Klub Hotel Varosha

We arrived in Blagoevgrad on our bicycles, after a rather difficult day of climbing from Strumica and thru Berovo (in Macedonia). We were happy to get to the city, looking forward to shower and not really in the mood to explore to find a fine restaurant. Even before seeing the menu, we had settled to eat at the hotel restaurant. But even with the exact lat, long coordinates on the GPS, we could not find the place. We went up the steep hill twice, walked, asked, backtracked, it was a mystery. I think cyrillic alphabet did not really helped here, but there is no clear indication if you arrive from the street. We localized it halfway up the side hill, but then again, it was a challenge to get to the reception. It felt like geocaching, but we made it and from then on, it was an amazing experience. The women at the reception were all smiles and very efficient. Rooms are charming, confortable and just the right size. Again, we were wasted, so we went directly to the hotel restaurant. We were alone in this beautiful dining room on this weeknight. We had a private visit of the wine cellar and could go pick our fine bottle ourselves. This fine dining was a great cap on this epic bike trip. The menu is very interesting and the dishes are prepared and served with warmth. You feel like you are in a top-class place, but with an intimate down to earth feeling. I highly recommend the restaurant, even if you don't sleep here. We took a small walk to the pedestrian area which is beautiful and just around the (very well hidden) corner from the hotel. The breakfast (included with the room) was in the same way. This is no buffet, but you pick whatever you like from a fine list. All that said, I wish they had better indications to their front door, but once you get there, just let them take care of you from dinner to breakfast.