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The magic of snow-covered slopes in the mountains of Bulgaria starts right at the hotel doors, next to the ski lift. That is where you find comfort and warmth, and you do not have to walk far to reach the pistes.
Choice of hotels from 5-star luxury to affordable 3-star properties and apartments – all within walking distance of the gondola.
Real distances to the lift range from about 10 to 400 metres, so you can be on the slopes just minutes after leaving the hotel.
Large spa areas, pools, hammams, saunas and massage rooms – everything you need to relax after a full day of skiing.
Spacious rooms and apartments, studios with kitchenettes, family units and cosy options with fireplaces for a romantic winter stay.
Good reviews for cleanliness, friendly service and excellent value for money, for both short breaks and longer mountain holidays.
Luxury hotels
KEMPINSKI GRAND ARENA 5*
— Location: right next to the ski lifts in Bansko, only about 10 metres from the gondola station.
— Facilities: a huge spa area with several saunas, hammam and an ice room. Three swimming pools, restaurants with refined cuisine, a gym equipped with modern machines, a tennis court, kids’ club and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
— Advantages: direct access to ski and snowboard slopes, comfortable and spacious rooms with minibar, safe and mountain views. High-quality food and complimentary breakfast.
— Reviews: guests praise the cleanliness, top-class service and excellent value for money. Many consider it suitable both for leisure stays and business trips.
ASTERA BANSKO 4*
— Location: at the foot of the Pirin mountains, only around 200 metres from the first gondola in Bansko. The area is popular with tourists, being close to slopes, lifts and the town’s main street with many attractions and restaurants.
— Facilities: guests have access to a swimming pool, spa, free parking, laundry service and free Wi-Fi. Single and double rooms are spacious and well furnished, and apartments offer beautiful mountain views. The hotel also features an indoor aquapark, restaurant, bar, bowling, billiards and a conference hall.
— Advantages: the hotel is especially appreciated for its spa centre and indoor aquapark. Guests mention the comfortable rooms and convenient location near the lift and main street, which makes it attractive for those who like to stay in the heart of the action.
— Reviews: travellers say the hotel is a good choice for winter holidays, thanks to its proximity to the lift, ski equipment facilities, spa centre and entertainment options.
MPM SPORT 4*
— Location: just about 100 metres uphill from the gondola. It is a perfect choice for guests who want to spend most of their time on the slopes. Nearby attractions include Pirin Street and the Church of Holy Trinity.
— Facilities: two restaurants, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, rooms with balconies and sofa beds. The hotel has a spa centre and an indoor pool. Guests can use ski storage areas, rent ski or snowboard equipment, and buy lift passes for Bansko at the reception.
— Advantages: excellent location for quick access to the slopes. After skiing, guests can unwind in the spa or by the pool.
— Reviews: visitors like the location, cleanliness and relatively low prices for the quality offered. The spa centre is also highly rated.
Comfortable mid-range hotels
CASA KARINA 4*
— Location: at the foot of the Pirin mountains, about 100 metres from the gondola station in Bansko. The location offers quick access to the slopes for hotel guests.
— Facilities: several types of rooms and apartments are available, including studios with kitchenette and bathroom, as well as apartments with a living room, separate bedroom and bathroom. Free Wi-Fi, spa facilities and breakfast are offered to guests. The hotel also has a modern bar and a stylish restaurant with varied cuisine and a good selection of drinks.
— Advantages: spa centre, pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular views of the Pirin mountains and the hotel courtyard, sauna, Turkish bath, fitness room, solarium and massage rooms. Lift passes are sold at the reception. The hotel organises various sports activities, including skiing and snowboarding, guided mountain hikes, fishing, horse riding, excursions and rental of bicycles and quad bikes.
— Reviews: guests appreciate the convenient location near the gondola, high-level service and friendly staff.
SUNRISE PARK & COMPLEX 4*
— Location: a few minutes’ walk (about 400 metres) from the first ski-lift station in Bansko. Within five minutes you can reach the historic part of town with bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel has a large garden, barbecue area and offers guests free shuttle service to the gondola.
— Facilities: restaurant, 24-hour lobby bar, well-equipped spa centre, swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and exclusive treatments for face and body. Free Wi-Fi in common areas, lockers for ski equipment and an underground car park.
— Advantages: located close to the Rila and Pirin mountains, it is a good option for lovers of hiking and mountain sports. Shopping fans can reach MALL Bansko in about 10 minutes.
— Reviews: guests highlight decent service, modern facilities and the good size of the pool.
VIHREN PALACE SKI & SPA RESORT 4*
— Location: about 80 metres from the ski lift (gondola) and roughly four minutes’ walk from Bansko’s historic centre.
— Facilities: spa, hot tub, swimming pool, parking, gym and laundry service. Rooms with kitchenettes are available for guests who prefer more independence.
— Advantages: being close to the lift means you can get to the slopes quickly, while its location near the centre makes it easy to explore restaurants and attractions. Mountain views can be enjoyed from all around the hotel.
— Reviews: the hotel receives good reviews for its range of facilities. Guests especially like the gym, spa area, proximity to the lift, ski rental options and nearby restaurants.
Budget-friendly hotels with good reviews
DUMANOV 3*
— Location: about 300 metres from the cabin lift. A popular choice for winter sports lovers who want to be close to the action.
— Facilities: minibar in rooms, fridge, cable TV, bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms feature a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchenette. Guests have access to Wi-Fi, gym, restaurant, bar, sauna, hot tub, spa facilities and different types of massage.
— Advantages: various fun activities are organised for children, which makes the hotel attractive for family holidays. Guests can rent skis and other equipment and book ski lessons directly through the hotel.
— Reviews: visitors say the staff are kind and welcoming. Dumanov is highly rated for its good quality at an affordable price.
STAYINN GRANAT APARTMENTS
— Location: apartments just around 50 metres from the gondola, on Bansko’s main street.
— Facilities: apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and breathtaking views of the mountains.
— Advantages: suitable for families or groups of more than four people. Comfortable accommodation and convenient location right by the gondola. Guests have access to street parking, an important feature for those travelling by car. Car rental services are also available.
— Reviews: travellers like the convenient location, good value for money and romantic, cosy atmosphere, which makes the apartments attractive for many types of guests.
KAP HOUSE 3*
— Location: only about 100 metres from the first lift station, on Bansko’s main street. It is an excellent option for those who want to combine skiing with local culture and nightlife.
— Facilities: rooms with balconies, cable TV and private bathrooms with shower or bathtub. The hotel restaurant is decorated in the style of a traditional Bulgarian tavern, where guests can taste local cuisine and a wide variety of wines.
Guests have free access to the pool, hot tub and sauna. There is also a massage room offering various therapeutic treatments. Other facilities include free Wi-Fi, private parking, ski storage and discounts at the ski depot near the gondola.
— Advantages: quick access to the ski slopes and historic centre, allowing you to fully enjoy your holiday in Bansko.
— Reviews: tourists praise the hotel for its friendly staff, daily cleaning, comfortable and well-kept rooms. The welcoming attitude towards guests travelling with pets is also appreciated.
BARIAKOV HOTEL 3*
— Location: hotel about 150 metres from the lift. Easy access to the ski slopes, and approximately five minutes by local transport to cultural attractions such as the 19th-century Church of Holy Trinity and the Velyanov House.
— Facilities: several ways to relax, including sauna and massage. There is a ski school on site. Rooms feature cable TV, fridge, toiletries and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, and dinner is served in the hotel restaurant.
— Advantages: popular with skiers and snowboarders because it is close to the gondola. Cultural sites are not far away, so visitors can learn more about local history. Transfers to the airports in Sofia, Plovdiv or Thessaloniki can be arranged.
— Reviews: guests find the hotel comfortable both for short breaks and longer stays. The wide range of services and excellent location make it a favourite for affordable mountain holidays.
ROYAL TOWERS 3* & 2*
— Location: set about 100 metres from the gondola, overlooking the Glazne River. The complex consists of 12 buildings and a restaurant, around 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of Bansko with its taverns and historic houses.
— Facilities: rooms with views of the mountains or river and everything needed for a comfortable stay. Free internet, free secure parking, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, bath complex, gym, shops and restaurants.
— Advantages: a wide range of services and facilities for relaxing after a day in the mountains, close proximity to the gondola and impressive scenery.
— Reviews: guests consider the complex a good option for budget-friendly accommodation thanks to its price level, spacious rooms and location right by the lift.
What to do in Bansko besides skiing
Bansko is famous first and foremost as a ski resort, but your stay here does not have to be limited to the slopes. Choosing a hotel near the gondola gives you more free time and flexibility for other activities.
Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, stop at traditional Bulgarian taverns known as mehanas and enjoy local specialities by the fireplace. In the evening, many spa and aquapark hotels, such as ASTERA BANSKO 4* and other complexes with pools and saunas, become perfect places to unwind.
Active travellers can book snowmobile tours, snowshoe walks, guided mountain hikes and full-day excursions in the region. Families with children will appreciate the kids’ clubs, animation programmes, ski schools and play areas offered in many of the hotels in this selection.
If you are staying several days, alternate between intense skiing and spa days: sauna, hammam, massage and pool time help you recover and turn a simple winter trip into a genuinely restorative holiday.
1-day itinerary: from hotel door to evening stroll
Morning: wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel (many of the options above include breakfast), then walk straight to the gondola. Thanks to distances of 50–300 metres, you can be among the first on the slopes.
Midday: ski until lunchtime, then take a break. You can eat at a restaurant on the mountain or come back down to the area near the lift. Luxury hotels such as KEMPINSKI GRAND ARENA 5* and others have excellent restaurants for a warm lunch.
Afternoon: continue skiing until sunset, then return to the hotel, leave your equipment in the ski storage room and head straight to the spa, pool or hot tub to relax your muscles.
Evening: walk to the old centre (for many hotels this is just a short stroll) or stay in for dinner. Traditional taverns with live music and fireplaces create the perfect atmosphere for a cosy winter night in the mountains.
2-day itinerary: skiing, spa and Bansko’s old town
Day 1: dedicate almost the entire day to skiing. Staying in a hotel next to the gondola, you can easily explore the main pistes of Bansko. In the evening, choose a spa or aquapark (for example at ASTERA BANSKO 4* or other hotels with pools and saunas), then have dinner in a traditional mehena with local wine.
Day 2 – morning: go for a relaxed ski session or a leisurely walk around the resort. If you are staying in apartments like STAYINN GRANAT APARTMENTS, you can enjoy a slow breakfast “at home” with mountain views before heading out.
Day 2 – daytime: book a guided tour of old Bansko, visit the Church of Holy Trinity and other spots mentioned in the hotel descriptions. It is also a good idea to end the day with a massage or sauna visit at DUMANOV 3*, BARIAKOV HOTEL 3* or any other hotel with a dedicated relaxation area.
Evening: enjoy a farewell dinner with Bulgarian dishes, followed by a short walk through Bansko. The lights of the lifts, snowy peaks and cosy streets will leave vivid memories of your mountain escape.
How to get to Bansko and your chosen hotel
Most travellers arrive via the airports in Sofia or Plovdiv. From there, you can reach Bansko by private transfer, minibus, scheduled bus or rental car. Many of the hotels in this guide can organise a direct transfer from the airport to the hotel reception on request.
If you are driving, the route to the resort is well signposted, and hotels offering free or underground parking – especially among the 4- and 3-star options – make things easier. STAYINN GRANAT APARTMENTS, for example, offers street parking, which is a useful extra for those on a road trip.
Once you are in Bansko, staying close to the gondola means you will not need extra transport to the slopes: you simply walk from your room to the lift in just a few minutes, even in ski boots.
To save both time and money, it is a good idea to book accommodation and any transfers in advance, especially during peak winter season dates.
Frequently asked questions about Bansko hotels near the gondola
How close to the gondola are these hotels?
Most of the hotels are located roughly 10 to 400 metres from Bansko’s gondola, so you can walk to the lift and slopes in just a few minutes.
Are there true luxury hotels right by the slopes?
Yes. KEMPINSKI GRAND ARENA 5* is located almost at the gondola station and offers direct access to the slopes, as well as premium spa and dining.
Which options are best if I am on a tighter budget?
DUMANOV 3*, KAP HOUSE 3*, BARIAKOV HOTEL 3* and ROYAL TOWERS offer budget-friendly stays with good comfort and positive reviews.
Are these hotels suitable for families with children?
Yes. Many properties have family rooms and apartments, children’s programmes, pools and access to ski schools for kids.
Which hotels have an aquapark or large indoor pool?
ASTERA BANSKO 4* is well known for its indoor aquapark, and many other hotels in the list have indoor pools and extensive spa areas.
Can we stay comfortably as a larger family or group?
Yes. STAYINN GRANAT APARTMENTS and several aparthotels offer multiple bedrooms and living areas that work very well for larger families or groups of friends.
Do the hotels provide ski storage rooms?
In most cases, yes. Many hotels have dedicated rooms or lockers for storing skis and snowboards, and also offer on-site equipment rental.
Is it easy to walk from these hotels to the old town?
Yes. Hotels such as VIHREN PALACE and several others are just a short walk from Bansko’s historic centre, making it easy to combine skiing with sightseeing.
What is the food like in Bansko hotels?
Most hotels offer generous buffet breakfasts and/or à la carte restaurants with a mix of international dishes and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
Is parking available at these properties?
Many hotels provide free or paid parking, sometimes underground or secured, which is especially convenient if you arrive by car.
Are pets allowed in any of these hotels?
Some hotels, such as KAP HOUSE 3*, are known for being pet-friendly. It is still best to check each property’s pet policy in advance.
Do I need to book a hotel near the gondola far in advance?
During peak winter dates it is definitely advisable to book both your hotel and any transfers early, to secure the best options and prices.
What room type is best for a couple’s getaway?
Double rooms with mountain views or apartments with a fireplace and cosy living area are ideal for a romantic winter escape.
Are these hotels suitable for business trips or workation?
Yes. KEMPINSKI GRAND ARENA 5*, ASTERA BANSKO 4* and others provide conference rooms, stable internet and comfortable spaces to work from between ski sessions.
Can I get a room with a direct view of the Pirin mountains?
Many hotels and apartment complexes in this guide feature rooms with panoramic views of the Pirin mountains and the ski area, subject to availability.
What is the main advantage of staying right by the gondola?
The biggest benefit is saving time and energy: you avoid extra transport to the slopes and can quickly return to your room, spa or restaurant after skiing.