However, you have to read the fine print, because the devil is in the details.
Zoned access
In many 3 and 4-star hotels, the pool is free, but access to the “Thermo Zone” (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, relaxation room) is charged extra – usually around 20-30 BGN per person per day. For a family of four, this is a serious expense.
“SPA package” fee (Bathrobe and slippers)
Even if access is free, the hotel may charge you, either mandatory or optional, for the use of a bathrobe (5-10 BGN) and disposable slippers. Some hotels also require a deposit for the bathrobe, which is returned upon check-out, but blocks your available funds.
3. Electricity and heating bills (Specific for apartments)
This is the biggest stumbling block when renting private apartments in complexes like “St. John Hill”, “Pirin Golf” or the area around “The Tower.
When you rent through Airbnb or Booking from a private individual, the price of the night is often very low, but the terms and conditions state: “Electricity is paid separately according to consumption”. Since many complexes are powered by industrial electricity and heating is electric, a cold week in January can bring you an electricity bill of 100-150 BGN, which you have to pay in hand upon departure.
Expert advice:
Whenever you book a private apartment, ask in writing: “Are utilities (electricity, water, heating) included in the final price?”. If the answer is no, ask to see the kilowatt-hour rates in advance.
4. Cleaning Fee
This practice, imposed by platforms like Airbnb, is now also found in direct apartment bookings. You may see a price of 60 BGN/night, but upon finalization, a one-time “Cleaning Fee” of 50 to 90 BGN is added. If you are staying for a week, this is spread out tolerably. But if you are coming for a weekend (2 nights), this fee practically raises the price of the night by nearly 50%.
5. Deposits and Resort Fee
Although they are smaller amounts, they should also be foreseen:
- Resort fee: It is mandatory by law, but many sites write it in small print “Excluded from price”. In Bansko it is around 1.20 – 1.50 BGN per person per day.
- Damage deposit: Many hotels block between 100 and 200 euros from your card upon check-in as a guarantee for minibar or damages. This money is released days after check-out, which can leave you without funds available during the trip itself.
6. Pets: The Precious Friendship
Taking your dog skiing is great, but “Pet Friendly” doesn’t mean free. Fees have skyrocketed and are now typically between 20 and 50 leva per night. Some hotels also add a mandatory fee for a “deep cleaning” after check-out, regardless of whether the dog made a mess.
Your pre-booking checklist
To avoid shock at the front desk, copy these questions and send them to the hotel before paying:
- Is parking included in the price? If not, how much does it cost and do you need to reserve in advance?
- Is there an additional charge for using the sauna/steam room or are they included?
- Are bathrobes and slippers paid for?
- (For apartments) Is there an additional charge for electricity or cleaning?
- Is there a service charge?
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with paying for services – the problem comes when it happens unexpectedly. A truly good deal is one where you know the final price (Bottom line) when you book. Be informed, ask boldly and don’t let the hidden costs to darken the pleasure of the winter fairy tale in Bansko.
English (UK)