Located in historic Melnik, Hotel Bolyarka offers a restaurant serving regional specialities and wine, a Finnish sauna, outdoor hot tub and sun bed.
“Breakfast was kind of poor (e.g. no corn flaces) but with homemade jams, bacon, cheese, french toasts, etc, all of which were delicious. The room and the hotel in general were very clean and warm, despite the heavy cold outside. The staff was very kind and discreet. One lady could speak Greek, which was very convenient. To show their hospitality, on the 24th December they offered us the typical Bulgarian Christmas' Eve dinner (no meat at all), free of charge. The food at the restaurant was very good (try the chicken sausage). The wi-fi connection needs no password and has a very good reception throughout the hotel premises. Overall, we gained a very good impression of the hotel.
In general, a 'must see' is the Rozhen Monastery. And yes, it is approachable by car. The restaurants in Melnik were also very good. Many waiters speak Greek and their menus have a Greek translation of their dishes, though most of the times the translation makes you laugh your heart out (e.g. διατεταγμένη σαλάτα). Buy wines. Melnik has a wide variety of affordable and unusual wines (e.g. almond wine). Visit Kordopoulos' house. Wear flat shoes, otherwise you will not be able to go up the large stones, reach the house and visit the underground wine cellar. Bring a shiny coin with you, place it onto a rock wall in the cellar and make a wish. You never know...
We are definitely going back!”
