49 Reviews
Traveller Rating
-
Excellent10
-
Very Good25
-
Good7
-
Average6
-
Poor1
Review Overview
-
Cleanliness
-
Entertainment
-
Food
-
Service
-
Location
17 years 5 months ago
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
Travel operator: portland direct
Recommended
17 years 6 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: Portland Direct
Recommended
18 years 2 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: thomson
Recommended
18 years 2 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: Portland Direct
Recommended
18 years 2 months ago
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
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
Travel operator: Portland
18 years 2 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: portland direct
Recommended
18 years 3 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: Thomson
Recommended
18 years 3 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: portland direct/ thompson
Recommended
18 years 3 months ago
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
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
Travel operator: Thompson
18 years 3 months ago
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.
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.
Travel operator: Thompson
Ask a Question
Got a question? Ask our community of over 1.5 million users.
Location
Book Your Stay
Looking to stay here? You can check the accommodation availability and get the best prices using the link below:
