Comprising a central area
(measuring ½ ml by 500 yds) and a lower, older, purely
residential part of town, Borovets has enjoyed previous incarnations
as both a royal hunting area and, under Communist rule, a
retreat for the upper echelons of the socialist hierarchy.
In more recent years it has reinvented itself as a relaxed,
still-developing ski-resort (one of Bulgaria's first), somewhat
lacking in sophistication but managing to retain a little
original character. The focus of the resort is in the area
around the nursery slope, in front of the Rila Hotel, where
the main street is packed with small, family-owned shops,
bars and restaurants which are quieter during the day but
start to bustle in the evening; while not exactly pedestrianised,
vehicles are not encouraged along this stretch of street.
As with the majority of Bulgarian resorts, there is a slightly
sleazier element in evidence at the edges but this is easily
ignored.
Suitability:
Middle-of-the-road seekers of a relaxed, reasonably inexpensive
ski-destination with a choice of nightlife. Beginners and
improvers up to intermediates will benefit most; advanced
skiers will find little to challenge them and soon run out
of piste.
Accommodation:
Around 25 hotels including 2 huge, purpose-built blocks which
dominate the centre. Many hotels were built during the dark
days of Communism, from about 1960 up to the late 1980s; this
shows in poor quality construction and shoddy maintenance.
Do not expect the same standards as other European resorts,
although many properties have benefited from more modern renovations.
Newer hotels are sprouting up farther from the centre. |
