The city of Velingrad, located in the Pazardzhik region, is considered the center of medical and spa tourism in Bulgaria. Here you can find a large number of hotels to suit every taste and budget, offering treatment for various ailments depending on the composition of the mineral water. Settlements located near mineral springs are not uncommon in Bulgaria, but not every city bears the title of "SPA capital of the Balkan Peninsula." By the way, you can reach here via a picturesque narrow-gauge railway from Bansko. More information can be found in the article Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway. Schedule, Prices, Tickets.
We visited one of the largest hotels in Velingrad and want to share our experience, as well as weigh all the pros and cons so you can decide if this place deserves your attention. The full name of the hotel is Balneo Complex & Spa Aquatonik. The main feature of the hotel is a large SPA zone based on a hydrothermal spring, offering medical procedures and rehabilitation pools.
SPA hotel Aquatonik in Velingrad
Cost
Accommodation prices vary from 100 BGN to 200 BGN per night. Depending on the number of guests and the comfort level of the room. By local standards, this is quite high. The accommodation price includes the use of the SPA zone, as well as breakfast. The hotel's parking area is very small, so on weekends, you'll likely have to find parking on the outskirts. It's worth mentioning that it's not necessary to book a room to visit the SPA: the cost of access for external guests is 30 BGN.
SPA Center
The rehabilitation and relaxation area is quite extensive and occupies 3 levels in the hotel. On the ground floor is the indoor Aquatonik pool (+31°C). There are also many masseurs available for various body parts. Part of the pool is dedicated to a jacuzzi. At the bottom, there is a simple rehabilitation exercise bike and two mechanical treadmills. In the center, there is a radon bath (+42°C). There is also a small cafeteria here (coffee, cigarettes) and an exit to the courtyard. Outside, we found an outdoor pool and were quite surprised by its tiny size. It's worth noting that this is the only place where you can "swim" in the open air. There is also a small cloakroom for external guests on this level, with lockers, heated floors, and a shower.
On the 1st floor is the sauna area and a playroom for children. The saunas are located along a long corridor (decorated in the Bulgarian loft-Provence style) in pleasant semi-shade. Here, you'll find a Roman and Egyptian sauna, a steam room, infrared sauna, Finnish sauna, and an ice room with a cold pool, as well as the "Doctor Knaip track" (a series of hot and cold foot baths). There are several procedural rooms, apparently not in high demand due to the abundance of free entertainment options. The relaxation area is well thought out and nicely decorated: here you can relax on loungers and warm stone beds (terpidarium), enjoying the view of a small fireplace and listening to calm music on headphones. This is perhaps the calmest part of the SPA zone, as children are not allowed here.
On the 2nd floor is the "Aqualabyrinth" indoor pool. This shallow pool has many water massagers. Unfortunately, you can't swim here, just drift from massager to massager, massaging your shoulders, back, soles of your feet, and even the genital area. In the center of the pool is a small area with hot radon water (+40°C) and a contrast cold pool. There are also several saunas on this level: a salt room, steam room, Russian sauna. Children under 12 are allowed only under adult supervision. Here, fish languish in an aquarium (completely unsuitable for a happy fish life), waiting to die, hungry fish ready to nibble on your toes. Some saunas are periodically closed for maintenance.
Other Features
- Unfortunately, on weekends, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, the SPA area turns into a public bath. If you want to relax and unwind properly, come to the hotel on a weekday.
- Guests are asked to wear plastic caps in the pool area, which can be taken for free at the entrance (and they tirelessly monitor that you wear them).
- There is a giant chessboard in the courtyard on the ground floor where you can play for free.
- The hotel has a small beauty salon where you can get a haircut, manicure, and even a tattoo.
Pros
- Rehabilitation. Various types of massagers
- Radon bath
- Elevator between relaxation zone levels
- Spacious lobby area with fireplace
- Large SPA zone
- Relatively clean
Cons
- Very small parking area
- Large number of people in the SPA area on weekends
- No swimming pool
- SPA zone partially located in the basement
- One tiny outdoor pool
- Low ceilings in the SPA zone, decorated with pressed chipboard blocks
- Staff smoking area located very close to the relaxation area
- Many sick and elderly people
- Breakfast doesn't live up to 4-star standards*
- Unfriendly staff*
* (based on booking.com reviews)
Conclusions
The hotel has a fairly "friendly facade," but upon closer inspection, numerous shortcomings and cost-cutting measures for guest comfort become apparent. There are still many stickers in the premises reminding that the hotel once had 5 stars (why they haven't been removed yet is unclear, it's shameful to lose a star). Currently, it's rated 4 stars, but even that is a stretch. The kitchen and staff need management and training (as do many places in Bulgaria), and the finishing of the SPA infrastructure needs cosmetic repairs.
If you liked the article, please click share, and also subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page so you don't miss out on fresh articles.