Bansko: hotels and apartments

Bansko districts

There are now around 15,000 apartments and studios in Bansko. Here are fabulous prices available out there that many hotels don’t want you to know about. Assuming some two and three bedroom apartments, it’s a fair assumption that there is accommodation, including hotel rooms, for well over 35,000 people in the Razlog Valley. Well there would be, if they were all available to rent. Some owners don’t want to rent, don’t want to furnish and some think they can’t be bothered to rent out at low rents.

The prices vary from 10 euros to over 200 euros per night. If you are going to Bansko on New Year’s Eve, book accomodation in advance.

Look at the picture. The districts of Bansko are marked with the numbers.

1. In this area, the prices for accommodation are high because the hotels are situated near the Gondola lift.

Nav Aulakh on her blog confirms:

This area is very touristy so the prices are reflected in the nearby restaurants. Expect to pay at least 15€ per person for dinner — it’s catered for holiday makers here. Coffee Shops and Bars within walking distance.

2. The hotels in the second area are 15-minutes’ walking distance to the lift. There are lots of supermarkets and restaurants here.

3. This area is also not so far from the ski slopes. It takes several minutes to get to the Gondola lift by ski bus.

4. The Old Town. Some houses are heated with wood and coal. However, apartments and hotels are rather cozy.

That said, Bansko Old Town is also dotted with beautiful traditional guesthouses that promise to satisfy even the tightest of budgets. For our three night stay in Bansko, we chose Guest House Khan Kadiata for its raving reviews and central location. We paid 50€ in total for a super clean room, one of the best homemade breakfasts we have ever had and the sweetest hosts we could ever dream of.

Nav Aulakh notes:

Charming, quaint and historical town. Lots of really awesome local and affordable restaurants. Local Open Markets nearby where you can buy your fresh fruit and veg at a great price!

5. This area is far from ski slopes but hotels provide shuttles to the Gondola ski lift during the ski season.

If you are planning to ski from morning to evening, book hotels near the ski lift, for example, MPM Hotel Sport, Apart Hotel Comfort, Pirin Place Bansko, Boutique Hotel Uniqato.

Phil B, a TripAdvisor forums user, gives his recommendations:

The best would be to find a hotel within 10min walk of the gondola. Find a ski shop with ski lockers just near the lift, so you don’t have to carry your equipment. The city center is just 10-12 min walk of the lift. You can explore it anytime, no matter where you stay in Bansko itself (excl. the accommodations around Pirin Golf, and the clusters of hotels outside Bansko, but still advertised as being part of it).

How to choose accommodation in Bansko

1. At hotels, breakfast is usually included in the price. Some hotels provide a free ski bus to the ski lift. But mind the time of ski bus departure. If the first bus departs at 08:30 a.m., it’s too late. At that time, you might stand in the line to the Gondola lift for about two hours.
2. Don’t book a hotel with a full board if you are going to spend all day in the mountains. You are unlikely to return to your hotel for dinner. The lines to the lift will spoil appetite.😏
3. Choose a hotel with a pool and a sauna to relax after skiing.

gives her recommendations:

Regnum Bansko Apart Hotel & Spa. Great location next to the Glazne River with incredible pools and spa rea. There is a heated huge outdoor pool, water slides and children’s pool as well as a sauna and steam bath.

Tourists choose Bansko for modest housing prices. After all, the main thing here is the mountains. And they are beautiful everywhere!