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Summary of reviewsSPA Hotel Ismena, situated in one of Bulgaria's most picturesque spa resorts, is lauded for its prime location at the edge of a serene forest, offering breathtaking views of the Rhodope Mountains. The peaceful environment and well-maintained gardens make it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and a great base for exploration due to its proximity to the center of Devin.
Guests consistently praise the hotel for its friendly and welcoming staff, along with the spacious and clean pool facilities, including mineral pools, which are perfect for relaxation. The hotel's creative landscape design and large, clean rooms contribute to its appeal, especially for family vacations. However, some areas do show signs of datedness with minor issues like malfunctioning mini-fridges and occasional plumbing problems.
Breakfast at the hotel receives mixed reviews; while many guests appreciate the delicious and diverse options, others feel that the selection does not meet four-star hotel standards. Dinner experiences also vary with some guests raving about specific dishes like grilled steaks and crème brûlée, while others are disappointed by the limited and monotonous menu.
The hotel's spa facilities are a significant highlight, providing a range of well-designed amenities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, despite some areas needing minor improvements. The pool area, complemented by lush gardens, receives high praise for its cleanliness and serene atmosphere, though the outdoor pool's temperature could benefit from being warmer.
Overall, SPA Hotel Ismena is an excellent choice for families, offering various activities for children and a family-friendly environment that is both unique and aesthetically pleasing. While the bedding receives mixed feedback regarding comfort, many guests still find the beds satisfactory.
There are, however, several critiques regarding the hotel's four-star rating with guests noting that certain facilities and services fall short of their expectations. Nonetheless, the hotel's overall cleanliness, welcoming staff and beautiful location make it a favored choice for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with Spa
Situated in Devin, this spa hotel offers a range of spa services. This provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests.
Family Friendly Hotel
A 'Spa Hotel' located in Devin, suggesting the availability of spa and pool facilities that provide recreational options for families.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers free private parking on site, providing convenience and security for guests traveling by car.
4-Star Hotel
Located in Sofia, this spa hotel offers a relaxing retreat with various spa treatments and facilities. Ideal for guests seeking wellness and relaxation during their stay.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
The hotel has a stunning pool area complemented by lush gardens, creating a serene environment. The main outdoor pool is substantial in size and clean, offering sunbeds. The hotel also has an indoor heated pool.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Double or Twin Room - Free Spa & Thermal Zone AccessEn-suite room with cable TV. This room belongs to a chalet.
Chalet - Free Spa & Thermal Zone AccessThis very large chalet includes a spacious seating area.
One-Bedroom Suite - Free Spa & Thermal Zone AccessThis suite is spacious.
About SPA Hotel Ismena
License: Д2-9В7-22Щ-Б1
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Nestled in one of Bulgaria's most picturesque spa resorts, SPA Hotel Ismena boasts a prime location that guests consistently praise. Perched at the edge of a serene forest, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Rhodope Mountains, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. The setting is described as beautiful and peaceful with well-maintained gardens that add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Despite the dated facilities, visitors appreciate the large, clean pool and the mineral pools, noting these amenities as perfect for relaxation. The hotel’s proximity to the center of Devin within walking distance, ensures accessibility while maintaining a peaceful seclusion. Guests find the location convenient for day trips around the region, making it a great base for exploration.
The staff at SPA Hotel Ismena also receive high marks for their friendly and welcoming attitude, contributing to the overall pleasant experience. Additionally, the spacious yard and creative landscape design enhance the appeal of the hotel for family vacations.
While there are minor critiques, such as the distance between accommodations and certain facilities and limited restaurant hours during lunch, the overwhelming sentiment is that the location and natural beauty of SPA Hotel Ismena offer a rejuvenating escape that blends natural splendor with a comfortable stay.
Breakfast
'SPA Hotel Ismena' offers a breakfast experience that has received mixed feedback from its guests. On the positive side, many guests found the breakfast to be excellent, delicious and diverse with some praising the all-you-can-eat buffet for its plentiful and tasty selections, including excellent doughnuts. The high-quality and diverse cuisine impressed several visitors with many noting that the breakfast and dinner options were satisfying and plentiful. Additionally, the friendly staff and cleanliness of the facility were appreciated.
However, there were also negative remarks. Some guests felt that the breakfast was not up to the standards expected of a four-star hotel, pointing to issues such as a limited selection, low-quality items and monotonous offerings. A few reviews mentioned specific problems like a lack of variety for the price, a single coffee machine, awful coffee in paper cups and an almost empty buffet that wasn't replenished by 9:30 AM. Despite these criticisms, the overall impression of the breakfast at SPA Hotel Ismena leans towards a generally positive experience with room for improvement.
Dinner
SPA Hotel Ismena presents a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to dinner. On a positive note, many guests rave about the delicious food in the restaurant, pointing out dishes like grilled steaks, carp and crème brûlée as highlights. The quality and taste of the food receive commendations with some mentioning the wonderful local cuisine and reasonable prices.
However, several guests express disappointment with certain aspects of the dining experience. Frequent criticisms include the monotonous and limited menu with some describing the selection as flavorless and mediocre. Some reviews highlight the odd absence of beverages like juice, coffee and tea during dinner. Concerns are raised about slow service and poorly trained cooks, which detracts from the overall dining pleasure.
Consistency seems to be an issue with some guests finding the dinner included in packages lacking in quality compared to the à la carte offerings. The hotel’s tavern being closed also leaves fewer dining options for guests. While the restaurant setting itself is large and nicely furnished, the food quality appears to vary, sometimes falling short of expectations for a 4-star establishment.
Rooms
SPA Hotel Ismena offers a generally positive experience when it comes to its rooms with numerous guests praising their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Many reviews highlight that the rooms are well-maintained and the staff is notably polite and accommodating. Guests frequently describe the hotel as beautiful with clean and spacious accommodations, providing a welcoming atmosphere.
The property includes a complex that is both wonderful and accessible, featuring well-kept garden areas and pools. Several guests found their rooms to be well-equipped with all necessary amenities and appreciated daily cleaning services, contributing to the overall sense of cleanliness and comfort.
However, some guests noted dated facilities and old-fashioned room designs. Issues such as malfunctioning mini-fridges, sometimes small or quite ordinary rooms and occasional plumbing problems were also reported. A few reviews mentioned mismatches between room descriptions and the actual accommodations, citing issues like lack of balconies or lingering mold smells.
Despite these drawbacks, the majority of guests found the rooms at SPA Hotel Ismena to be clean, spacious and comfortable, making it a generally favorable choice for travelers seeking a reliable and pleasant stay.
Beds
Guests of SPA Hotel Ismena had mixed experiences with the bedding. While some found the mattresses and pillows to be very good and appreciated the comfort of the beds, others encountered issues. Several reviews highlighted the softness of the mattresses with a few describing them as too soft or uncomfortable. The pull-out and sofa beds did not meet comfort expectations, especially for children and there were mentions of low and small bed frames that added to the discomfort. Beds and pillows occasionally received criticism for their quality and comfort with mentions of cheap and tacky pillows and squeaky mattresses. Despite these criticisms, a notable number of guests still found the beds to be comfortable overall.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of SPA Hotel Ismena consistently impresses its guests. Visitors frequently highlight the well-maintained and tidy condition of the hotel, noting that every area, from the rooms to the common spaces, meets high standards of hygiene. The pools receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness with some guests finding them pristine and others suggesting improvements. The spacious, beautiful rooms and clean, cozy atmosphere contribute to a comfortable stay. Additionally, the hotel's grounds are well-kept and thoughtfully designed. Guests appreciate the polite and friendly staff, further enhancing the welcoming environment. While the quality of the food has room for improvement, the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel leave a positive impression on its visitors. The new spa center and the intricate architectural design resembling a monastery add to the hotel's charm, making it a well-regarded choice for travelers seeking a clean and comfortable retreat.
Staff
Visitors to SPA Hotel Ismena consistently praise the hotel staff for their exemplary service. Reviews frequently highlight how friendly, polite and responsive the staff members are. Their willingness to go the extra mile to assist guests is often mentioned with particular emphasis on their helpful and attentive nature. The reception staff at SPA Hotel Ismena receive specific commendations for their professionalism and eagerness to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for guests.
Despite language barriers, the staff make significant efforts to communicate effectively in English or other languages, ensuring that guests feel understood and well-served. Moreover, the overall attitude and demeanor of the staff contribute positively to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the courteous and smiling faces they encounter during their stay.
In summary, the staff at SPA Hotel Ismena are described as top-notch with a consistent pattern of friendliness, politeness and attentiveness that leaves a lasting, positive impression on visitors.
Spa
Nestled in the serene Rhodope Mountains, SPA Hotel Ismena is an authentic retreat known for its tranquility, delicious and diverse cuisine and courteous service. The spa facilities cater to a variety of relaxation needs with a range of well-designed, well-maintained amenities that ensure guests can unwind fully. While some areas of the spa could use minor improvements, such as the jacuzzi, the outdoor hot tubs, thermal pools and various saunas make for a highly enjoyable experience.
The newer spa zone particularly stands out with its modern look and comfortable ambiance. Guests appreciate the clean and well-maintained environment across both spa centers and highlight the excellent inclusion of green spaces and outdoor pools. From the extensive relaxation areas to the top-notch treatments, the spa centers consistently receive high praise for helping guests achieve a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Pool
The SPA Hotel Ismena boasts a stunning pool area complemented by lush gardens, creating a serene environment for relaxation. The main outdoor pool is noted for its substantial size and cleanliness, offering a perfect spot to unwind, complete with surrounding sunbeds. Although some guests have remarked that the temperature of the outdoor pool could be higher and that it is not always filled with warm mineral water, the indoor heated pool compensates, providing a cozy alternative.
Both the indoor and outdoor pools are consistently praised for their maintenance and cleanliness. The hotel complex itself is described as well-organized with meticulously kept green areas adding to the overall appeal. Despite the seasonal operation of the outdoor pool, guests find it an excellent facility to enjoy, even in less favorable weather conditions.
However, it is worth noting that the indoor pool closes relatively early at 7 pm and there are limited activities for children. Overall, the pool facilities at SPA Hotel Ismena are highly commendable, promising a tranquil and rejuvenating experience amidst beautiful surroundings.
Family
SPA Hotel Ismena emerges as an excellent choice for family vacations, particularly catering to children. The hotel boasts a variety of activities and amenities designed for young guests, such as a playground and numerous toys. Families find the layout and architecture of the hotel unique and appealing with an environment that is not only family-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing.
The hotel complex has garnered positive feedback for its fantastic vision and wonderful setting. It is described as extremely convenient and suitable for families, making it an ideal spot for a perfect family vacation. Children particularly enjoy the freedom to run around and play, which adds to the overall experience for them.
Despite some remarks about cleanliness in the play area, the positive aspects overwhelmingly highlight SPA Hotel Ismena as a hit for families with the whole family, including parents, enjoying the pool facilities and the general atmosphere. The staff are also noted to be a nice aspect of the stay, adding to the pleasant family holiday experience.
4 Star
The reviews of SPA Hotel Ismena suggest a discrepancy between the advertised four-star rating and the actual experience. Guests have consistently noted that the facilities and services fall short of what is expected from a four-star establishment. Specific issues raised include the lack of a genuine 24/7 reception service, subpar breakfast offerings and the overall quality of the rooms not matching a four-star standard. Additionally, guests felt that the pricing did not align with the level of amenities and service provided. There were some mentions that the hotel met four-star standards, but these were outweighed by numerous critiques indicating otherwise.
Yes, SPA Hotel Ismena has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at SPA Hotel Ismena.
No, SPA Hotel Ismena doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at SPA Hotel Ismena.