| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
andy parry from bristol travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
balkanholidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we had two week break staying in the villas elenite,family of four.good value for money.food good,beach good,water park good,pools good.we would go back but leave for few years.dont expect many smiles or any face gestures as dont know how, even when giving a tip.over all very good holiday,but if your fussy stay at home. parry family (bristol)
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Walker from Newcastle travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Balkan
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at Elenite Village and were impressed by the surroundings until we were given our room, up three flights of stairs with our luggage and a buggy.
we couldnt let our one year old out onto the balcony as there was a massive drop from the stairs with no safety rails. Our room was very basic and needed updating and the beds had a horrible smell. We did complain but were told that it was okay about the stairs as we were not on the very top floor and as for the smell, the cleaner sprayed the beds with air freshner, which didnt work.
Our main complaint was the restaurant the food was awful it was crawling with flies. I have never ever complained about any hotel restaurant weve ever been to as you do have to try different countries menus, but this really was unbearable. If you did want anything else to eat you had to take the cattle truck sorry! local bus to sunny beach or pay 25 levs each way for a victoria group taxi.
We did find out that last year they provided a free bus to sunny beach but took it off so they could make even more money out of you by providing a very expensive taxi. We spoke to other people at the resort and were told that this year standards really had dropped since last year. Another thing the bars kept running out of beer.
Now for the good bits the beach was lovely no shortage of beds which were free!!! the pools were okay apart from the kids pool which had flies and wasps floating in it every day, it was cleaned when the life guard could be bothered to get up from his sunbathing.
The entertainment was fab. The animation team worked their socks off and produced some great shows. The Aqua park was very good. Would we go back ? Not a chance.
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Graham & Sally from Balloch, Loch Lomond travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Direct Holidays
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: September 2007 Elenite Village
Arriving at Bourgas airport and onward transfer was both quick and efficient, the transfer from Bourgas to Elenite takes approx 30-40 minutes. Elenite is situated 15 minutes north of Sunny Beach.
Elenite is a purpose built enclosed resort directly on the Black Sea with its own nice large stretch of gently sloping sandy beach. The resort has both family villas and several hotels (some are new this year and more are being built at present) and the complex is laid out in a park style with landscaped gardens.
Accommodation:
The villas are terraced (many have a lot of steps) and most of them have a sea view although there are several that look out on to other villas or the gardens.
The villas themselves are a good size for both couples and families. There are different styles of villas with some having twin/ double beds and some of the others also having bunk beds for children.
All the villas have a decent bathroom with a bath and a shower above. A hairdryer is not provided but you can hire one for a small fee from reception.
The furnishings in the rooms are all very good with plenty of hanging and drawer space.
You get clean towels everyday with bedding changed 3 times a week and towels for the beach are available from the hotel.
All rooms have a TV with a limited choice of English speaking channels, a fridge (stocked with a couple of bottles of water and some chocolate on arrival) and free individually remote controlled air conditioning.
There are no kettles in the rooms so if you require one you will have to take your own.
All the villas have a balcony with a table and chairs and there is also a clothes airer for drying cloths on the balcony.
There are also some villas that are a bit more luxurious and have a higher standard of fittings & furnishing.
Food & Drink:
The food, this was the main area of complaint for most people!
The Nessebar the main restaurant for the villas is located in the middle of the villas in the main complex and this is where breakfast, main lunch and dinner is served and the restaurant is all self service with a choice of courses.
When you enter the restaurant you may have to search before finding a seat, (a tip, if sunny DON’T sit near the windows, phew HOT) the staff will clear tables so you may have to wait on one becoming available.
Breakfast (07:30-10:30) is the normal choice of cereals, hot ? dishes, salads, cold meat, fruit, pastries etc. The toast making facilities are the usual slow make your own either burnt or under done affair.
Lunch (12:30-14:30) also consists of a choice of hot ? dishes, salads etc. There is also a choice of 2 types of soup. There is also a selection of small pastries for dessert that are very nice.
Dinner (18:00-21:30) is very much of the same again as per lunch time with a choice of various dishes.
There is a choice of several nicely flavoured ice creams available in the dinning room and the same ice cream is also available in cones from the Philipopolis café bar.
Now the problem with the food.
A lot of people complained about the choice and quality of the food – this is not really a problem, remember you are in a foreign country and they have different styles and tastes to us. Yes you will get some unusual dishes and not everything will be familiar or the same as home, for example there are a lot of stew dishes and the meat is very chunky but tender I might add.
Where the main problem lies is temperature control or should I say lack of it.
There are several problems here, food is brought out from the kitchen hot / warm, but then it sits in the cabinets for a while and these cabinets are not doing their job in keeping the food warm.
By the time you go to the various cabinets and queue and then get back to your table the food will very rarely be hot. This isn’t helped by the fact that the plates although in a plate warmer they are cold because the warmer isn’t switched on
If you can time your visit to the food counter just as fresh food is being brought out you may get a hot dish.
The other restaurants are classified A La Carte and they are the Sozopol which offers traditional Bulgarian dishes and is nice although it has a very limited choice of menu. The Sunshine restaurant serving European food and the Taliana (No it’s not Italian) serving BBQ dishes.
These restaurants must be pre booked (outside Sozopol from 10:00-11:00) on the morning of the day you wish to go. The places get filled quickly so you have really got to queue from 09:30 to get a table. Note the Taliana gets booked there in the morning.
There are also a couple of areas beside the beach that you can get some food –
In front of the villas there is a small ship shaped bar that you can get hot dogs, soft drinks and beer available from 10:00 -17:30
Next to the Taliana is the Champignon (Gabkata) where you will get Pizza, hot dog, some kind of burger thing ? soft drinks and beer.
The Philipopolis bar located near the swimming pool (10:30-22:00) serves alcoholic and soft drinks all day. There is also coffee and biscuits available at all times as well as ice cream available scooped in to tubs or in a cone. This bar has a nice terrace to sit out on.
The lobby bar beside reception open from 08:00 -24:00 serving soft drinks, tea / coffee and alcohol has some large comfortable seats but can get very smoky due to cigarettes.
Don’t be surprised if the bars run out of types of drinks (mainly wine) at various times of the day as this was a common event, usually rectified within half an hour.
Drinks are served in plastic glasses if you are on the beach or pool areas or when the glass glasses were being cleaned.
All drinks in these bars are locally produced with no branded alcohol available. The beer was very nice and especially good when you got it in the large pilsner style glasses.
Measures are large and just poured from the bottle so be warned.
Branded drinks are available in the Fregata Irish pub (open 12:00-04:00) and also at the Beach Bar near the Royal Park, all drinks have to be paid for in these bars.
Animation / Entertainment:
There is a large animation hall where entertainment is held in the evening, this is usually children’s entertainment followed by Bingo and then some dance style routines performed by the Animation team.
The Animation team also organise various event during the day such as Beach Volleyball, Football, Darts, Air Rifle shooting, Aerobics etc.
There is also an Amphitheatre used for cultural events and entertaining behind the Royal Park hotel which you may have to pay entry for depending on the performance.
On site leisure facilities:
Your AI package includes –
Free :
Use of all the above bars and dinning.
Sunbeds and parasols on the beach.
Entry and use of the slides / pools and loungers at the Atlantida Aqua Park located next to the Royal Park hotel. Drinks are payable here.
Free use of tennis court, racket hire is 6 Leva per hour if required.
Fitness Centre (Gym).
Evening entertainment as provided by reps and Animation team.
Childrens club - located near Royal Bay hotel.
Payable locally:
Spa facilities (below Philipopolis bar next the pool) my wife said they were excellent.
Jet Ski hire.
Banana boat ride.
Horse Riding.
Mini Golf.
Surfboarding / Sailing.
Parasailing.
Out and about:
There are a few shops / stalls located in the Royal Park and at the Villa complex near the Broadway animation hall.
However for a bigger choice of shops or for a choice of something different to eat you have to go to Sunny Beach / Nessebar. Here you will find many places selling real fake designer goods and some bargains can be found.
There is a bus bookable at reception taking you to Sunny Beach and also on to Nessebar, this costs 10 Leva each for a return ticket. A public bus operates from the gates at the Royal Park costing 2 Leva per person each way.
If you go on the public bus forget your manners, you may think you are in a queue but the Germans don’t do queues so just push in.
A small boat also goes from the jetty in front of the Royal Park costing 20 Leva.return
Nessebar is a world heritage site and is well worth taking the time for a visit to see its ancient buildings, and it also has some lovely places to eat.
For a change of meal or somewhere different for a drink without going far try Pokos bar which is just outside the resort past the Royal Park hotel, open from 16:00-03:00 serving steaks, curries cocktails etc.
General points:
Medical facilities are available 24/7 on site with a doctor and pharmacy located near the Villlage pool under the dinning room.
If you are a non smoker you will find that smoking is permitted everywhere except for a section of the dining room so many areas get very smoky.
The whole resort is very clean, the cleaners are constantly sweeping and mopping (a bit of a surprise when the cleaner came in to the toilet while I was standing there if you get my meaning). The grounds are also kept immaculate with gardeners and cleaners maintaining them continuously.
The beach is very nice with soft sand that slopes very gently in to the sea, particularly near the villa area, a lifeguard is on duty from approx 10:00-17:30.
There are a large number of steps throughout out various areas of the resort so it isn’t ideal for those that have walking difficulties. The two hotels (The Royal Bay & The Royal Park) that are completed at the moment would more suitable as you don’t to climb stairs to get to dining rooms, bars etc.
If you would like a portrait painted of yourself or somebody else this can be done by one of the artists on the promenade. He will take a picture of you or you can give them a picture of the subject and they will paint a lovely picture within a day or two and it won’t cost very much, approx 80 Leva.
The big question – would we go back ?
Yes absolutely, in a couple of years we will definitely go back
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joanne jackson from glasgow travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
direct holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we stayed all inclusive and found the food to be ok, there was plenty of choice, 2 soups every day, salads, chicken, pork, beef, vegetarian dishes, cakes, ice cream, seperate childrens buffet. there are several snack bars throughout the complex serving pizzas, hot dogs and chicken kebabs. the hotel is very clean, the cleaners work very hard in all the areas of the complex, our towels were changed every day and room cleaned daily. the location is great right on the beach and the advantage of the village is that there are no cars for the chidren to worry about, yes you get the buggies but they are generally going pretty slow and the odd van that collects rubbish or delivers supplies to the pool bars. the majority of hotel staff are great (just reception staff whom i found quite stuffy and not very helpful) the entertainment team work extremley hard all day, the shows at night are brilliant and the kids club staff are great. we have already booked for next year.
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lisa and luke from wolverhampton travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we arrived very early in the morning and were greated by bell boys, which i must say was very nice. the members of staff throughout the hotel were very helpfull. the cleaners worked exstremley hard too. the food was very nice we had no complaints aboutit. Although there were a lot of people complaining about it. I think personally that a lot of people thought that they would have a full english breakfast every morning. you must go there with an open mind and trie new things.the location of the hotel is great .the complex is very relaxing you have everything you need right there. the entertainment for the kids was great . although i thought the entertainment for the adults could of been a little better.There is a night club and an irish pub. The hotel was very clean and the cleaners worked really hard. THEY ALWASTS HAD TIME FOR YOU.all in all i think that this was one of the best holidays which we have. We enjoyed it so much that we have booked to go again next year.
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fluffybum from blackwood gwent travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
balkan
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Upon arrival to our villa/room (No:-416), we noticed that there was an enormous crack and hole in our sink. After numerous complaints the sink was finally renewed 2 days before we went home. Reception staff very grumpy.
Bars that served alcohol / soft drinks often ran out of gas so never could get a drink. Disco/ nightclub area in bad state of repair with lots of broken mirrors and ripped seating. Toilets in animation hall were absolutely putred.
Entertainment for the children was not free as we were charged 20 lev (approx £8 per child) for mortal kombat night & carnival night & pirate night as well as adults being charged entry for the maximus dance show.
A chlorine fire under one of the pools left us without the use of the 2 main pools for nearly three days.
Food in restaurant was quite good but you often had birds flying through the restaurant as well as birds nests in the light fittings of the dining areas.
Would never go back there again. Still Awaiting compensation from Balkan which my local trading standards team are acting on our behalf!!!!!!!!!
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sue berry from oldham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
firstchoice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we stay in august 07 with my husband 3 kids and my freinds family we have a great time right on the beach carnt fault anything about the village it was brill water park was good all the kids enjoyed it going back next year
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Roger, Karen, Kirsty from Rotherham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Balkans
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our second visit to the Holiday Village and once again were not disappointed.
The cleaners work tirelessly all day in the rooms and complex.
The food was very good particularly the a la carte restaurants for which you have to book in advance. Don’t worry you don’t have to pay!
The location is idyllic if you want a stress free relaxing holiday.
The complex has just also opened a water park with free admission although you do have to pay for your drinks/snacks within the water park. The staff are very good even though they are limited to the amount of English they speak.
The ANIMATION team work their socks off every day and the shows they put on in the evenings are excellent.
Our possible ONLY SMALL gripe is that there ought to be a slight more choice of meals within the restaurant but having said that what there was good.
All in all excellent value again and will be visiting again in 2 years as we have already booked for Albena next year. Enjoy!!
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Roz from N Ireland travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Direct Holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The resort was spotless with a multitude of cleaners. The rooms were quite small but adequate with a fridge, shower and air conditioning(although there was no warm water in our appartment).
The restaurants were obviously very busy as it was peak season but it usually wasn't a problem getting tables. Access to sunny beach could be made by boat, taxi or bus. We used the bus at a cost of 1.30 levs each - one way.
There is a pier in the resort and boats trips leave to Nessebar (a lovely town at a cost of 20 levs return) and sunny beach. The only down points were the entertainment was a bit scarce in the evening only 1 hour (9 to 10 usually) otherwise very good.
This resort is excellent for young families although not much for older kids. I would visit again in some few years time because by then I think it will be more cottoned on.
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Amanda from Woking travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Cosmos
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back from a fantastic place. Elenite Holiday Village. Excellent room right on the beach. Cleaned very well every day. The whole resort was kept very clean. Food was good and sometimes excellent. Definitely a place to take children.
We did not leave the resort as we were quite happy to just relax. The restaurant staff were very good and so were the cleaners. The reception staff's answer to any query was come back in an hour! Really good value and we are looking to go again.
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elenite holiday village from sunny beach travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2006 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is 1 of the best hotels I have ever stayed in I would personally go back again. The weather was beautiful and the food you would be spoilt for choice. When I stayed there my first night they was so friendly and took my case to the bedroom I had a breath taking view that over looked the beach
Bad points
The people on the beach they would not stop bothering us until they got the hint
The pool was a bit cold but it warmed up after a while
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Becky from Cheltenham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We decided to go to the Elenite as we would be saving a huge amount of money and still get the relaxing sunshine we wanted! How wrong we were!
Out of 14 days we had 6 that were sunny and warm enough to leave the jumpers indoors! Ok the weather isn't the hotel's fault, but still not good for the beginning of September.
In the second week my boyfriend got food poisoning due to recycled hot meals. We met a family with a child, who ate nothing but cake as there was no kids meals apart from chips.
The hotel is set on a hill, meaning that there are a lot of stairs, without any hand rails, and when wet they were slippery.
I went in the pool once as the water was green rather than blue.
If the weather isn't nice there is not a lot for the kids to do.
The hotel staff are friendly enough, but can be very apprehensive of talking to you.
The rooms are very basic and not very secure. The cleaners do a brilliant job, and are quite happy to chat.
All in all we had the worst holiday ever and the hotel definitely needs a health and safety check.
The a la carte restaurants were the best bit about the hotel, although you have to get there really early to book one. The food was hot and traditional rather than beef stew and chips!
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Donna from Birmingham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Where do I start, I am a single parent with 3 children and saved nearly £1300 for this all inclusive holiday. We arrived at 4.00 in the morning. Staff were helpful and took our cases to the room.
The 1st morning we were going to breakfast when we saw a cat with a rat in its mouth, then when we were in the dining room we had breakfast with birds flying over our heads (my eldest daughter has a phobia). We also had lunch and evening meals with the birds as well.
We were walking long the beach one day and saw a deer at first we thought it was a statue but when we got closer we could see it was real, it drank out of the pool and even ate off someones plate in the dining room.
The food was horrible which left us all with bad stomachs, we lived on chip butties, soup and cakes, we never touch the cakes when we saw all the flies over them.
The poolside was dirty they cleaned the pool everyday but never cleaned the sides of the pool where the sunbeds were. The fag ends and pop what had been spilt where still there the next day, so when you were sun bathing there were wasps all over you.
The toilets were a disgrace,the entertainment lasted for half an hour each night, everything was over by 10.00.
You could not drink the drinks in the animation hall, when you put the drink to your mouth it smelt like the pumps had not been cleaned, you stuck to the tables and your feet stuck to the floor.
The only friendly people there were the cleaners.
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paul and vicky johnson from sunderland travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
direct holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Came back last night and am disgusted left after five days and got relocated to another hotel in Sunny Beach.
Firstly cleaners were always about the village with there soaking wet mops across the marble style floors and steps which were lethal. The mops they used left an awful smell and I never saw them use any cleaning materials.
Hotel location was in middle of nowhere you couldnt go out and walk about but ok if you wanted to stay on resort
Hotel staff are ignorant and nasty ( only exception was the chambermaids ). Five year old son was told to get in deep end of the pool so others could play waterpolo even though my son could not swim. Lifeguard sat with a cigerettte in his mouth all day long shouting if he even got splashed, if you were finished with an icecream he would ask for it. One waiter snatched spoon out of my hand when I was getting food for my 3 year old from the supposed food area for kids he said it was for children ( how on earth can I let my 3 year old serve herself ). There was never no managers on site when you wanted one.
Entertainment for the holiday village was a fire hazard with only one entrance and exit which was constantly blocked with people looking in and standing there. It was not very good at all, kids could join in but parents are that far back you couldnt relax if you cant see them at all times.
The Royal park had outside entertainment but you cant get anything to drink there because we were from the village so it was pointless.
I can honestly say I would never in a million years ever set foot at Elenite ever, I booked the holiday only 3 weeks before I went and still paid a lot of money and the way I see it is dont just put up with it, if something is not right make yourself heard.
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wendy from edinburgh travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
balkan holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Royal Bay Elenite..
Just returned from this holiday 2 days ago, what can I say.......good points first, very clean rooms, towels and linen changed fequently, good beach, with plenty sunbeds and umbrellas (if you got your towel down early enough).
Only friendly person we met was the cleaner, who didn't speak a word of English, but we managed to communicate and she was very friendly.
The animation team tried very hard, but the hall they used was a fire trap, with only 1 set of double doors as the back doors were locked.
Bad points.....
The whole family had bad upset tummys for the whole holiday, couldn't leave our rooms for the first 3 days.
Guests children got bored at night and decided to play with the lifts, which put them out of action frequently, or you would get in the lift and do and up/down trip for about 5 minutes before you got to the floor you wanted.
Reception staff very grumpy.
Bar staff even more grumpy (if that's possible).
Dining room was like school dinners, and the food for kids was awful.....chicken schnitzel almost every night with chips (our 7 year old lived on chips and bananas for 2 weeks).
The food for adults was just as bad...stuffed vine leaves ! stuffed rice, runny mashed potatoes (smash instant )and chicken or pork every night, you could tell what was going to be on the menu the next night from what you had the day before.
No entertainment at the Royal Bay end of the complex...everything seemed to happen at the Royal Park, and we were told that we couldn't use thier facilities, only the village ones.
Balkan holiday reps.......well we saw him once to book our trips and that was it, no-one to complain to if there was any problems...he was only at the hotel between 5:30 and 5:45pm, so if you were on a trip or a day out, you were never back in time to catch him.
The hotel put on a beach party every second sunday night......an accident waiting to happen, someone was sent for wood to build a bonfire, the guy spent 2 hours setting it up (it kept falling over) then he threw on a few cups of petrol and whoooosh ! Up it went.
There was a barbecue (I really wish there was a health and safety team)the sausages were cooked for about 4 minutes, turkey which was 3" thick got approximately 15 minutes each side, then put into a metal container which wasn't even on the heat, the coals of the barbie were fanned by an electric room fan....all the while the "chefs" were standing behind the barbecue scratching thier ears, noses then turning the food over with thier fingers, oh and with a cigarette in the other hand (please make sure you eat BEFORE you go).
The animation team done a few limbo competitions for the kids and that was it, no atmosphere, kids running around crazy (very near the fire) then it was over, they just lift the orange juice that's left and the cd player and go.......leaving the fire burning !
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Darren and Family from warrington travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I will start with the room, this was more than adequate for our needs as all we used the room for was to sleep.
The location of the room was fantastic we where right on the beach front and could throw a stone from our room on to beach(if we wanted)we could lay in bed and watch the sea.
The location was to our needs as well, the hotel laid a bus service on to sunny beach and nassabar which cost us 20lev return for 2 adults and 2 children and picked up at various times through out the day.
The cleanliness was spot on with maids and cleaners working through out the day all over the complex our maid was really good and did a really good job.
The gym facilities where good and we took advantage of the masseur facilities.
The only downside for us was the food, what I mean by this is that the food was not bad it was just not to our tastes the other European holiday makers seemed to enjoy it.
The entertainment was very poor for our bit but it did seem a lot better at the 2 other hotels either side of us but our all inclusive bands did not let us get free drinks there even though they could in ours.
Overall the holiday was really good and we would certainly recommend it to our friends and we are also thinking of going back there next year.
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Jeannette & William from Paisley travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Balkan
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed in the Sunrise Villas. Villas were quite small in size, but given that we were only there for 2 weeks they done the job perfectly. We could not have got a better located villa if we tried, it was right in the centre of the resort close to all facilities and right by the beach. Fantastic.
There was always a choice of food, which was of a good standard and always hot. Also a children's menu. Don't know why anyone one would want to complain about it.
Staff in the resort were helpful and always very polite.
Weather was fantastic, apart from a couple of outburst of rain which only lasted 5 - 10 minutes and then gone. Weather got hotter each day after that.
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felicia & ian from birmingham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in Elenite village, complex was spotless, staff always cleaning, always no matter what time! Although toilets in certain areas seemed to be missed off the list.
Food generally of a good standard, varied choice every night, always hot. Could increase the choice of fish available.
Complex was located very close to the excellent beach, although lots of steps to climb. We sometimes felt very isloated as to visit anywhere else it required a bus or taxi ride.
Entertainment was ok during the day but non existent during the evening, even though they had the facilities, it was a shame to see them wasted.
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hugh sharpe from clydebank travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
direct
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed in village right on beach room was basic but very clean. Clean towels every day.
The food is best I have had in Bulgaria. It's our 3rd year there so not the horror stories we all have read about.
Location is very peaceful and safe for kids.
Staff helpful kind and pleasant.
Entertainment was on all day for kids and adults alike, shows on every night good fun for kids.
We are already booking for next year.
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Vera from Bedfordshire travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Booked for a hotel room but were put in a so called Villa, which was a long way down steps which were unlit.
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Dan from Hull travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the actual holiday village not in either of the two hotels nearby and we must say that on balance it was a very good place for a family holiday. Wouldn't recommend it if you are in couples or group of friends as the entertainment is based around families and in particular small children. Taxi will cost about £8 each way to get to Sunny Beach where all of the nightlife and restaurants are.
Arrival: Our room was wrong when we arrived around 4am due to the late First Choice flight and my friend had to sleep on a sofa until the next day where they did move our room immediately. Whilst basic, the room, like the whole place was extremely clean. However, the rest of the complex was really quite nice. Towels and room cleaned everyday by the most friendly lady who spoke no English so we had a laugh with her trying to communicate. Nice to feel you are abroad rather than having to expect others to speak ones own language.
The beach was so close and beautiful white soft sand and a sea that was warm and gentle most days. The pools were all very clean although the main ones got too noisy due to so many children and the constant speakers were annoying coming from the Reps entertaining the kids at the top of their voices - you can get away from this though!
Food-wise - the buffet for breakfast was very much the same every day but acceptable, and for lunch and evenings was okay too but there are another three proper restaurants which you can dine in so you don't have to eat the same thing every day! The so-called cakes that are available for snacks are actually not cakes but a few different biscuits so they have that wrong. However, the ice-creams were lovely and the hot-dogs which you can only get from the beach-bar are okay.
Staff - Didn't find anyone who was not pleasant. They don't always say much because some do not speak any English... but if you make the effort to say hello, please and thank you in Bulgarian it goes a very long way and always evokes a grin from the staff! That is true wherever you go in the area!
All Inclusive: What was a bit annoying was that you could only get your drinks from certain bars, so if you wanted a drink by the big pool you couldn't until after 6pm so you had to trek back to the village ones. The out-door restaurant, you must wear a T-shirt as they do not serve you otherwise. We found this out too late and there didn't appear to be any signs warning you of this.
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Alan Byrne from Southampton travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Cosmos
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed in the Royal Bay from 6th -20th June, and found it very clean they seem to be cleaning 24/7.
Although we had a room above the kitchen, that over looked a hill.they called it a mountain the food in our opinion was a bit hit and miss,but you could usally find something to get by on.
It is set in a nice quite end of the resort. Right on the beach, which was lovely. Ideal if you want some peace and quiet. There was no entertainment in the hotel, but you have the use of the rest of the village.
Although we found the entertainment poor. It is fine for young kids, and we had to resort to playing cards for the first week. Until we met up with two more couples, and made our own fun.
You can get a taxi to Sunny Beach, for 20levs about £7, but it is cheaper on the bus less than 4 levs for two each way.
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Tina from Bristol travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Very clean, cleaners must work 24/7 arrived approx 3.30am and they were still working.
Food was good different choices everyday, only complaint was too many chips & wedges, brits complaining about food if they want burgers & chips they should go to Blackpool. Tried two of the speciality restaurants, the Bulgarian & Barbeque which were very good.
Very quiet location & ideal if you just want to relax on the beach with a book.
Staff were friendly & efficient.
Entertainment needs to be worked at, who wants to play bingo everynight.
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rachel from stoke on trent travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
airtours
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Exactly as brochure says very clean always seeing people cleaning which was a good sign.
Food was 3 star standard plenty of choice every day eating out was so cheap so it didn’t matter.
Very good location centre 5 minutes away in taxi not near the hustle and bustle. Private beach which was fantastic.
Staff were good and helpful not that we needed anything from them.
Entertainment not so good they did need a bit more in the evening
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mairi n ryan from irvine travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
direct holidays
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me and my boyfriend are just back from the Elenite holday village, We went for a week at the end of May. Everything about the village was wonderful....the weather was excellent while we were away.
Our rooms were a decent size with great working shower, fridge and was cleaned everyday by the maids to an excellent standard. The beach was always clean and was beautiful, as was the pool and pool area.
The food and drink were excellent and were readily available throughout the day. There was a different menu every night and there was usualy chips for the more fussy eaters.
Some people complained that the food was never hot or there was never enough cutlery in the diningroom but not once in our weeks holiday did we find that that was the case.
The hotel was kept suprisingly clean and well-run for the size of it. Always cleaners inside mopping and sweeping floors - excellent standard of cleanliness in the village.
The staff were mostly friendly but some staff at reception were slightly hard to comunicate to due to language diferences. The location of the village is excellent if you are looking for a relaxing holiday but if you are looking for nightlife you will have to travel into sunnybeach.
Sunny beach also an excellent place to be full of great deals on all cocktails and all other food and drink, also great for shopping and picking up bargains.
Can't realy comment on hotel entertainment as we never really took part in any of the entertainment in our resort, although if you are going with kids they were always occupied and kept very safe if they joined the kids club.
Lots of entertainment for all ages also throughout the day such as pool, airhockey and an amusments room. All in all we both had a brilliant holiday and think that the elenite holiday village was a great place to be and would be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Will def go back to bulgaria again but will maybe book somrwhere closer to Sunny beach or golden sands for the nightlife, Mairi and Ryan xxx
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Joe, Kay & Cameron from Barnsley travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Returned home 7th June 2005 after a two week All Inclusive holiday at The Royal Park. On reading the reviews on this website prior to our holiday, I can honestly say I tried to change our holiday destination.
We are so pleased to report that we are glad that we were unable to. The resort was very clean and tidy, the staff were friendly and helpful and the choice of food was plentiful.
With regards to the problems experienced by holiday-makers last year, it is obvious that things have improved dramatically, and very much for the better. We would wholly recommend The Royal Park as a great holiday village.
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Shan Cooke from Pencoed Wales travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The apartments were clean and neatly furnished with excellent views, however, there was only steps provided to get to each room.
The food was not up to our standards, breakfast was same every day, very small selection of cereals and the scrambled eggs were not cooked enough, lunch and dinner was very much the same and the left overs were made into another uncomplimentry dish for the next day, veal, chicken or pork was the meat and my husband could not tell them apart. Instant mash for most evenings and when you picked it up with fork it would run through it, however, the salad bar was very good and being a vegi that is what I lived on mostly. Deserts were very nice but that is it.
other restaurants were not up to standard either.
The staff were very nice and polite even though that could not really understand what we were saying but then again we could not understand them either.
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Jackie from Kingston Upon Thames travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After seeing the reviews for the Elenite holiday village, my b/fiend and I were very apprehensive about going and even tried to cancel - I'm glad we weren't allowed because it was one of the best holidays I've had!
The hotel and rooms were always clean and tidy, with sheets and towel changes each day. Always a maid around to ask if you needed spares.
The beach could've done with a bit of a clean though.
Had a few problems opening the door to our room as the key wouldn't turn, so spoke to reception and they got the handyman onto it. Apparently there was a trick to it...although after 2wks, we still couldn't figure that out!!
Food was great. Being an exceptionally fussy vegetarian, I managed to survive on salad, rice, bread, chips, potatoes and ice cream. Found it more than adequate, and yes, occasionally it wasn't piping hot, but what do you expect when people leave the food containers open. BBQ restaurant was good and so was the pizza. Tried booking into the other restaurant too, but think you needed to book that at the crack of dawn because when we tried at approx 7,7.30,&8am it was already fully booked.
Location was good for the holiday we wanted, and it was only a short bus ride to sunny beach where the nightlife and shopping is.
Reps not very good. One occasion asked where we could go for a short stroll. Apparently sunny beach was a good walk, so we went...approx 4hrs later we arrived. Don't suggest anyone tries that because you also have to watch out for the taxis that try and run you over!
Did find a lovely short walk down the beach as far as you could go and you see the other hotels (and the brickwork for those not built yet).
Animation team - brilliant and so friendly. Probably more suitable for kids, but we both loved it and were in our 20s.
Definitely ignore any bad reviews and try it for yourselves. If my holiday is anything to go by, you'll love it!!
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Leigh Hodges from Margate travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We went to this hotel last year and had a really nice time, we did have problems with our room.
1. Had to wear flip flops with rubber soles on as kept getting electric shock from taps in bathroom (sounds strange i know)asked at reception a few times they gave me a dirty look and then wrote the complaint in a book for the maintance staff to fix which they didn't manage to fix
2.Room was damp as was the whole hotel.
3. Food was not good no choice for children
Despite all this we still had a great holiday we are very laid back people so we don't tend to get to upset about things.
The entertainment was quite good all the bulgarian reps were helpful and made a lot of effort didn't see to much of the first choice reps.
The beach is really lovely and clean the water is really warm and safe as it is shallow, we were lucky enough to see the dolphins a few times in the morning as our room was beach front it was the first thing we used to look for.
All in all a good place to visit I just wouldn't go back as the hotel I feel has big problems with damp and I feel it can only get worse.
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hayley from bury,manchester travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the elenite holiday village and had a great time although the food was sometimes cold we got over it as the rest of the holiday was fab.
We had our own private beach which is always a bonus
The first choice entertainers were really good they
Always around the pool area at the royal park which is literally next door and were also in the Irish bar inside the hotel which you can use the facilities of. Because we went this was close to the end of the season I thought that the reps and staff would'nt be that bothered but I was proved wrong when I got there as they were always full of life and happy to help in any situation. The weather was also really hot
We got sunburned so do take your suntan lotion and keep on re-applying in the afternoon it does get really hot. Every where you looked they was always a cleaner around the complex trying there hardest to keep it looking nice and clean. take something with you as well to keep the bees away as they are everywhere I found it real hard to sit down and chill without them coming near me and they do sting so take some ointment
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gordon from doncaster travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
thomson
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Never go back again surprised it's not been shown on Holiday from Hell
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Paul from Hertford travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We too were redirected here as our original hotel "was not ready/up to standard" depending on who you talked to. Overly long coach journey (2.5 hours or so) from Varna.
Arrived at about 1.30 am, given 'packed supper' in a paper bag, and found our 'interconnecting rooms' were nearly 40 feet apart!
Food was fairly good, hot, and enough of it. The 3 bookable restaurants were of better quality than the main buffet.
Not much for children over 11 to do at night - although the internet room - 5 levs (approx £2) /hour was a definite bonus!
Tried the animation hall once - and only once! First Choice's own team did their best but again it wasn't geared much for the older children.
Once you got used to the cleaners being around what appeared to be 24/7, especially in the ladies (according to my other half) you could appreciate the effort that went into keeping the place clean.
Rooms were clean and adequate - although airconditioning would be a definite advantage.
Pool had to be drained once (it looked more like pea soup one morning!) but only out of action for 1 day.
Staff fairly friendly & helpful.
Definitely not designed for the less nimble with all the stairs and unlit paths.
My main complaint is a general one - why do I have to pay full adult price for a 15 year old when he can't use all the facilities (e.g. the bars) fully?
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Julie from East Sussex travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at around 1.30 in the morning and were given bags of water and fruit at reception when we checked in. First problem - one group of our party were allocated a room at least a 3 minute walk away from the rest of us. Followed porter on a seven minute hike to our rooms. Rooms smelt alittle damp but seemed clean enough.
Next morning went out onto balcony which had three birds nests and a large amount of bird mess down walls etc.
Outside on walkway paint was peeling very badly.
Noticed balcony not working and plug socket hanging out of wall, this was underneath dressing table so not too much of a problem. My friends room had a cracked balcony door, a shower which had to be fixed with a peg, no bath plug and a phone which did not work.
My daughters room had a cracked balcony door. None of the above was recitifed during our two week stay. The family who were allocated a room nearer to reception decided not to move as it was larger and nicer than ours.
Went down to breakfast - eggs, bacon, tomatoes, cereal, cold meats, - plenty of choice just the toasters take forever.
Lunch and dinner were okay no-one got a tummy upset and enjoyed the meals in the Bulgarian and Sunshine restaururant. Found out that we could eat breakfast in the Sunshine restaurant which was quieter and very pleasant.
Pizza at the beach okay but have limited it to 2 slices per order, also did this with the drinks at the end of our first week.
Rooms kept clean with towels when we needed them, sheets were a little stained.
The resident entertainment team were very good and worked really hard although the animation hall is a death trap. One night we realised the back doors were locked - if there had been a fire - I will leave the rest unsaid but there must of been around 700+ people in that building with one set of double doors as an exit!!
It does get cold in the evening so take a jacket with you.
Guest relations were a waste of time. Did not want to know, when my daughters crack in her balcony door got worse and had to be taped up we were informed that it had not been broken before we had arrived and would cost us 60 lev!
Resort was very safe which is important when you have children and would let them wander off to get their own ice-cream drinks etc.
Think the vodka is watered down as I can't drink more than 5 single measures at home and there I was drinking 10 (of what appeared large) measures and still doing the 70 steps and 7 minute walk to my room.
If you are still going to the Holiday Village ask for a room near to reception and report and defects in the room to your rep.
Overall we did have an enjoyable time and the children loved it.
Beach clean and water lovely, sometimes there was seaweed and jellyfish.
Pools very cold and not kept very clean.
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Roger and Kirsty from Rotherham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having read all the reports on the Holiday Village, we were a little apprehensive on going.But I can reassure anyone who is going there that the complex is fine ,in a superb location,clean and tidy, constantly being cleaned and superb for kids.We found the food to very nice- my daughter who is 8 is a typical finnicky 8 year old, but she always found something, particularly the hot dogs during the day!!All in all , a very pleasant stay and will definately go again.DONT WORRY!!!!!
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nicola from felixstowe travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
skytours
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: the hotel was always very clean, and there were cleaners about all the time. the rooms were cleaned daily, and the maids even went as far as to fold my nightie up properly. the food was ok, it was a little greasy, things like fish fingers were deep fried. the salads were lovely and always fresh. there were biscuits, pizza and ice-creams available through out the day. there are 4 restaurants in total, three of which you have to book in to in the morning. the bulgarian restaurant was very nice. the staff were friendly, and although the waiters and cleaners struggled with their english, they always made an effort to sort out any problems. entertainment was good, the animation team were very funny. the hall was too small though and there was always a crush trying to get in.
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Mick from Littlehampton travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Balkan
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading all the other reports we were extremely worried about what we were taking our children to.
We certainly shouldn't have been.
The whole complex was continualy being cleaned, the food was edible and the staff were polite enough.
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Sharon from Essex travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Balkan
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the Elenite Holiday Village Sunrise villas (previously called Zone B villas).Our villas were very close to the beach,they were spacious with lots of storage space,they were cleaned thoughly everyday and towels and bedding changed regularly.
The food was well cooked and hot but quite repetive,there are a variety of bookable restaurants which had a wider variety of foods.
All staff are friendly and helpful except the women who work in the ladies toilets who do nothing except eat their lunch,chat,do each others hair and make up and are quite intimidating.
The entertainment both day and night is provided by the hotels own entertainment team and is generally ok considering the limited resources they have.The entertainment hall is small but the kids can sit on the floor to watch the show and you can normally get a seat up by the bar area (difficult to see the show from here though).
The village has a number of things to do i.e swimming pools,table tennis,pool tables,gym,volleyball court,various payable watersports on the beach,a number of bars and snackbars.
The village is kept clean and staff are constantly cleaning away rubbish,sweeping paths,emptying rubbish bins etc.
The only downside is the location of the village it is in the midle of nowhere and you have to get a bus or taxi to Sunny Beach if you are looking for shops,nightclubs etc.
In general we had no complaints or problems during our stay and had a very good holiday.
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Noctor from Milton Keynes travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Skytours
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in the Elenite Holiday Village All Inclusive bedsit type apartments. A cleaner came in every day to wash floors and have a general tidy up. Beds were made daily but sheets changed once a week. same with towels. Maids were always happy to change towels or bed linen if asked. Our apartment consisted of twin beds and a bunk beds as both children were under 12 years of age. Our particular maid, although never spoke a word of english was very nice, always happy, and always trying to please.
Either end of the Elenite apartments was a very large hotel...
Our room had sea view and was within two minutes walk down stairs for beach!! Main reception and dining room was also within a couple of minutes walk. As a young family this was ideal as we were not right on top of the noise that came from the other hotels entertainment evenings.
Food was varied every night.... in the two weeks we stayed the evening menu was not repeated... It was typical Bulgarian and German type food... Not alot of English food was on the menu till the second week...only because the English complained of there not being enough chips and nuggets!! What is the point of going to another country if you want the same food you get back home!! Our kids were very happy trying the different foods in the first week as they had no other options!! It was only when the junk food was introduced the following week when we had problems trying to get the kids to try new foods!!! The waiters were very quick in clearing the tables, sometimes to quick!! But then when you think of the turn over in the dining room, you would want a table cleared for you to sit at .. wouldn't you?
The hotels are in a secluded bay and do not have your typical bars, clubs and restuarants you would get in a resort like Ibiza!! We felt the resort was ideal for a family with young children.... teenagers would want more hence a short bus ride/taxi to Sunny Beach was not a problem.
Entertainment was supplied by animation team which we enjoyed very much, however the hall in which this entertainment was supplied at night was very very small and unless you went half an hour before doors open you would not get a seat/table in the venue untill after the main show finished.
The only complaint I would have is that the Royal Bay and the Royal Park hotel can share everything for the Elenite Apartments, yet we could not share there pools/bars/pubs etc.... hence the animation hall was always packed because all three hotels were allowed to use it... It should be either everyone shares or no one.
The hotel staff themselves were very polite, although there english was not that good, and therefore I found it difficult to ask for help because of the language barrier.
However, the young girls that looked after the toilets by the restuarant need to be more professional... Myself, daughter and several other people we met only used these toilets when necessary as we felt intimidated by the girls behaviour. The girls would always be in three's giggling away, singing or changing their clothes when ever we went in.... and it felt as though they were laughing and joking and watching us when ever we went in... Also the females toilets are in need of maintenance, and all toilets should be available at all times... not blocked of due to cleaning buckets being kept in them .. is that not what the lockers are for?
I found the resort to be very clean, yes there is a few birds nests that need to be removed from around the receptions building area, however it is nothing compared to the amount on the balcanoies of the Royal Park Hotel.... they have a big problem with nests, I am very pleased to have stayed in the Elenite Village Apartments. People were always walking around cleaning and maintaining gardens etc....
Our room was always cleaned by the maid daily, although bed linen and towels were only changed once a week. However, if you asked the maid who we found to be very friendly and helpful, she would always supply you with more.
We found the food in the dining room to be excellent, a good selection of food, and bulgarian based... our children tried various dishes and eat well the whole time we were there. There was no english food the first week we were there and the food was always fresh and hot!! It was only in the second week after the english complained!!! that more junk food was introduced, i.e chips, nuggets, fish fingers etc... but where is the fun in going to visit another country if you are not going to eat their food!! How are you learning the culture, you may as well stick to the typicall spanish resorts if its just the sun you are after!!
Having gone with Skytours, there was no reps entertainment compared to that of First Choice! It was difficult trying to establish the kids club! However First Choice did say we could use theirs for £7.50 per day or £30 per week, however kids clubs only catered up to the age of 8, which was of no use to us.
Evening entertainment consisted of the animation hall which had a kids disco at 8 followed by a show by the animation team at 9 which was very good (although it was mimed!) Alternatively you made your own entertainment by wondering around the shopping arcades or drinking either by the reception/restuarant/pool areas. Or in the over 18 disco below reception... Outside the Royal bay hotel, First Choice has set up an outside stage in which the reps that host the kids clubs by day, then have a family based stage show in the evenings till 10.30... generall all is quite by 11.30... Note that you can only obtain drinks from this poolside bar if you have a First Choice wristband.... alternatively meet up with someone who has and let them go to the bar all the time!!
Our kids were very entertained throughout the day either playing on the beach, in the pools, volley ball. There was water sports available at the far end near the pier, which included Pedalos, jet ski, wind surfing, banana boat ride and paragliding. At the pier you could also get a boat over to nearby Nessabar which has historical features and is a very good place to shop both for clothes and souverniers. The beach was very clean, and there is ample of room and sunbeds and umbrellas, however people do tend to get up early and claim their beds with their towels to which they keep all day!!
The sea gentle shelves out, and is very shallow for a very long way out, life guards are constantly blowing whistles if you go to far for their liking. We felt the kids were very safe.
The village has a few resident artists, hair braiders, jewellers, shops selling basic needs i.e crisps, drinks, sweets, toiletries, together with others selling soverneirs.... bags, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, beach wear and inflatables etc. to name but a few...
The village is very secluded and very relaxing place to be in our opinion. If you want a night life activity or bars and restuarants then you are better of going to nearby Sunny Beach.. short bus ride away. However, we visited Sunny Beach and found it to be a typical english seaside resort with all your bars, restuarants, shops and even McDonalds.. However it is beginning to look like a concrete jungle.... we much prefered the Elenite for us.
We recommend the trip to Khans tent as it is a fantastic evening out with a four course meal and a light cabarat type entertainment followed by a short disco.
The trip to Varna to see the Dolphinarium is okay if you want to spend two hours getting there, two hours getting back... 45 mins watching the show and 4 hours shopping !!! If you do choose this make sure if you take kids they like being dragged round the shops!! Also be very very very carefull of the groups of girls that go around surveying people to mug!! They are plentiful..
The Lazy day Cruise, is an excellent day on the yatch, swimming, light lunch, fishing and general fun and games as well as the opportunity to top up your tan.
If you plan on going to the Aqua park... if you are over 1.30m you will have to pay the adult fee of 24 levs, a child is 12 levs. Also if you pay as a child you will not be allowed to ride any of the chutes as you have to be over 1.30m.... 1.40m to ride the Kamakaza and instant drop chutes..... We were not told this and our 8 year old who measures 1.27m was in tears cause he could only use the pools and not allowed on the chutes!! Also you are not allowed to take any of your own food and drink in as your bags are searched on entry and confiscated.. you have to purchase there products inside!!
Yes I would visit the resort again if the children are still young, or as a couple looking for peace and tranquility.... however, once the children become teenagers I would look for a more lively resort, however I didnt like Sunny Beach!!
We had a fantastic time, however, there are a lot of steps and some very slippery surfaces so be very careful if you need to use buggies or have walking difficulties.... it is not wheelchair friendly and there are no lifts outside the two Royal hotels...
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Noctor from Milton Keynes travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Skytours - thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: cont....
The beach is excellent, although you do have to get down there early and claim your sunbeds with your towels!! But beds and umbrellas are plentiful...
The water gently shelves out and is very shallow for a big way out, life guards are constantly watching and blowing whistles if you venture too far.... I felt it very safe for my children.
When not out on trips, we passed the day playing around the pools or on the beach...and volley ball... there is plenty of water activities which you hire up by the pier, those include jet skiing, pedalos, wind surfing, para gliding and banana boat rides. By the pier you can also catch a boat into nearby Nessabar which is quite a historical place and perfect to get bargain souverniers and clothing...
Evening entertainment is better if you go with First Choice as they have there own little out door stage outside the Royal Hotel, and a kids club up to the age of 8.
Trips to go for is Khans tent. We had excellent time, four course meal and light cabaret followed by short disco..
Aqua park is okay if you over certain height, make sure you check out heights of children before going as those under 1.30m cant use the chutes and those over this height have to pay adult prices of 24 levs. Also your bags are searched on entry for food and drink as you not allowed to take your own in.
Lazy day boat cruise is also a fantastic family day out, although not suitable for under 5's.... fun and games are plentiful and you also get to have a light lunch, swimming and fishing and even a water fight with another yatcht!!
Trip to varna to see a 45 min dolphin show is okay if you want to spend 2 hours travelling there and 2 hours travelling back and spending 4 hours after the show shopping!! Not a good idea if your kids hate being dragged around the shops, and watch out for groups of girls looking to snatch your bags and purses!!
All in all had a fantastic time and would recommend stay to anyone with young family or a couple looking for peace and tranquility...
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Spencer from Taunton travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Food was excellant with a variety on each night and good quality, if your looking for chips and chicken nuggets every day then you will be disappointed. Book one of the 3 other restaurants on sight from your room by dialling 723 between 9 and 12 noon (keep dialing for 5 mins and you will get through.
Ice creams for kids are plentiful.
The pool side were cleaned of rubbish all through the day but they did not clean the floor of algea.
The hotel is a short bus (1.5 lev or taxi ride (15 lev) from sunny beach.
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unsworth from bolton travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we stayed in the holiday village that sits between two hotels on the same complex. we had a cleaner come and clean everyday, we were there for a week. you need to realise that if you leave your dirty laundry on the floor in the morning , it will be picked up and replaced every time by the cleaner, very thorough in their job and very helpful.
the food was not what i was expecting as i had heard a few unpleasent stories although we found it to be tasty ,hot and varied and were very pleased. when on holiday it pays to try some of the cuisine that you dont get at home this is what we did although some peoples expectations were too high and felt dissappointed in their food. we certainly were not.
the location of the hotel is about 3km from sunny beach , we visited there for shopping ,it cost us 50p each on the bus and a return in the taxi cost us £3.00. we did not feel cut off as the resort had plenty of things to do at night.
having visited sunny beach we felt glad that we were in elenite as it felt safer for a family to holiday there.the hotel staff were bang on ,excellant ,they do not speak good english ,they are obviously bulgarian but they spoke better english than my bulgarian. the staff were helpful in the restaurants and small shops and at the bars.
the entertainment was lacking in some areas , we have a 7 and 12 year old and usually the 7 year old goes into the kids club , on this holiday he didnt use them. the holiday village offers about 3/4 sessions per day run by the village itself. the hotels have the kids club reps to take charge of the childrens activities, we were told that if we wanted to put our 7 year old in with the kids club we would have to pay £30.00 for the week, not expensive when you consider the prices out there.as i said we didnt find that neccessary as we filled our days around the 3 pools or the beach.
the dissappointment came with the adult entertainment at night which was supplied by the kids reps, for the size of the complex it needs to invest in its own entertainment team.
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donna from manchester travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: this hotel and resort remined me of an open prison. rooms are very basic and thou cleaned,clean linen and towels are very rare. in communal toilets doors dont shut and cleaning staff like to congregate and eat thier food in there. food is served cold or luke warm.also birds and flies join you for every meal and try it prior to you. bird droppings in evidence everywhere in resaurant. location very remote and if you like even a small stroll forget it as no where to go. hotel staff are rude and unfriendly and will think nothing of arguing with you.entertainment is ok repative as all resorts are but adequte. drinks served in small plastic cups night and day this includes tea and coffee. i wouldnt visit an open prison by choice so there is no way i would pay to return here.
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db from Wigan travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Glad to be home! We enjoyed our holiday despite our accomodation and tried to make the most of the best bits and ignore the worst.
The location of the holiday village is ok - lovely beach with pleanty of sunbeds. We were glad that we were able to use the facilities of the neighbouring hotels (Royal Park and Royal Bay) - this was the holidays saving grace.
Our 'mini villas' (more like shacks) were awful - the smell of mould and mildew permeated everything. The shower was useless and flooded the bathroom whenever we used it. The top bunk was too dangerous (in my opinion) for the children to sleep in because the safety bar was too low. The maid-service was ok - they did their best. The balconies were covered in bird poo and surrounded by weeds. Lots of higgeldy-piggeldy steps and unlit pathways to navigate. My Dad suffered from torn ligaments in his foot due to falling on one of the many damaged paving stones. The rep said that in Bulgaria people are responsible for their own safety and should pay more care when walking! On the second day of our holiday the key broke in the lock (obviously due to the faulty barrel which meant that the key had become weakened over time). The reception staff insisted that we had to pay 15 lev. When I refused (because I felt this was due to normal wear and tear) our First Choice rep told me that if I didn't pay the maid would be forced to pay or be sacked - i felt this was emotional blackmail.
The entertainment provided by the First Choice team was ok but very repetetive and amateurish. The children really enjoyed the kids disco and we all thought Jumping Jules was hilarious and Funky Phil was really cool. The entertainment provided by the resort Animation Team was better but the Animation Hall was always overcrowded. No snacks were available after 9.00pm.
The food was ok - typical of all inclusive buffets. I found it difficult because I don't eat meat but the rest of our group enjoyed the food - especially at the Royal Park where we chose to eat most nights. The restaurants in Sunny Beach and Nessabar were very good and reasonable priced.
The reception staff were extremely rude - I don't accept their poor English as an excuse - they definitely need some training in guest relations.
The Elenite Holiday Village is a throw back to 1960's Holiday Camps - Why are First Choice still sending people here?
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jimbo from birmingham travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: without doubt the worst place we have ever visited. 148 steps mostly broken, from pool to room. unlit very dangerous, no handrails. anyone with difficulty walking had no chance. no air conditioning. all hotel staff encountered were unhelpful and moody. the food was terrible. children lived on mainly toast luke warm hot dogs and pizza's. beware the catering manager he does not like photo's being taken for evidence. he was very aggressive. basically eastern bloc garbage, first choice should be ashamed of themselves for entertaining this hellhole!
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Jamie Stead from Newport travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Elenite Holiday Village as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hi
Returned from the holiday Village on the 15th July. All in all, after reading reports, I wasn't too dissapointed. the place is probably one of the cleanest I have stayed at with people mopping and cleaning it seems 24 hours a day.
If you expect gourmet food then this is probably not for you, the food is in general, tasty and plentiful, although it seems like if you do not like pork or chicken then choices are very limited. There was an english Chef sent over from one of the holiday companies when I was there who seemed to take control and sort out a lot of the reported problems. Unfortunately he left on the 12 July and things seemed to rapidly go downhill for the last couple days of the holiday. The entertainment at the Village is very sparse from what I saw. Although I am not one for going to shows and playing party games aroung the pool, you generally see plenty of these type of things going on although I only saw pool excercises and waterpolo for a short time each day.
If you expect lots of nightlife you'll be a bit dissapointed, there is one nightclub for over 18's but I didn't go there, although it is quick and easy the get taxi's (about £6.00) into sunny beach where there is a lot of night life and bars. Do not use the phones in the hotel rooms unless you need to, as they will cost about £1.00 or more a minute to phone the UK, and make sure you get a receipt or the will try to charge you again. For a 15-20 minute call it would be cheaper to get a taxi into Sunny Beach use a pay phone and get a taxi back.
There is a exchange desk in the hotel but is does seem very expensive to change sterling and travellers cheques compared to the banks in Sunny Beach.
The boat trip to Nessebar is well worth it, the 600BC fishing village is quaint and interesting with lots of resturants and bars, and small shops selling everything from cheap fake watches and cheap "good copy" watches to perfumes and kettles. If you go by boat from
Elenite then it will cost about £4.00 per person for the trip across and £2.50 for the return trip, although this will only give you abut 3 hours in the village, which if you want to have a lunch there it may not be enough time, a taxi back to elenite will be about £10.00 but make sure you ask the driver to give you a price first. If you get a taxi driver who can speak a bit of english they can be very helpful in telling you the best places to go and what's going on.
There is a water park in Sunny Beach which acording the the First Choice reps is good and about £10.00 for a day ticket, although they do not run a trip there or tell you about it (ask a Thomson rep, because they do run a trip there).
If the sun shines (which it did for 90% of the 2 weeks I was there) and you like to lie in the sun on the beach or by the pool then it is a good place to go but if you want activities, night life, and entertainment layed on then you will probably be dissapointed.
All in all the village has its teething problems, which are being sorted by the Tour operators. Come 2007 this wil be a great place to go.
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Ben from Lowestoft travelled to Elenite Holiday Village with
Sky Tours
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel |
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