| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Geraldine & Tom from Coventry travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: The hotel is well appointed for the beach and activities.
The Staff are always cleaning and most aspects are excellent however the loo's on the ground floor are used often because of the pool location and therefore should and could be cleaned more often.
The Food is very good and you could have a roast dinner every night if you wanted to have it but there is plenty of variety for all tastes.
The hotel Staff speak very good english and are generally helpful.
The entertainment at night is not good and I would urge anyone giong here to take this into consideration... the animation team try so hard and I suppose it's not their fault but the hotel, they are a big hotel chain with a good reputation and could offer better for the teenagers and adults - even a disco would be nice.
When this was mentioned to our rep it was suggested we went into the clubs in Obzor town with the children (not a good idea when they are 12 and under)
Bad points
The jacuzzi has to be paid for
The pool table has to be paid for
There are no tea/coffee making facilities in the room
The wasps swarm all over the lemonade/coke/orange taps
The ususal farse with the sunbeds - you need to have towels down at 7.30 to 8.00 to get a decent spot
There are huge jelly fish here ... ok if you swim near the beach, can be seen on the pedeloes, dognuts and banana boats
The lovely bar on the beach directs you to a restaurant beside it for the loo ...which is a grill on the ground - you have been warned - go back to hotel if you have time
Good points
Money can be changed in the hotel and is easy and commission rates are good
The food is very good
The drinks are also good, very pleasant wine and good beer, vodka, gin etc
The outdoor pool is very refreshing
Most of the rooms have a sea view, very pleasant
There is plenty of wardrobe and drawer space
The place is very clean and the staff tidy up and clean constantly
Other points
The room safe is 60 Levs for 2 weeks
You have to vacate the room by 12 miday - and whilst there is a room by reception to leave the cases; if you have night flight you may want to keep your room and this is 10 lev per hour after miday
Trips
The excursions vary and the german rep "Peter" offered child prices (the english tours did not have this option) so we went with them for our final trip, they all speak english anyway.
The nessabar trip was great but not long enough and we were left behind at the first stop as my son had to go to the loo downstairs and we had to run for the coach - told the rep who should have done a head count - very scary as I was alone with my son.
The Khans tent trip was good and the entertainment was very appreciated
The Jeep Safari/rifle shooting was excellent
Some other people we spoke to went on the boat/fishing trip which was only a little way down the beach from our hotel and this was not what they expected
The Experience Bulgaria trip was reported as being very enjoyable but probably not for children
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Sheila Forrester from Hexham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We stayed at The RUI Helious Bay and had a lovely two weeks The the food was wonderful and even had champagne for breakfast some mornings There were several theme nights and always a joint of meat
The cleaners were working from first thing in the morning till last thing at night and the hotel was spotless
Hotel location was what we expected and as my husband is in a wheel chair we could both go to the village
Hotel stafff were friendly and most spoke ome Englishand weere very helpful
We didn't go to see the evening entertainment but the team tried hard throughout the day to please you
We will go back again but a week or to later as the weather was dissapointing
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M&M from Birmingham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: I agree with the other reports that this hotel is excellent for an all-inclusive chill-out, so I won't repeat the comments. But this might be useful to future guests:
- free bottled water available 24/7
- no tea/coffee-making facilities in room
- 10 lev per hour late check-out, eg we kept the room until 8pm for 80 lev.
- no bath available in any room, but big shower
Do make the effort to try the Thematic Restaurant serving a buffet of Bulgarian dishes. Treat it like a Greek meze and try a little of this and a little of that. Yes, some of the dishes are available in the main restaurant but you get side-tracked with the salad, chips etc.
Our room overlooked the river which now doesn't run into the sea. There were plenty of fish jumping and birdlife, so I don't think it is polluted water any more.
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Claire from County Durham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the hotel from 24th to 31st August traveling as a family of 2 adults and a child and from start to finish we had a fantastic time.
We were greeted with a cocktail on arrival and after a short time queuing to check in were taken to our room. Our room was very large and in a great position looking onto the beach. The rooms were spotlessly clean and made up with fresh sheets and towels each day.
The outdoor pool is quite big and kept clean but unless you are up early you have no chance of a sun lounger. Unfortunately people ignored the ‘no reserving beds’ notices and we saw people putting their towels out early in the day only to spend an hour or less by the pool on the afternoon. As a result we spent a lot of time on the beach which was nice and quiet. The sea was warm but full of jelly fish.
There are 2 restaurants to choose from, buffet and Bulgarian. The buffet served an excellent choice of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a good mix of healthy and naughty food! For kids there was pasta, fries, chicken nuggets etc… The Bulgarian restaurant required reservations and we didn’t get around to going but in the morning it doubled up as a continental breakfast room from 10am to 12pm (great if you fancy a lie in) and a snack bar from 12.30pm to 5pm with a nice selection of freshly cooked pizzas, pasta, salad etc… With previous reports of illness we were a little worried about hygiene but none of us suffered from any stomach upsets.
During the day there is plenty to do within the hotel. For kids there are pool tables, table tennis, basketball and an internet/games room as well as the kids club and for adults there is a lovely spa. There is less to do in the evening other than watch the entertainment, however it wasn’t that great.
The staff are brilliant and picked up after checking our passports that we were celebrating a birthday during our stay. We were surprised that evening to find a bottle of champagne and decorations on our table in the restaurant which was a lovely touch.
Overall the hotel was great and we would recommend it however the resort of Obzor itself isn’t anything special and for this reason only we wouldn’t consider going back. If your intention is to spend a relaxing time mainly in the hotel then this would be an ideal holiday.
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Dale West from Stockton-on-tees travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Tompsons
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: WOW!!
I and my dad have just come back from this fab hotel.
Would definitely recommend it and go back there my self.
It was always getting cleaned and I feel sorry for the cleaners.
Food was also spotless and plenty of choice
The location was perfect. Not too busy but only a short walk from the town centre/
The staffs were all amazing. Spoke most languages and always smiling
Entertainment was good during the day but a bit pants on a night.
I would recommend this hotel.
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andy smith from grimsby travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is well designed and well placed at the end of a road, close to the beach and has lifts to all floors. Its 15 minutes walk to the centre of the village.
Floor one takes you to the pool, pool bar, salon bar, indoor pool and fitness areas. shop, hair salon, medical centre ans snack/speciality restaurant.
Also not forgetting the beach. All areas are kept spotlessly clean by the team of cleaners and lifeguards. Special praise to the lifeguards who removed all the brolleys from round the pool very quickly when a sudden and fierce wind blew up on our second last day. Well done.
Floor two. Reception, lobby bar and main restaurant. Again immaculately clean and always well staffed. Very friendly. All public areas have toilet facilities + disabled toilets. food was always hot and well presented and very varied during our one week stay. Choices of English or Continental breakfast. Lunch we used the snack facility for pizzas burgers etc so cannot comment on main restaurant.
Night time always choice of roast meats and vegetarian. always being topped up and an army of waiters/waitresses clearing tables of used plates. senior staff always on hand and making sure your every need was catered for. All in all as good as we have had in some 5* hotels. Well done to all the catering staff.
Floors 3,4,5 and 6 are bedrooms. An army of unsung heros keep all the rooms immaculate. Our room was big and had the usual facilities a 4* hotel should have. Good sized wardrobes (makes a change), safety deposit inside wardrobe(35 lev for one week)air conditioning, hairdryer and a range of soaps, shower gels and shampoos all topped up every day. We had an end room so we had a bigger than usual balcony overlooking the beach and Obzor itself.
The one thing that really stood out to us was the sound proofing. How many times have you been on hoilday and can hear everything going on in the hotel. Not here. It was so quiet once you had shut your door and windows.
Entertainment animation staff were superb. Wont mention by name but all the animation team were superb. Very friendly. Not pushy. Join in when YOU want to. Looked after the kids at the mini club. The night time programme could use some more work but this is not ment to sound bad. They have a lot to do and maybe some more of these very hard working people might help them out. Well done to all of them.
Finally to conclude hotel and staff. Facilities and activities programme excellent.
Well done Riu Helios Bay and all its staff. Keep it up.
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gillian bell from middlesbrough travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland direct
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: myself and my three friends were very impressed with this hotel we couild not find fault with anything the clenliness was first class the food was wonderful with an excellent choice at every mealtime,, the staff were very friendly and went out of their way to help.when we arrived at about midnight our cases were taken to our room on the 6th floor, we were greeted with smiles and a bucks fizz and we were given bottled water, our towels were changed daily and the beds made and rooms cleaned daily, my friends and i are all in our fifties and found the hotel to cater for all ages very quiet when we retired to bed on an evening, we could not hear any other holiday makers returning to their rooms like other hotels and the staff and evening shows really kept us entertained we all decided that we would certainly return to this hotel in the future well done riu helious bay
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pete and dawn jagger and children from cleethorpes travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Superb location of hotel, straight through a gate and onto the beach heaven.
The hotel was exceptionally clean maids working non stop all day.
Choice of food was excellent fresh food cooked in front of you.
The staff were very friendly and always willing to help in any way they could.
Entertainment in the day was excellent at night was a bit flat but on the whole they tried their very best and are particularly nice people. Tony, Ivan and Gerry.
I myself and my family would definetly visit this hotel again as it was excellent and also to see how much busier the town will be as there are shops, resturants and hotels opening all the time a holiday well enjoyed.
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Dawn, Kenny and Daniel from Durham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was a lovely clean hotel, staff were very friendly, the food was really nice, plenty of selection for everyone.
The entertaimnent team tried really hard all the time, and its pretty much what you would expect - performances of grease etc.
Everything shuts down at midnight, which is handy for families with children who want some sleep, but it wasn't particularly noisy anyway.
I would return to the hotel for a cheap holiday again, but not fussed on the resort - which doesn't matter when you only go to chill round the pool for a week.
No signs of any sickness bugs now the winter has been and gone - thank goodness.
Overall I would recommend the hotel.
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jayne spridgeon from peterborough travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland direct
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I would say as a family we travel a lot, this was definitely the most cleanest and friendliest hotel with very well equipped rooms!!
The staff could not do enough for us. The rooms were immaculate and you always saw a maid cleaning, the food was great and cooked on the spot the reception staff were helpful and bar staff efficient.
I liked the location as we prefer it a bit quieter there are a few local bars which we did go in and were made to feel very welcome by the locals.
The entertainment in the hotel isnt great but I have seen a lot worse. The main thing is my children enjoyed it.
However the downside was my three year old girl had sickness and diarrehorea for four days and we were distraught with worry I thought one point she wasn't going to make it through the night!! I wouldn't like to say where she picked this up we always made sure she washed her hands after going to the toilet so we really dont know, we witnessed other people vomiting aswell so just be armed plenty of medicine and be aware.
I would visit and Bulgaria again perhaps a different location.
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Chris & Helen from Derbyshire travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Super hotel in good beachside location, pity about being next to the river which flows into the sea in front of the hotel.
Hotel appeared to be clean but no smell of discinfectants anywhere.
Food appeared to be good with a good choice. Hotel staff very polite and helpful.
Entertainment was extremely poor we expected much better in a Riu hotel. WE would never visit this hotel or Bulgaria again as we were ill from our 3rd day from the gastro- enteritis type illness which was sweeping through the hotel, many people had to be treated with drips, the holiday company were aware of this and still took unsuspecting holidaymakers out to the hotel when it had apparently been causing severe health problems for many weeks.
People`s health/lives are being put at risk unnecessarily as this illness seemed to be highly contagious and very nasty.Babies, the preganant and those with pre existing health problems would be more at risk.Vomit was around the pool and in public areas it wa sn`t cleaned with strong discinfectant/bleach to eradicate it.
I was told by one woman that her nephew had vomitted in the pool and they had just tried to scoop the vomit from the top and that was it , surely the pool shoud have been closed and emptied and cleaned ? It has been suggested that the illness was caused by raw sewage.
I have never had to pay to become ill before- we paid almost £1,000.00 for this holiday, took time off work to go and for what -we ate nothing drank nothing and saw nothing I have never ever had to go to bed ill on holiday before with two duvets on my bed.
Never, Ever Again !!!!! It is high time that travel companies stopped playing around and treated clients honestly and with respect after all it is us the holidaymakers who pay your wages !!
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Joanne from Cardiff travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I was a bit worried about going to this hotel after reading reviews that there had been a bug going around. I was concerned as we were travelling with my young son. Anyway I felt compelled to write this review as our holiday was fantastic. The hotel is magnificent, exceptionally clean and the staff are so friendly. Its ideally located on the beach so you can choose between the pool or the beach.
The food was nice, a wide selection, something suitable for everyone, each night there is a fish, beef/pork, chicken choice as well as pasta and pizza. Plenty of fresh salad and fruit etc.
The entertainment was OK, not my sort of thing but my son enjoyed the kids disco.
I do agree that this hotel is in a quite location and there isn't much to do outside the hotel but that's exactly what I wanted, I wouldn't recommend this resort for youngsters who are looking for a lot of night life but it is perfect for couples and families looking for a quite relaxing holiday. I will definitely be visiting Obzor again.
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t.new from aylesbury travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had read previous reports about this hotel and decided that a quieter resort would suit us, after being there it seemed that some people had chosen the wrong hotel, wanting a more active nightlife and complaining to anybody who would listen about times of shows & bars closing.
Continuing about the shows, they wer`nt brilliant but it must be very difficult to provide entertainment to suit the various nations that were there, good effort though.
the bug, first thing we did was switch off air con, open patio door, a lot of people used the air con all week, don`t know why, it was`nt that hot.
basic hygiene seemed to go out the window, the number of people who failed to wash their hands after using the toilets, knowing there was a bug around, was shocking, and they wer`nt all Germans.
The hotels location was convienent to the local village, and made a nice walk .
The food was well prepared and I did`nt see anybody with an empty plate saying that they could`nt find anything to eat.
We had an excellent holiday, no upset tummys, sensible eating and drinking and sunbathing, would recommend this hotel to anyone.
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k english from cambridge travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having spent the week there from the 22-29 august,the hotel was lovely and in a good location,food ok,although too ill to eat it.
We all caught the so called bug and it has taken two weeks from when we have arrived home to get rid of it.
Had read reports on this hotel before we went and thought that it would be ok and we were advised that it had cleared,the travel company should have stopped anyone else going.
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L Holmes from northamptonshire travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading all the reports on here all the holiday companies MUST STOP sending people to this hotel.
We went on a well deserved holiday that after working all year like many people were really looking forward to. My holiday like many others on here turned into a nightmare with the sickness bug!!
I have written to the holiday company with which i booked but they really dont want to know as the in-house doctor, in his nice cosy room in the hotel said it was an 'airborne virus'!!
I think the holiday companies must be very pleased he said this as this saves them a hell of a lot of money in compensation! If they are reading reports such as these though and receiving letters of complaint why are they still sending people to this hotel??
On a final note, good luck to anybody who is travelling to this hotel in the near future and dont forget your Imodium!!
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michelle witton from newport travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel spotlessly clean, staff helpful, friendly, can't do enough for you. Food very nice but you do get fed up of veal, chicken & pork. Drinks great.
Entertainment was great for 3-7 years olds nothing much there for teenagers. Low key for adults the odd show, singers but all finishes about 10.30. Very boring after this!
Beware of the Bulgaria bug which they called it. Out of 16 of us who went 13 of us was all very ill with sickness and diahorrea. It wasn't just bus ill most of everyone you spoke to had it or in there room suffering, can't believe they haven't shut down hotel to clear bug.
It is such a shame because to look at the hotel is beautiful. Thomsons need to look at this problem very closely.
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Julie Brady from Birmingham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just to warn anyone that is thinking of travelling to the Riu Helios Bay hotel in Obzor that there is a gastric virus.
My family have all been very ill during the holiday and when I came back home it has been passed on to other family members.
I cannot believe Thompson's are continuing to send people to this hotel after this has been going on for some time now.
There was no warning of the sickness that has spread around the hotel. The hotel should be closed down to clear the virus and anyone that is travelling to this hotel please be warned.
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S.Armitage from Luton travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel looks lovely and the room size is good although we had a ground floor room as requested the veiw wasnt great. Everywhere was very clean and rooms where sorted even if you didnt leave them till late in the day.
Ok the sickness virus... had read previous warnings so thought I was a bit clever to have brought anti sickness pills briefly warned at welcome meeting but it was fairly played down, it was a bit worrying to see the big queue each day at the on site doctors but the man is making a fortune, every one of our party caught it my son was put on a drip as where many many others, its grim and lasts about 4 days almost every party had at least one member sick and dont bother seeking the reps help as he is only there to sell trips. Doctor told my its been going on since May and is air borne, we did see some very doggy practises involving the sewers and the river beside the hotel....
On a plus note if you are well enough the food is very good, always fresh, cooked in front of you and all the staff are very friendly and helpful its one of the nicest hotels in that way and the location on the beach is just brilliant. a perfect destination once the illness problem gets sorted.
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Margaret Willoughby from Brentwood, Essex travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Nice staff, clean rooms.
Shame they never told us about the sickness, the way we all still feel after being home for one week is really bad.
We spent two weeks there, the last week we were all ill.
I can't understand why they are still putting people in this hotel.
Shame for the people who are just going, I wish you good luck
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Ali from Sherborne travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland direct/ thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is a lovely hotel, the cleanliness was fantastic the staff did all they could to help.
The food was very nice...like most all inclusive holidays is was a little repetative by the end of the week.
The location of the hotel is in a very nice little town, it is no sunny beach as we visited there and this part of bulgaria would suit younger people and couples Riu healios Bay is very much a family holiday destination.
The only bad point to the holiday was the entertainment. However, if you are willing to laugh at it then it is worth a watch.
The pool is a good size. However, it is a little chilly but you soon get used to it. You do have to get up early to get a sun bed as for the first two days we had no chance as they were all taken by nine in the morning.
The beach is lovely and the sea is fantastically warm and very shallow so is great for children.
If you want a fairly quiet holiday with a lovely coastline and to work on your tan then this is the holiday for you.
I would go back but maybe in five years to see what they have done as this is a very developing country.
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Mel from Bracknell travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is beautiful and located on a fab sandy beach. The staff were really helpful and polite and the hotel itself was kept spotlessly clean.
The food is very varied and caters for adults and kids. The main restaurant has lots of fresh fruit, veg and salads as well as cold and hot meats, soups etc. Puddings and cakes are plentiful. Men are asked to wear long trousers for dinner although crop trousers and longer shorts seemed to be acceptable.
There is a snack bar that is open most of the day which doubles as a Bulgarian theme restaurant in the evening.
The pool is quite cold as is the indoor pool which is not heated - the weather makes up for it though and it did not worry us. We used the jacuzzi a few times which is 10Levs for an hour and the pedicure is really good.
One problem - we booked a Family Room with two bedrooms but were allocated a Double Superior which has one bedroom, a sofa bed and a camp bed. We complained vigorously and were given the proper room after a few days. We had to pay a further supplement which was refunded to us when we got home.
The Family Rooms are called Apartments by the hotel staff so my advice is to phone the hotel and make sure you're getting what you paid for. Don't just phone the travel agents, we did that and got the "don't worry" from them.
Our saving grace was that we took a copy of the travel agents Riu catalogue with us which had plans of the rooms and full descriptions which we waved at them at every opportunity. We are claiming a refund for the costs we incurred.
Don't get me wrong, the rooms are really well equipped and quite spacious - it just wasn't what we had paid for. This is great place and we would definately go again, especially with the Riu chain.
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jaki from preston travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is wonderful everthing about it has been well thought out.
The food was very good and although it seems a bit reprative,we think perhaps this seems so just because there is so much of it, too much eating,too much food,but all very nice.
The cleanliness of the hotel is exellent ther is a cleaner around every corner,rooms were superb we had to book a superior room because of the age of our children which was fantastic but our friends had standard rooms which were more than ample.
The staff are all welcoming and helpful,I dont think small measures is in the bar staffs vocabulary so watch out for the hangovers. Although the entertainment was a bit ropey the animation team got 10 out of 10 for effort. Sorry to all those who witnessed my singing at kareoke.
The hotel is situated right on the beach and is close enough but far enough away from the village.
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vinnie from kettering travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having arrived back home early this morning from Helois Bay I felt I must write about our experience for people going in the next week or two.
Firstly the hotel is really nice & appears clean but we stayed there for 7 nights & the amount of people going down with a sickness & diarrhea was unbelievable. My partner & two kids caught it & still are not well today & they fell ill at the start of our holiday.
I would strongly recommend taking diarrhea tablets & something for upset stomachs as there was so many people falling ill. You can see the in house doctor (which costs around 72 levs) then to be told that its just an airborne virus.
In my view if that hotel was in the U.K it would have had the environmental health there straight away & closed for a week or two.
I will be complaining to firstly The travel company who i booked with & then RIU for not doing more about this problem while we were there. The location of the hotel is OK but about 1 & a half hours long winding drive from the airport.
The area outside hotel seems safe but not much to see & do. We payed to go on excursions but because of illness couldnt go or get a refund. The food is OK but a little repetitive.
Hotel staff do seem friendly & the bar staff are very good. You never have to wait long for a drink. The entertainment is OK but nothing special. Which I expected as I have stayed in RIU's before.
The weather was really really nice though & pool area nice but you have to get up early if you want a sunbed. Which I guess happens everywhere.
Would I visit this hotel again...... no way!!!!! Seen enough! I hope the virus has gone as it is quite bad & anybody visiting in the next couple of weeks should take precautions i think.
Think we will be sticking to Spain from now on.
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Gail from grangemouth travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We are just back from this hotel and we all had a ball, we would highly recommend hotel.
We had a few cloudy days and a thunder storm this was the only downfall.
If you are going to this hotel in the near future you will not be disappointed.
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andy from northants travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just returned after spending 2 weeks at this great hotel, as you approach it, it looks very majestic and special from everything around it.
We had a few problems when we first arrived, mainly we booked the superior family room with 2 bedrooms, but ended up in a standard family, took 2 days for hotel to admit we had wrong room, but james the rep was a great help, they had no superiors to put us in, as Germans get priority I found out, as they spend more for there holidays, but standard room was very large and we had no problems for 2 weeks there.
The food is great so much of it, and choice, you can eat healthy, or go junk food. Food for your every taste at every meal. Breakfast was my favourite at the grilled tomatoes were so sweet and yummmy. Saying that all the salad meals are so sweet, nothing like the uk veg we buy from tesco.
The snack lunch at pool restaurant is ok great for kids, but same food there all 2 weeks, chicken nuggets, pizza, chips, pasta...then all the salad and meats, so eat how you feel.
The hotel staff work very hard, long hours if you notice. the room cleaners deserve 5 stars on there own, we tipped our cleaner because our room was a tip with the kids most days, and perfect when we got back, she made a lovely heart and swans with there heads making a heart out of towels!!!
Entertainment staff work hard, try there best to get everyone involved, but they do talk to you in German first, which got a little annoying after 2 weeks, thought they would have got to know us by then.
Obzor is a great little place bigger than I expected, from reports I read, the shops are great and so much more cheaper than sunny beach, we stocked up on clothes, and a great shop for jeans on left before you get to main street, owner speaks perfect english, and knows your size by looking at you, with changing rooms to try jeans on...all the makes d@g, diesel etc for under £20.
Obzor has a lot of building work going on at the moment, and in a few years will be another sunny beach, go this year while it is unspoilt, we thought it was perfect.
We had a great holiday there, with all the food and drink you could ever want, always something to do, but the beach was a little dissapointing, very sharp sand and we saw a lot of jellyfish, when out swimming and a big one is next to you makes you move back to beach quick, but the pool is fine.
If anyone has any questions please contact me in the forum on this hotel and i will answer them for you.
If you are going you'll have a great time, and have a Bulgarian blue cocktail for me....cheers!!!
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Vince Williams from Burntwood Staffs travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Excellent hotel, good management and staff. Cleanliness is exceptional and as others have said there is a cleaner around every corner,rooms are large modern and very clean. Food is more than adequate, when in Rome do as the Romans do, try everything the choice is there do not expect it to be a burgerbar, some of us like real food. The Bulgarian night is to be experienced we all enjoyed it especially the Bulgarian Brandy even with the salad course?? Pool is large and clean with plenty of sun loungers available and towels are provided. Bar staff are efficient and all the drinks are fine, large TV in the bar to watch the football with free beer must be heaven!
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Nicki from Doncaster travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was beautiful and very clean. The rooms were big and carpeted with a small fridge (useful for getting milk, water, juice, etc from the bar for my little girl and saving for first thing in morning). There was even a hairdryer which saved taking one.
The food was excellent with a big choice - (breakfast = cereals, breads, cheeses, meats, bolied eggs, fried eggs, two sorts of omlette,friut, yoghurt, etc.. Lunch & tea you had choice of fish, chicken, pork, veggie thing (didn't look too good but I didn't ever try it?), salads, puddings, etc. It was brilliant and I ate far too much. I was starting to get bored after a week though wanting a nice roast dinner, curry, real fish & chips, etc. My little girl was a bit fussy becasuse it didn't taste excatly like home but she survived especially when we found out chicken nuggets and pizza served in downstairs snack bar until 5 pm.
The hotel was right on the beach with a view to die for and no noise from hotels nearby. However, the village of Ozbor was a bit boring with not much going on even though it was the beginning of June. The people were polite and not pushy though.
The entertainment was OK but I couldn't really follow it as half was in german and half in english with a heavy bulgarian accent on. But it was good fun and with a few beers down you it was great! My 3 year old daughter loved the kids disco at 8pm. Language didn't matter to her. Daytime activities were good too. I only did the shooting and aerobics on the beach but my daughter went to kids club every day and loved it. You are supposed to supervise them but when she settled I went sunbathing and kept one eye out on the door in case she ran out (the pool was outside and I didn't want her falling in!). I used the gym every day - it is basic but air conditioned and adequate. The beauty treatments and massage weren't cheap so I didn't bother. The jacuzzi, steam room and sauna cost 10 lev each (about £4 each!!!) so I didn't bother with them either. The pool was so cold I only went in on the last day and realised once you were in and got swimming it was OK. I wished I'd taken the plunge earlier now.
Weather was variable - most days were sunny, a few days had some cloud in the afternoons with rain and thunderstorms at teatime but one day it was so cloudy and cold we had our coats on! But I was never fed up and enjoyed the whole holiday. The only downside was the dreadful Bourgas airport experience - two hours to get into the country and two hours standing outside the airport (they wouldn't even let you in the building as there was no room) to get out!! Build a bigger airport! The trips were a bit pricey too for a family so we only went on one to Nessebar and Sunny Beach which wsas good but not good value for money. I think you could catch local buses really cheaply but with a kid only just potty trained we daren't risk it.
I loved the hotel and the staff were great. I was never bored (just join in with some of the activities and use the gym and swim) and wished i could stay another week.
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Matt Steele from Cardross travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct/Thomson
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our sixth stay at a RIU hotel and to be totally honest, it has to be the worst RIU hotel I've ever stayed in.
Okay the hotel was clean and yes the staff do there best to be polite and friendly ( please note there are several huge collection stations we're tips are gratefully received! ) but the food was of a very poor standard. Most of the time we didn't know what we where eating and the variety was limited, if you like pork, you've cracked it!
The locally produced beer and wine where not up to much either. The beer was warm and the wine, particularly the red would make good paint thinner.
The entertainment staff where more interested in asking the holiday-makers to the local disco than doing their job, and the nightly shows where cringingly embarrassing.
During our stay 3 families with young children paid extra to cut their holiday short, there is nothing for the young one’s to do here.
I'm a great believer in telling it how it is, and if I've had a bad holiday I will tell people just that, instead of pretending everything was great because you have spent all that money. I wouldn't recommend this hotel
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anne and dave from staffs travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thompson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: It seemed a long journey from the airport about 1-11/2 hours.
Fantastic hotel.
Staff couldn't do enough for you, welcome drink as we arrived, and given bottle of water. Our cases were brought up to our room.
Rooms very large and a large shower. Our room was cleaned every day, fresh towels if required.
Evening entertainment wasn't very good, but the staff do work very hard.
Food in hotel was lovely with a good variety to choose from.
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Lee & Nicci from Bristol travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Food was a bit limited & after having food poisoning felt a bit wary about eating the meat. Doctor claimed I had picked up a virus
After a day visit to sunny beach was glad to get back to non Chav's vil hotel.
Hotel "entertainment" not up to much at night time, funny seeing German kids dancing to the Dam busters theme tune every night!
The day time entertainment "highlight" being "catchy stick, which involves people trying to err! catch a stick.
The staff were very nice & the hotel was very clean.
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Cheryl and Jamie from Crawley travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Amazing Hotel. Always kept extremely clean and tidy.
Staff can't do enough to help you and have thought of everything. They all speak English very well.
The food is lovely, from breakfast to dinner there is so much choice and they are constantly cooking more and more. The downstairs snack bar is always fully stocked to. You will never be hungry!
The entertainments team has so much energy. They try so hard to keep everyone amused during the day .Everything including cocktail games, darts, shooting, volleyball and keep fit on the beach.
Evening entertainment varies too. They try their best and everyone has a good laugh.
The pool is massive and there are plenty of sunbeds for everyone and lots on the beach too.
Would definitely recommend this hotel.
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Brian & Mags from Glasgow travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I think there must be growing these cleaners, every corner I turned there was one hanging about which is very good. Our room became spotless every morning and fresh. The restaurant looked clean as well, cutlery and plates spotless and the staff constantly cleared the tables. The pool and beach also were maintained constantly even though the beach is privately owned. You won't have any dirt problems here.
The food was good with plenty of choice every day and even 2 themed nights per week for some variety. There was a huge hot bar, cold bar and even soups and bread on offer and the desserts. Also beer and wine on tap! The breakfast though aint what I thought it would be although I was usually hungover. There was also a smaller restaurant opened all day for some snacks and tea/coffee. You won' go hungry.
The hotel is situated a hour from the airport through a long, winding mountain road which aint for the faint-hearted! Obzor is a tiny town with this hotel dominating the coastline. Its about 200m from the only other hotel I noticed which aint that big. This is not for people looking for a bustling nightlife as there is none and the Sunny Beach resort is £40 in a taxi so aint worth it. Construction on other hotels and apartments are around the hotel but you will barely notice it unless your out and about the small town.
The staff are brill and serve you all the time with a smile. They take alot of interest in your level of happiness and do try to help you. I think they have learnt 4 languages to work there so bear with them if they dont understand you the first time. Good service at the bar and always plenty of staff around the pool.
The entertainment during the day is varied as the "animation team" ask you to play sports or join in some Bulgarian lessons or bingo. At night the kids entertainment is first which keeps them happy and the staff do a great job with them although when its the adults turn, its a bit naff but they are only learning. Would recommmend staying at the bar.
Overall this was a great place to go and I really enjoyed it. In a few years there will be more hotels around about and the staff will be more experienced so it will improve the nightlife but will get busy on the beach. I would definetly go back and recommend a couple of excursions to Varna and Nessebar but beware of the street trades and markets as they can get a bit pushy and desperate to sell items. This hotel was brill.
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marion from high wycombe travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
portland direct
on a friends holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had an excellent holiday as a large group of 16 woman but if it had just been my husband and myself I think it could have got a bit boring as there is nothing around apart from a few shop and bars.
I would not recommend the excursion to Sunny Beach market and then onto Nesebar £21.00 we caught a mini bus outside the hotel for £7.00 you arrange the time to go and be picked up.
I have never been to a hotel where the staff are so nice and John the rep knew his stuff to. The entertainment staff were brilliant and we enjoyed the entertainment.
We would go back but not for about 5 years to see the changes only if it doesn't turn into Sunny Beach.
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john rachel and holly from sheffield travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading some of the reviews we were doubtful about the hotel & resort, but we need not have worried as this was one of the best hotels we have ever stopped in.
The food was excellent with plenty of variety, I am a very fussy eater but loved everything and tried different dishes every day.
The staff could'nt be more helpful and always had a smile on their face. The rooms and hotel were immaculate and the entertainment staff were excellent.
Our rep John was full of information when asked and knew alot about places of interest. The location is ideal right on the beach but there are new hotels and apartments being built but there was no noise at all.
I Hope this resort does not get like sunny beach.
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Julie Stan James Scott from London travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: When you arrive at this hotel it looks stunning, all lit up (we arrived at night).
The booking in was slow, but they did give you a welcome drink and bottle of water to take to your room.
All the bars and small holiday shop shut at midnight, so would be worth taking a travel kettle, snacks and drinks to keep you going.
The breakfast starts at 7:30 till 10am gets busy at 9am best to go early. Lots on offer from bacon, eggs (all types) great bread, salad! jams, cheeses, squash type juice,(very sweet) and tons of fruit.
Lots of cooking done in full view, so you can see what you are getting.
Lunch from 12:30 till 14:30 you could eat by the pool or in main restaurant many things to choose from snacks like pitza or a full 3 course buffet style. We found sweets very sweet and repetitive but you could always have fruit.
Dinner was more formal (two sittings, you book your table and keep to this each night) and men had to wear long trousers and sleeved tops you could get red and white wine and beer with all meals. We were on the early time of 18:30 till 20:00 (late time 20:30-22:00)
They did not do any eve snacks only daytime ones, which we felt was a let down as you get peckish!
The once a week Bulgarian night which you had to book for was a let down and we would have been better off in main restaurant.
The accommodation was spotless and maid service excellent, we had a beautiful sea and pool view.
The pool was very cold but was kept to a high standard with cold showers and a foot wash and lots of sun beds.
Towels were handed out daily you have a card and change it for a towel, then when you handed back the towel you got your card back for next time. You do not need to bring any towels on this holiday.
There was one table tennis table and the staff tried to get everbody into sports like shooting, vollyball, aquafit etc also small gym.
It was lovely to walk straight onto the beach, which was sand and some small shells, (we did not find it too sharpe) the sea is warm and I would recommend it.
You do have to pay for any beds on the beach as its not owned by the hotel and they are 4lev per day, but you can sit on the sand no charge! There are some sports on the beach.
If you like fishing take your stuff as there is a small river by the sea and lots of fish, our friends caught carp.
Entertainment at night was limited although they did there best and we had a laugh.
We had no trouble with reception staff and requests were carried out quickly although their english was sometimes limited they always gave us a smile.
Bar staff were very good.
This hotel is a very good family hotel, we all enjoyed the holiday, it is best suited for 7 to 10 day stays, as the area could get a little limited on things to do if you stay longer unless you could afford more excursions which we found expensive.
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Rachael, Kate and Ashleigh from Liverpool travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: When we arrived at the hotel the building itself was very nice.
Although as the holiday progressed, we definitely did realise that looks are not everything.
The food was absolutely diabolical. A lot of people we spoke to on the holiday suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea including myself and my party. When the hotel management were confronted about the situation they refused to take responsibility which was extremely far from four star customer service.
The hotel receptionists had a cold and arrogant attitude which was a disgrace.
For a RUI four star all inclusive you didn’t receive much. The safe, branded drinks, mini bar, beach beds, Jacuzzi!!! where all not part of the all inclusive package which again was a disgrace for a four star all inclusive!
Two weeks to spend at this hotel was far too long as there was not a lot to do especially during the night time as all bars stop serving at 12a.m. After 11o'clock in the hotel, silence was expected, which is not like any where I have been before!
The only things that did actually make hotel an enjoyable place to be were the animation team and bar staff. They were very, very friendly and were always trying to get the guests involved in activities. Alex, one of the male animators was almost like part of our family always joining us at lunch times and making us laugh.
14 days here is definitely far too long, and I would definitely not recommend this hotel. I would never return and I feel it is that bad I will email the RUI site to tell them exactly how I feel.
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NEIL AND JULIE from MILTON KEYNES travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
THOMPSON
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Have just got back from Helios Bay, after reading all the reviews i was a little bit worried on what to expect.
I need not have worried, it was 1st Class the Hotel is amazing very clean and a good variety of food (Although by the 2nd week it got a bit boring). The room was excellent with fresh towels and cleaned everyday.
Entertainment staff were great and very clever people they can all speak numerous languages, and they were completely mad ("Cukoo Water Polo aqua aerobics Cukoo")
You will understand what i mean when you go there.
All the bar staff are very friendly, Stefan is a great laugh and very funny. Swimming pool a bit cold when you get in, but unlike some you warm up when you are in there for a bit.
50/50 as far as the Germans/British were concerned and again no problems with them, only a couple of ignorrant ones. But cant understand why at the kids disco you couldnt fly round like a bomber to the dambusters tune.(I am the Music Man) Never mind....
I was meant to be staying at the Miramar, and as i saw from our poolside it is months/years from being completed (Never saw anyone working on it).
Would definitely go there again probably one of the best holidays my family and I have been on.
Thank you Helios Bay.
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Jacky, Duncan & Callum from Blackburn travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is by far the best hotel I have ever stayed in! Beautiful place, immaculate. 1st class for cleanliness, wherever you are in this building, there was always someone cleaning.
Rooms were huge, with a massive double bed, hairdryer, fridge and masses of wardrobe space, it was like a little apartment! We were on the 4th floor with a pool and sea view heaven!
Beautiful location with a gorgeous beach, we walked on it every day and the sea was lovely, my husband played volleyball every day, the beach is just a natural beach, not too shelly at all.
The staff are all amazing, so hardworking, friendly and enthusiastic, especially Alex, Toto and Dennis! Mad as hatters! Bar and restaurant staff are fab too, they work long hours and always with a smile.
The entertainment was great fun, day and night, always something going on in the day for adults and kids alike, some of the shows were cheesy but still really good fun.
The food is lovely, and they were working from customer feedback, with things being changed all the time. The bar shuts at 12 midnight but a lot of nights we were the last ones in there at 1am, having a laugh with the bar staff. They don't mind at all if you get a few rounds in just before last orders, we used to do that, stay until they threw us out(!) and then take the rest of our beers up to our room and drink them on the balcony whilst looking out at the moon shining on the sea and listening to the waves lapping against the sand.......bliss!
This place is NOT geared to wards Germans at all, everything is spoken in all languages, food is catered for all tastes, there was no problem with this whatsoever. In fact I think when I was there there were a lot more English people than German, and a few French and Dutch too.
I would definitely visit this Hotel again as I loved it and I wish I was still there!
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Gillian McCormack from Liverpool travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel was spotless cleaned extremely well and fresh towels provided for everyday
The food in the hotel was extremely nice and wide range catered for, however after the two weeks it did get slightly repetitive
Hotel location was excellent, right on the beach of Obzor, Obzor itself is really nice however was a bit quite for our tastes
The hotel staff are all extremely polite and very helpful putting 100% effort and enthusiasm in everything they do
The entertainment within the hotel could be improved upon as this was repetitive and not to the best of standard
Overall, it was a relaxing and very enjoyale holiday.
Absolutely loved the hotel and the location in Bulgaria and hope to return to the same destination next year
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lisa & dave from wigan travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel- was fantastic, perfectly clean.
Food - catered for every need possible (husband a diabetic the staff sorted him out no probs)
Location- set back from the rest of the resort giving you the quietness if you want it.
Staff- you couldn’t meet nicer people, they made me and my family feel like one of their own.
Entertainment- everyone there is brand new how is anyone to expect a Las Vegas show? What they did was amateur but excellent.
Would definitely go again next year.
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Val & Greg from Ipswich travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thompson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Only 7 weeks old on arrival, we thought the staff had done very well to cater for the needs of holidaymakers.
They were very friendly to everybody (not only the Germans)and could not do enough for us.
The food the first week was a little repetitive then the second week a complete change everyday.
Room maids were as good if not better than we have encountered in our extensive travels - attentive without being intrusive.
Entertainment team lacked in professionalism but made up for this in enthusiasm.
The ample poolside notice boards were not adhered to with regards to the sunbed reservation, this should have been addressed by the hotel,some towels being there all day. The sunshades being moved from beds whilst people were in the pool, by selfish and ignorant people, and the unfortunate people having to sort this matter themselves.
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Libbyloo from Birmingham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back a week earlier than planned as we had such a bad time here that we got an early flight back home.
The hotel from the outside looked lovely but looks can be deceiving. Found the hotel very quiet nothing going on and in the middle of nowhere.
Most of the staff seemed friendly with the cleaners being the friendliest of all.
Would like to talk about the entertainment but what entertainment ? The hotel really did lack in that department but is fine if you’re German. They seemed to like it and it was in their language.
The food was ok but nothing special and after the first couple of days you get pretty tired of eating the same things for lunch and dinner. The snacks that they put on throughout the day were basic and you had to eat at certain times and for all inclusive we found this very annoying.
The beach is right on the hotel but not a very nice beach.
The kids club in the hotel didn't really have a lot going on our 8 year old got very bored.
Would definitely not return to this hotel.
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Debbie from Liverpool travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After being allocated this hotel by Thomson’s because our original choice was not built i have to say i was very disappointed with what we got.
We arrived within the first week of opening and received a total shock. The hotel is in the middle of nowhere, we were told that the resort centre would be a short walk, what we found fell very short of a resort centre and i don't think it would class as a village here but i do have to say that every evening we went out there would be a few new shops open/opening.
I have to agree with one of the other reviewers that the hotel and staff lean more towards the German guest then any others but that is not such a big problem until you come to the evening entertainment, when 85-90% of the shows/songs are in German. The staff did try to included everybody but the language barrier sometimes got in the way
The rooms were simply decorated and kept very clean.
We stayed on all-inclusive basis and felt it fell very short expectations as we have stayed with Riu before. Meals- yes there was a lot of choice but most of the food was not up to expectations and very repetitive, you would have the same choice for dinner as you did for lunch and what should have been hot food was warm. Drinks - the bar staff were very good the only problem was the mini bar in your room was not included as you would expect.
I do have to say that i would not back again but you can see potential.
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Tim from Hastings travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland Direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is very clean, great location right on beach.
Rooms are very spacious.
Food for me is usually a big problem I'm the worlds fussiest eater but the food was all ok, something for everyone.
Entertainment not up to much but as a new hotel im sure this will improve with time.
Would definitely return.
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Penny from Shropshire travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel staff were more geared to the Germans than the English ...
This hotel is in middle of nowhere with a very tiny place to do a bit of shopping.
Entertainment was just like haven mates not very good.
We was one of the first to go to this hotel as it had only just opened. Nothing was finished with workmen all over the place. Very disappointing.
Once up and running will be very nice hotel.
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Nicky Webber from Grantham travelled to Riu Helios Bay with
Portland
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Riu Helios Bay as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We were a little worried about going as we read a really bad review on this hotel.
The hotel is fantastic it has no buliding work going on. It is pretty much all up and running just the themed restaurant was not finished while we where there. They were awaiting the tables and chairs.
The rooms are a really good size with air con, tv, hairdryer, fridge, and plenty of cupboard space. It has a really good swimming pool with a smaller kids pool and if it gets to hot or you get rain there is an indoor pool.
The staff are really helpful but not all of them speak English but they still try to help. Entertainment was just getting up and running while we where there with kids club in the day also adult volley ball, darts, aqua areobics.
There was a kids disco each evening at 7.30pm with adult entertainment to follow at 9.30pm. The beach has quite sharp sand and shells so you will need beach shoes.
We had a great week I would recomend this hotel.
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