Hotel Adria

The hotel offers a convenient and clean base for exploring the city, particularly appealing to travelers relying on public transport due to its direct proximity to the central bus and train stations. Its signature feature is this excellent connectivity, making it an ideal choice for sightseers who prefer walking to major attractions and short-stay guests needing easy access to transit hubs. Many guests highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms as key positives. While the staff generally receives praise for their helpfulness, some experiences vary. The hotel is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers seeking good value without compromising on essential comforts. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm breakfast inclusions upon arrival, as there can be confusion, and be mindful that the immediate surroundings near the station, while convenient, may not always be aesthetically pleasing.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is somewhat mixed. Many appreciate the availability of Wi-Fi, though some found the connection to be slow or unstable. The hotel advertises a gym and a spa with a sauna and steam room, but a significant number of guests reported these amenities were either permanently out of order or inaccessible during their stay, leading to disappointment. While a mini-fridge is provided in rooms, guests noted a lack of complimentary bottled water, requiring purchases from the hotel. The presence of an elevator is convenient for accessing upper floors. Air conditioning is available, with some guests finding it effective, while others experienced issues with its functionality, particularly with heating or cooling units not working as expected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness throughout the rooms and bathrooms. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, well-maintained, and conducive to a good night's sleep, often feeling new. However, some specific issues were noted regarding the bathroom condition, including reports of mold, rusty fixtures, and slow drainage in the shower and sink areas. Room size is a recurring point, with many finding standard rooms quite small, better suited for single occupancy, and lacking sufficient space for luggage. While some rooms feature a balcony, these are often described as very narrow. Noise levels are a concern for some, with complaints about poor soundproofing allowing noise from adjacent rooms or the elevator to be easily heard.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service at the hotel receives varied feedback. Most guests acknowledge that while the selection is often described as minimal or basic, the quality of the food is generally good, with fresh products available. Specific items like "burek" were highlighted as particularly delicious by some. However, a significant number of guests felt that the breakfast was not worth the additional cost, especially if not included in the room rate, citing a small buffet selection. There were also instances of confusion regarding breakfast inclusion, with some guests being told it was not part of their booking despite prior expectations. The hotel features a breakfast room that serves as a social area, and coffee is available, though some guests were charged for it.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised, particularly its close proximity to the Sofia Central Bus Station and train station, making it highly convenient for travelers arriving or departing by public transport. It is also just a short walk to metro stations and tram lines, providing easy access to the rest of the city, including the airport. Many guests appreciate being within walking distance, typically 10-15 minutes, of the city center and major attractions. While the immediate surrounding neighborhood near the stations is sometimes described as less appealing or "yucky," the hotel itself is considered quiet and safe. Parking is available on-site, though it comes at an extra charge and some guests found the lot to be unsecured or different from advertised.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel elicits a wide range of opinions. Many guests commend the team for being very friendly, helpful, and attentive, particularly highlighting positive interactions with night receptionists and those who went "above and beyond." They are often praised for their willingness to assist with requests, such as printing boarding passes or storing luggage after check-out. However, a notable number of reviews describe certain receptionists, particularly during daytime shifts, as rude, unhelpful, or lacking in customer service, sometimes appearing uninterested or focused on their phones. There were also serious accusations of staff attempting to scam guests or being uncooperative when issues arose, such as booking discrepancies or missing belongings.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and practices that deviate from common expectations. There is a consistent theme that daily complimentary bottled water is not provided, and guests must purchase it from the hotel, which many found unusual compared to other international hotels. Some reviews mention a policy against bringing food into the room, which can be inconvenient for guests wishing to dine privately. There were also instances where guests who booked through "partner offers" or specific platforms encountered significant issues upon arrival, being directed to a different, lower-rated hotel under the same ownership, with claims of overbooking and a lack of effort to resolve the situation. Additionally, some guests reported encountering unexpected charges, such as a destination fee or extra costs for parking without an invoice, and even a list of charges for potential damages like stained towels.