Hotel Ruskovets. Review, pros and cons

The full name of the hotel is Ruskovets Thermal SPA & Ski Resort 4. The complex is quite famous in Bulgaria, moreover, many tourists speak very positively about it. The hotel is positioned as a holiday based on SPA treatments, which is not entirely true, given the features of the complex. The article will be useful to those who are planning to visit it, as the main pros and cons of the complex will be discussed below.

Location

The Ruskovets complex is located in the Blagoevgrad region, near the village of Dobrinishte. The presence of a mineral spring, as well as its close location to the Dobrinishte ski resort of the same name (11.6 km), apparently became the main reason for the construction of the hotel. The distance from Sofia is 176 km, about 3 hours. There is a small turn signal on the road for the entrance to the complex.

There is an opinion that the name of the hotel is associated with the Ruskovtsy area, where Russian troops were once based.

Address of the Ruskovets Hotel: Dobrinishche, “Neznaen Voin” street 1

Placement

“Ruskovets” occupies a significant area (about 20,000 m²) and is essentially a complex of several separate buildings. The main building has 4 floors, there are 33 rooms (22 standard and 11 “superior”), and there is also the option of accommodation in one of the 36 villas. There are two small restaurants on site. One is positioned as a pizzeria, the second offers European cuisine based on Bulgarian. The main guests of the hotel, as usual, are Bulgarians, the rest are residents of nearby countries: Turks, Israelis, Romanians, Macedonians, Greeks, and the British come during the ski season.

Villas Reception area View of the mountains and Dobrinishte

Prices

The price includes: accommodation, breakfast, visit to the SPA area and parking space. Pets (up to 8 kg) are allowed only for guests of the Luxury Villa, the cost of accommodation is 20 BGN/day. The cost of visiting the SPA area without accommodation is 16 levs. From time to time the hotel runs various discount promotions dedicated to holidays.

SPA center

Oddly enough, it is the relaxation zone that is the most criticized part of the complex. Mainly because “Ruskovets” positions itself as a hotel providing relaxation on a SPA basis, without having sufficient resources. The residential part of the complex is designed for 180 guests (or more), while the SPA area can comfortably accommodate no more than 25 people. In this regard, the relaxation area is crowded even on weekdays, let alone during the ski season. In addition, visiting SPA procedures will become very uncomfortable for those who live in a villa, far from the main building and will be forced to use a tiny dressing room.

The SPA center consists of a small swimming pool with mineral water, three saunas and two wooden barrels which are almost always occupied with a beautiful view of the mountains. The mineral water pool is lined with dark tiles, making it quite difficult to assess the purity of the water in it. Part of the pool is equipped with a jacuzzi. Along the perimeter of the pool there are about 30 sun loungers. The room has beautiful ceiling lighting, but poor ventilation. It is worth noting that an indoor warm pool without access to fresh air is very uncomfortable. In addition, there is no possibility of ordering drinks in the relaxation area (you cannot bring your own drinks).

Single pool Purity of water in the barrel Two “mineral” barrels

With the advent of children, the entire SPA area turns into a playground. This is certainly convenient for parents, but may be completely unacceptable for other guests who come to relax. In hotels focused on SPA procedures, there is a practice of separating a children's play area and relaxation rooms, as was done in the neighboring Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel.

Given the mild climate of Bulgaria, the mineral pool is, first of all, open-air swimming at any time of the year. Hot springs allow you to swim in the snow and sunbathe in the sun as early as March. It is paradoxical that the Ruskovets Hotel does not provide its guests with such an opportunity.

Other features

• Large hall near the reception area
• Each villa has its own parking space at the entrance
• During the ski season, a transfer to the ski lift in Bansko is provided, twice a day
• Firewood for the fireplace is paid separately - 15 levs/mesh
• SPA visitors are provided with towels, but from time to time there are not enough for everyone

Pros

• + Close location to the ski lift in Dobrinishche (11.6 km)
• + Mountain view
• + Large territory
• + Spacious reception area
• + Opportunity to rent the entire villa

Cons

• —Small spa area
• — Problems with cleaning*
• — Unpolite staff*
• — Small fitness room*
• —Weak Wi-Fi*
• —High cost

* (based on reviews booking.com)