Hi Moira,
We stayed at the Riu Helios Palace a number of years ago and as with all the Riu hotels I've visited it was excellent. However, things may have changed since then so hopefully somebody who's been more recently will come and advise. I'm afraid I haven't stayed at the Helena Sands but have a vague recollection of the Helios being in a more central location. The helios was right by the beach and very close to shops bars and restaurants.

The Helios is closer to the actual centre but both are situated virtually on the beach but at opposite end of the resort. The Helena Sands is a very, very classy hotel (5*).
Have you read the reviews of them. Some more here.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g499086-d638267-Reviews-Riu_Palace_Helena_Sands-Sunny_Beach_Burgas.html

http://www.helenaresort.com/

http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/4869-Sunny_Beach-Riu_Helios_Hotel-Holiday-Review.html

Toonman

thanks for your help we have never been to Bulgaria before, is it a nice place to go.

thanks for your help we have never been to Bulgaria before, is it a nice place to go.

Everybody's opinion is going to be different but personally it will be a place I don't think I'll go to again. Nothing really bad about the place, just that I've been to resorts that suit my requirements better. We went to Sunny Beach which I found to be very British orientated. We also didn't have the best weather although we were there in August.

Having said that, we still enjoyed (as we always do) and if you've already booked I wouldn't worry about it but given the choice I' would pick somewhere else. As I said, everybody doesn't look for the same thing in a holiday (thankfully) so you might love the place.

Sunny Beach is but one resort in Bulgaria and is not representative of Bulgaria.
It is a specific tourist construct, closed in winter.

Patka

Hi moira27,

Many of the regular posters on this board return to Bulgaria year after year, while others visit once and decide that it's not for them, on the basis of very limited exposure to Bulgaria outside the resort areas.

As Patka says, Sunny Beach (as well as other beach 'kurorti'/resorts) realistically has a summer-only existence of around 5-6 months, the nearest 'real' Bulgarian towns being Sveti Vlas and Nesebar, although they also cater to tourism in season.

I love Bulgaria but intensely dislike most of the large coastal resorts, which I see as having been so overdeveloped that they have destroyed the natural beauty of the Black Sea coastline. Others love the likes of Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Albena, etc., and wouldn't go anywhere else.

It's a case of 'horses for courses' - unless you try it, you'll never know whether you find Bulgaria a nice place or not.

Hi Moira27,
I would agree with Baldur, I have visisted golden sands for a few years now and find it a pleasant & relaxing resort. A few years ago we made friends with a bulgarian lady working in the hotel that we stayed at. Ever since then she has introduced us to her parents who live near the resort in the summer and then go to Varna which is the city back to there winter home. We have seen how the locals live on a day to day basis it is quite a eye opener the bulgarians are very self sufficient people and very friendly. Its a country i would recommend. Go with with a open mind and I hope you enjoy your hols.

cornish lad ( Roger )

thank you all for your replies.