Helena Park - Ultra All Inclusive

This was our first stay in Bulgaria. We had no particular expectations but on arriving late at Helena Park, they had kindly left us a selection of cheeses, salad and bread in the restaurant for us to help ourselves to which was a nice touch. The hotel itself was nice, clean but dated. The air con in the room was not brilliant so can't imagine what it would be like in the hotter, summer months. Restaurant was pleasant but lighting was very bright and it was very warm inside restaurant. Not much character in there. Nice seating area outside which we sat in every meal time. Much fresher and overlooking gardens and pool. Food was nice but a bit repetitive. Waiting staff were polite but barely spoke. Swimming pool was freezing but it is May, made good use of the indoor pool at Helena Sands when weather was more dubious. Animation team were lovely and our daughter enjoyed activities with them. Special thanks to Puky and Danny who worked so hard to keep, what was generally a hard audience, entertained. Hotel position was the far end of Sunny Beach which we were grateful about. We suspect it could get quite rowdy in the busier months further down the promenade where there are plenty of bars, arcades, and more questionable establishments! Would return to Bulgaria and Helena Park was pleasant but wouldn't rush to return to this hotel.

Just back from a week at the hotel. It's the start of the season so quiet but lovely. The staff are all very nice and helpful. There were other residents who required the doctor and he was very good. Food not bad for all inclusive plenty to choose from. Cocktails a bit yuk but drinkable after a few!! Will definitely return to this hotel.

I have not finished my stay, but as an English speaker,booking with a UK company,you would expect some English speaking channels. Other than Sky news, no any normal English programmes. Staff told me all channels are German. Expect better from a hotel of this standard.

1st time in Bulgaria. Just got back from a 10night stay at Helena Park Hotel. We travelled as a family of 6 adults and 2 teenagers. (Half travelled with TUI & half travelled with Jet2) Arrival: The transfer bus drops everyone off on the public footpath/bus stop at the front of the hotel. The gates at the front of the hotel appear to be all locked however only the middle one is. This is confusing after a 3.5hr flights and 60 minute transfer. Check In: Spotless with a straight forward check in process. Shown to the room by a bell boy. Rooms: We all had twin rooms which were very large and spacious. The bathrooms were a good size with beautiful smelling toiletries and nice toilet paper. Our 2 pillows were lumpy so we requested an extra 2 each. They were promptly brought to the room. The mattresses were quite hard and after 10 days were very uncomfortable. Mini Bar had drinks included which were part of the AI. If you requested a refill of the moni bar, that would have been a recharge to us. Pool: The pool was freezing however this did not stop us from enjoying it. (Tip - the sea is warmer!). Sunbeds were plentiful and comfortable and the pool towels could be changed as often as necessary. The showers by the pool are warm, most people used them after using the pool to warm through. Lifeguard: Very grumpy. Entertainment staff: Fantastic and very engaging. We found them all continuously happy and worth every penny they get paid. Daytime activities ran every day except for Mondays and included darts, archery, aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, pool games etc. Evening entertainment could be improved. Bar staff: Very grumpy and spoke little English and could be very abrupt at times. Sometimes slamming drinks down on the bar etc. Bar saloon was open until midnight. After 11pm the staff would serve drinks in paper cups. We complained about this as we felt that it was not appropriate and preferred to drink from glasses on an evening. The staff would still.give out paper cups to everyone but not us after we had complained. When the bar closes at midnight, the lights are promptly switched off and in come the cleaners - you pretty much get kicked out whether or not you are finished your drink. Restaurant Staff: Very quick at tidying away plates. No table service for drinks. Spoke very little English. Restaurants: Snack bar: kept spotless but food was quite often only warm. We had to complain several times about this to the woman supervisor. Main buffet restaurant: Food always hot and always something to eat although, as per buffets, they become repetitive. Themed Restaurant: We went on the Bulgarian Themed Evening. The food was cooked well but not really to our liking. We all tried it and enjoyed the experience. Beach: Free sun loungers (grey ones on each side of the paid red ones). Not easily to spot but ask if you're unsure. Sand hot in the afternoon so wear suitable footwear. Sea is lovely - clean and warm but beware of the

Great hotel,visit for a weeks holiday. We were upgraded as it is 2nd visit. Also, my family was too. We are well travelled value for the money Very clean rooms and surroundings. Animation team excellent ,will say that the food wasn't the best like last year,the chips and meat and chicken over cooked and hard but you won't go hungrey .booked up for next year, too, 3rd time visiting.

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful hotel for one week. Clean, nice rooms, big beautiful pool, amazing food and very friendly staff. But the best thing was definitely the Animation team. They are very talented people who really know how to entertain guests. They have really good programs and especially evening shows - amazing. The boss of the animation team Tsetso is a specially experienced professional who led his team in a perfect way. Would come back for sure