Well....not sure what to say as i'm sure Peter from York will shoot me down....but here goes...
The hotel is "'in my opinion" beautiful...the lobby is lovely and the rooms are really elegant. The bathrooms are huge and beautiful..
The pool area is stunning and very unlike all hotels in the area i have seen - a lot of which are not next to the hotels and are split by the road. They are also jam packed with people squashed together like sardines gently frying in the sun! The pool area has a simple elegance which i personally like.
I think the location is perfect. Far enough away from the bars and clubs to ensure a very peaceful holiday but near enough to take full advantage of them all.
I don't find the steps too much trouble but the are alternative ways of getting to and from the hotel without using them. There is a slope to each side of the hotel which can be used. I do agree with Uncle Bulgaria that there will be people who will complain about the steps but there will always be people who do not do their research....and then complain!!!
I take Peters point about the prices but that doesn't bother me. I chose to be in a resort so that i could choose where i ate and drank without being confined to the hotel. I have no intention of paying the prices!
There are a few teething problems and a couple of things missing that i'd expect from 5 star:
I expected more staff in the retaurant to keep the tables clear and serve coffee
There is no information in the room about the hotel facilities and the location of them
No bottle opener for the mini bar - but with the prices i don't plan to use it anyway.
Just incase any of you still need to know for this season... things NOT open..
Brewery
Thai restaurant (not bothered as no doubt the prices will be silly!!)
Casino (not a problem as i haven't got money to burn)
Shops (why the hell would you need to buy souvenirs in the hotel when shopping here is fab!!)
Nightclub
I think this hotel is fab. Next year it will be even better!! I do realise that everyone will have a different opinion and that's a good thing....if not we'd all be crammed into the same hotels, bars and restaurants!!!!
Post from bgreenberg's husband...
Well we're home now and there are a few things to add..
After the first week we were there, a large number of new guests arrived and they were also holding a conference. This pushed the hotel to near capacity. The dining room got steadily worse. There never seemed to be a clean empty table to sit at. Some mornings it took 15 or more minutes to get served coffee. By day 12 is had descended in to absolute chaos and anarchy. There were several tables stacked with, no joke, dishes piled aver a foot high! Whether this was done by staff or guests we didn't know. Napkins stacked on the chairs were spilling on to the floor. I watched a mother holding her baby clearing her own table and another shouting because had waited over 20 minutes for coffee after asking the same man 3 times. It was terrible.
When we went to complain because we couldn't find a table to sit at, the front desk couldn't find the food and bev manager. Seems he was down in the dining room clearing tables with his over burdened staff.
By our last day there was surprisingly a definite improvement. Staff that had obviously been drafted in from other parts of the hotel were clearing the tables leaving the regular staff able to set clean dishes and keep coffee cups filled. It was still very busy, but was tolerable.
I have to say, that beyond any doubt it was the worst dining experience I have ever had. All the food was good and plentiful, but over all it was really shocking.
The rest of the hotel had excellent staff and the place was spotless. The management has let them and their beautiful looking hotel down in a big way. I can't see us ever staying at any Kempinski hotel ever again.
Well we're home now and there are a few things to add..
After the first week we were there, a large number of new guests arrived and they were also holding a conference. This pushed the hotel to near capacity. The dining room got steadily worse. There never seemed to be a clean empty table to sit at. Some mornings it took 15 or more minutes to get served coffee. By day 12 is had descended in to absolute chaos and anarchy. There were several tables stacked with, no joke, dishes piled aver a foot high! Whether this was done by staff or guests we didn't know. Napkins stacked on the chairs were spilling on to the floor. I watched a mother holding her baby clearing her own table and another shouting because had waited over 20 minutes for coffee after asking the same man 3 times. It was terrible.
When we went to complain because we couldn't find a table to sit at, the front desk couldn't find the food and bev manager. Seems he was down in the dining room clearing tables with his over burdened staff.
By our last day there was surprisingly a definite improvement. Staff that had obviously been drafted in from other parts of the hotel were clearing the tables leaving the regular staff able to set clean dishes and keep coffee cups filled. It was still very busy, but was tolerable.
I have to say, that beyond any doubt it was the worst dining experience I have ever had. All the food was good and plentiful, but over all it was really shocking.
The rest of the hotel had excellent staff and the place was spotless. The management has let them and their beautiful looking hotel down in a big way. I can't see us ever staying at any Kempinski hotel ever again.
Now back and returning to normal routines after three weeks at the Admiral, we can still hardly believe the Kempinski situation.
It's huge, monstrous, a most unlovely building.
We are not impressed by large, it's quality that counts.
The lobby bar is most unwelcoming, cramped and regimental in arrangement. The tables are small and of dining table height, each with two dining chairs the seats of which are thinly upholstered and the backs are moulded plywood, all coloured mahogany. The 'veneer' on the tables is poorly applied, and in places requires a further application of glue and colour. There are loose threads dangling under the chair seats. They must have been bought as a job lot of mail order rejects, it's that bad. Have been in nicer railway stations.
The service matched, with scruffy staff, and miserable uncaring attitudes. Their idea of a uniform for the porters/bell boys is a scruffy unironed white shirt with the tail half out, unlike the livery at the Admiral and other good class hotels.
There are no signs anywhere regarding the much vaunted facilities supposed to be available, and I suspect there are none.
A German tourist at our hotel tried to obtain a brochure from reception and was told he couldn't have one unless he promised to book for next year. He remarked that the Mr Kempinski who founded the group must be spinning in his grave.
I was more cunning and got one from a porter. It states the Varna area of Bulgaria has a Mediterranean climate. Tell that to the Bulgarians if they get a few metres of snow this winter as they did last!
Also, according to Kempinski the hotel is 15 minutes to Varna city centre. As a taxi driver friend remarked, only with the taxi driver from hell could you go that fast.
Peter
It's huge, monstrous, a most unlovely building.
We are not impressed by large, it's quality that counts.
The lobby bar is most unwelcoming, cramped and regimental in arrangement. The tables are small and of dining table height, each with two dining chairs the seats of which are thinly upholstered and the backs are moulded plywood, all coloured mahogany. The 'veneer' on the tables is poorly applied, and in places requires a further application of glue and colour. There are loose threads dangling under the chair seats. They must have been bought as a job lot of mail order rejects, it's that bad. Have been in nicer railway stations.
The service matched, with scruffy staff, and miserable uncaring attitudes. Their idea of a uniform for the porters/bell boys is a scruffy unironed white shirt with the tail half out, unlike the livery at the Admiral and other good class hotels.
There are no signs anywhere regarding the much vaunted facilities supposed to be available, and I suspect there are none.
A German tourist at our hotel tried to obtain a brochure from reception and was told he couldn't have one unless he promised to book for next year. He remarked that the Mr Kempinski who founded the group must be spinning in his grave.
I was more cunning and got one from a porter. It states the Varna area of Bulgaria has a Mediterranean climate. Tell that to the Bulgarians if they get a few metres of snow this winter as they did last!
Also, according to Kempinski the hotel is 15 minutes to Varna city centre. As a taxi driver friend remarked, only with the taxi driver from hell could you go that fast.
Peter
Update -
According to the Kempinski website, this hotel does not open as a genuine member of the Kempinski group until April 2006.
See http://www.kempinski.com/development/en/index.php?l1=new_projects
Peter
According to the Kempinski website, this hotel does not open as a genuine member of the Kempinski group until April 2006.
See http://www.kempinski.com/development/en/index.php?l1=new_projects
Peter
Have just read the First Choice Summer Sun 2006 brochure regarding this hotel, and am astounded to read that "Distance to Beach" is described as "Beachfront".
Either they've demolished and moved the Kempinski, or there's been a serious landslip that's carried it at least 100 metres down a quite steep hill to the sea!!
Have a look at this picture, taken from about halfway down the steps leading to the sea, and looking up to the hotel -
steps
Does this look like a beachfront hotel to you? En route to the beach you have to cross a public road lined on both sides by stalls.
In the same place I have posted a number of other photos of the Kempinski surroundings, and Golden Sands in general.
Peter
Either they've demolished and moved the Kempinski, or there's been a serious landslip that's carried it at least 100 metres down a quite steep hill to the sea!!
Have a look at this picture, taken from about halfway down the steps leading to the sea, and looking up to the hotel -
steps
Does this look like a beachfront hotel to you? En route to the beach you have to cross a public road lined on both sides by stalls.
In the same place I have posted a number of other photos of the Kempinski surroundings, and Golden Sands in general.
Peter
I have deleted a post which broke one of our T&Cs
3. Show respect and courtesy to all other users
and the following two which were replying and would make no sense without the first post.
Holidays can be quite emotive but please, if you have a problem with a post pm me-rather than deal it with it on the forum yourself.
3. Show respect and courtesy to all other users
and the following two which were replying and would make no sense without the first post.
Holidays can be quite emotive but please, if you have a problem with a post pm me-rather than deal it with it on the forum yourself.
I think Peter of York has got a massive problem with the Kempinski, how can you judge a hotel when you haven't even stayed there!!!! I stayed at the hotel in October and it was of an excellent standard, the rooms were huge and luxurious (the balconies are massive peter!) and overall I couldn't fault it. I do agree that the location is a bit steep especially for anyone with walking difficulties. The pools are great especially the indoor pool and gym area. The only thing negative I would say is that certain things in the hotel are very expensive (the drinks are several times more expensive than outside hotel) and the minibar was hugely expensive.
Had a good stay and would definately return again, will be even better once fully completed!
Had a good stay and would definately return again, will be even better once fully completed!
The only problem I have is when honest tourists were sold this hotel as one up to Kempinski standards, when according to their website it will not be opening until April 2006.
As a result of this fiasco I have serious doubts about the integrity of the Kempinski Group.
Massive balconies are they? Must be a new meaning to the word 'massive', see below -
I leave our members to study the whole of this thread and judge for themselves.
Also see -
Kempinski
Peter
As a result of this fiasco I have serious doubts about the integrity of the Kempinski Group.
Massive balconies are they? Must be a new meaning to the word 'massive', see below -
I leave our members to study the whole of this thread and judge for themselves.
Also see -
Kempinski
Peter
I have emailed the hotel group and will let you know what they reply. Seems strange though that their own website says that they open April 2006.
I booked and went on holiday to this hotel in July last year it was so great we are suing them for the full price of the holiday plus damages.
I would like to post all the bad things that happened to me and my girls but I am not sure I am allowed to.
I am calling for help.
If you are honest and prepared to put in writing how you found this hotel last year between July and September I would love a statement from you to present in court as Balkan Holidays are calling me a liar and saying that everything that happened is a figment of my imagination.
All you will have to do is email me with a description of your stay at the hotel and your contact details please.
Than you.
***email removed- please pm****
if I'm not allowed to put my email please just remove it and allow the
I would like to post all the bad things that happened to me and my girls but I am not sure I am allowed to.
I am calling for help.
If you are honest and prepared to put in writing how you found this hotel last year between July and September I would love a statement from you to present in court as Balkan Holidays are calling me a liar and saying that everything that happened is a figment of my imagination.
All you will have to do is email me with a description of your stay at the hotel and your contact details please.
Than you.
***email removed- please pm****
if I'm not allowed to put my email please just remove it and allow the
Late
You may want to post in the Holiday Complaints forum. Your email address was removed for your own safety but of course you can use our pm system. Good luck with your claim.
You may want to post in the Holiday Complaints forum. Your email address was removed for your own safety but of course you can use our pm system. Good luck with your claim.
I agree Peter that if you pay for a Kempinski hotel that is exactly what you should get ... I just hope that people have some better experiences next year... also if anyone is staying there, check which room type you have booked. standard rooms are the one's in peter's photo below and are smaller in size with smaller balconies and views over the car park! try and upgrade to a deluxe room with large balconies, and much better views ... Thanks
finally - got an answer from Kempinski. They do not open until April.
For the record, this is the email I sent to the Kempinski Head Office, to which I have not had the courtesy of a reply to date -
Anyone taking action against a travel company should I suggest be also considering involving their local Trading Standards Dept with regard to action against the Kempinski Group for knowingly allowing their name to be used falsely.
Peter
Sent: 06 March 2006 18:17
To: information.corporate@kempinski.com
Subject: 'Kempinski' hotel?
Dear Sirs,
There are a number of complaints on websites regarding a hotel
called the Kempinski Grand Hotel Hermitage in Golden Sands, near
Varna, Bulgaria.
In Summer 2005, holidays in this hotel were being sold to tourists
from all over Europe who upon arrival found it to be unfinished, and
with very poor service from untrained staff.
The hotel had large Kempinski signs all over it, the menus and bills
had Kempinski written on them, but according to your website at
http://www.kempinski.com/development/en/index.php?l1
=new_projects&category_id=86 this hotel was NOT open at all for the
2005 season, but will open at the end of April 2006.
Are you aware of this, and the damage that has been caused to the
good name of the Kempinski Group?
Yours sincerely,
Anyone taking action against a travel company should I suggest be also considering involving their local Trading Standards Dept with regard to action against the Kempinski Group for knowingly allowing their name to be used falsely.
Peter
HTs has teamed up with Ros Fernihough. She is a travel law solicitor. Phone no. 01922 621114
She gives free, impartial legal advice. ( Please note that HT does not benefit from this in any way. It has been set up purely to help our members)
If you feel you have a claim I would give her a phone.
She has also helped produce the Safe and Sound booklet which you can download by clicking on my signature. This is well worth the read and very useful to have on any holiday, just in case.
She gives free, impartial legal advice. ( Please note that HT does not benefit from this in any way. It has been set up purely to help our members)
If you feel you have a claim I would give her a phone.
She has also helped produce the Safe and Sound booklet which you can download by clicking on my signature. This is well worth the read and very useful to have on any holiday, just in case.
We complained to Balkan about this holiday, eventually started small claims court action, etc., etc.
We have finally settled out of court and have ended up with a reasonable settlement (60% of the holiday value), although it was a huge amount of hassle.
With all the hassle that went along with this I'd say it is in some ways disappointing. I would have liked to go the whole way and see them in court, but I suppose the slight risk of getting nothing out-weighed the amount offered.
I know that other families have also received substantial settlements. I don't think I should mention in public exact details, but for instance:
Family 1: slightly under 50% of holiday cost
Family 2: approximately 85% - what a result!
Family 3: approximately 60%
There is another family I know of that are still progressing their claim and I wish them well.
I would offer the following advise to anyone with a complaint:
1. Follow the holiday company complaint procedure to the letter.
2. Get evidence at every stage
3. Present all your evidence as part of your complaint
4. Be clear on what you think is a fair settlement, give the company a reasonable time to settle for this amount. They probably won't, so then go through small claims court.
5. Prepare yourself for a long drawn-out fight, but stick at it.
We're steering clear of the Balkans and going to Majorca this year!
We have finally settled out of court and have ended up with a reasonable settlement (60% of the holiday value), although it was a huge amount of hassle.
With all the hassle that went along with this I'd say it is in some ways disappointing. I would have liked to go the whole way and see them in court, but I suppose the slight risk of getting nothing out-weighed the amount offered.
I know that other families have also received substantial settlements. I don't think I should mention in public exact details, but for instance:
Family 1: slightly under 50% of holiday cost
Family 2: approximately 85% - what a result!
Family 3: approximately 60%
There is another family I know of that are still progressing their claim and I wish them well.
I would offer the following advise to anyone with a complaint:
1. Follow the holiday company complaint procedure to the letter.
2. Get evidence at every stage
3. Present all your evidence as part of your complaint
4. Be clear on what you think is a fair settlement, give the company a reasonable time to settle for this amount. They probably won't, so then go through small claims court.
5. Prepare yourself for a long drawn-out fight, but stick at it.
We're steering clear of the Balkans and going to Majorca this year!
Hi Golfer,
I'm absolutely delighted for you, and others who have been compensated, you deserve every penny for having this hotel inflicted on you.
For info, as from 1st April this year, the Kempinski Group have been prepared to own this hotel, which of course begs the question as to what exactly it was before?!
I never did get a reply to my email as above, and if you put the name of the hotel into a search engine, you may discover that there are reports that even now the previously stated facilities will not be available because of a 'lack of demand' for them.
I feel totally vindicated by your result, and would advise caution in respect of any person thinking of going this year.
Peter
I'm absolutely delighted for you, and others who have been compensated, you deserve every penny for having this hotel inflicted on you.
For info, as from 1st April this year, the Kempinski Group have been prepared to own this hotel, which of course begs the question as to what exactly it was before?!
I never did get a reply to my email as above, and if you put the name of the hotel into a search engine, you may discover that there are reports that even now the previously stated facilities will not be available because of a 'lack of demand' for them.
I feel totally vindicated by your result, and would advise caution in respect of any person thinking of going this year.
Peter
We went to Kempinski this year with First Choice for the start of the season (11th May). I admit that a few facilities were still being completed (mainly grounds work) but it did not cause a disturbance at all. The hotel was very quiet (only 50 rooms occupied) which was perfect for us. The staff were extremely polite and efficient, we had the pool to ourselves and the rooms were great.
We were informed before we left the UK that some facilities would not be available.
I can't comment on last year, or what it will be like when it reaches its peak, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
We were informed before we left the UK that some facilities would not be available.
I can't comment on last year, or what it will be like when it reaches its peak, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
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