Bulgaria is full of quaint and quirky mountainside towns, and Bansko is just one of the many you should add to your itinerary. Hailed for being one of the best places to ski in Europe (especially for those on a budget), you’ll be able to enjoy more than your fair share of thrilling slopes here.
If skiing isn’t really your thing: fret not. The town is full of historical sights to explore. The Old Quarter, for instance, is a the perfect place to kick back in a café and soak up the scenery or take a free walking tour across the many points of interest.
When it comes to accommodation choices, there are a plethora of options to choose from. The best and most comfortable places to stay in Bansko, are hotels.
If you’re not sure which are the best hotels in Bansko, don’t worry, because I’ve listed the best of the best for you below. So get ready to be bowled over by these choices, tailored to any travel style and budget.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Bansko for One Night
Premier Luxury Mountain Resort
Perfect for two guests, this hotel features proximity to the slopes, complimentary spa services as well as an in-room kitchen and living room. There’s also a sofa bed for two more guests.
- Bansko Gondola Ski Lift
- Belizmata Dam
- Polezhan
Is this amazing Bansko Hotel booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Hotel in Bansko
Bulgaria is a very underrated place to visit. If you’re wondering why you should visit Bulgaria, then allow me to educate you; aside from its charming historic towns and affordable ski resorts, it also has an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife that are unique to the Balkans. As the beating heart of the Balkans, Bulgaria was once the gateway to the Ottoman empire, so you’ll see a mix of Asian and European culture throughout.
One of the main reasons I like hotels in Bansko is that they are often set in these unique historical buildings. Not only that but they are located right where the action is since many are located close to the ski lifts. In fact, some hotels even feature ski-in/ski-out options so you can just grab your gear and hop right onto the slopes!
What to Look for in Hotels in Bansko
You’ll find various types of hotels in Bansko, including aparthotels which offer more luxurious vacation rental vibes and homely comforts such as kitchens and living areas. These are excellent options for groups since aparthotels often have two or more bedrooms in the same suite. You can also find small guest houses, inns, and resorts with rooms suitable for individuals backpacking Bulgaria or couples, as well as connecting rooms for families.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is pretty much a standard at most hotels, although the connection may sometimes be choppy because you are in the valley of a mountain. If you’re planning on using the Internet often during your stay in Bansko, you may wish to ask about that beforehand.
In terms of dining, the great majority of hotels have an on-site restaurant or café. Alternatively, most of them boast strategic locations near eateries and grocery stores. Most hotels also offer plenty of facilities such as spas, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, and more!
As I mentioned earlier, most hotels are within close proximity to the ski slopes, but if not, you’ll need to check if the hotel offers shuttles to the lifts. Choosing where to stay in Bansko is important, as you want to stay close to all the places you want to visit.
Contrary to popular belief, hotels aren’t necessarily more expensive. In fact, Bulgaria on the whole is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. If you would rather not spend a lot during your vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll be glad to know that Bansko hotels are affordable and yet don’t skimp on comfort.
Given the extensive number of hotels dotted in and around Bansko, it can be a bit hard to make a perfect choice. As such, I would recommend you check out websites like Booking.com and Airbnb before booking your hotel and read the previous guest reviews to get a good idea of what’s on offer.
Premier Luxury Mountain Resort
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Complimentary Spa Services
- > 700m from Ski Lift
Hotel Alpin-91 Bansko
- > $
- > 1-2 Guests
- > On-site Restaurant and BBQ
- > 1km from Ski Lifts
Charming Hotel Near Town Center
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > On-site Restaurant
- > Close to Town Center
Romantic Studio for Two
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Modern, Fully-Equipped Kitchen
- > Unblemished Mountain Views
1-Bedroom Space near Ski Lift
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > In-Room Kitchen
- > Shared Pool and Restaurant
Deluxe Apartment in Spa Hotel
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In-Room Kitchen
- > On-Site Restaurant and Spa
Hotel Zara
- > $$
- > 7 Guests
- > Shared Pool and Sauna
- > On-Site Restaurant and Bar
The Top 7 Hotels in Bansko
Now you know what to expect from hotels in Bansko, it’s time to take a look at the best of the best. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple, or on a Balkans road trip, you’ll find the perfect hotel for you from this list.
Overall Best Value Hotel in Bansko – Premier Luxury Mountain Resort
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Complimentary Spa Services
- 700m from Ski Lift
Revel in the lap of luxury with a stay at this hotel in Bansko. Despite its luxe amenities, this place has a super-affordable price tag and offers complimentary spa services. Best of all, you’ll also be treated to free shuttle services to the gondola lift.
This third-floor suite boasts a spacious bedroom for two and a kitchen, perfect for when you don’t feel like eating out. There’s even a double sofa bed in the living room for two more guests. When you’re not skiing, you can always check out nearby Belizmata Dam or enjoy a drink at the Wine Bar 25.
The Absolute Cheapest Hotel in Bansko – Hotel Alpin-91 Bansko
- $
- 1-2 Guests
- On-site Restaurant and BBQ
- 1km from Ski Lifts
Do you want to get the most bang for your buck? Of course, you do! There aren’t loads of hostels in Bankso, so this exceptionally cheap hotel in Bansko certainly ticks all the boxes for budget travelers who are backpacking the Balkans. Not only is it centrally located, but it also lies just one km from the ski lifts.
There’s also a restaurant as well as barbecue facilities in the garden if you get peckish after a day on the slopes.
Rooms can comfortably sleep between 1-2 guests. The hotel additionally offers an on-site sauna as well as soothing body massages. Nearby, you can check out Pirin Street and the Neofit Rilski Museum.
Best Budget Hotel in Bansko – Charming Hotel Near Town Center
- $
- 2 Guests
- On-site Restaurant
- Close to Town Center
Located just a few steps from the vibrant town center, this charming hotel features cozy double rooms for up to two guests.
Studios add futons and sofa beds to accommodate two more people. With a stay at this property, you’ll be close to some of Bansko’s best eateries but if you don’t feel like going out, you can always treat yourself to a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Several popular sites lie just a short drive from the hotel. These include Tordorka, Vihren, Polezhan, and the iconic Kutelo Mountain, known for its double-peaked summit.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Bansko start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Hotel in Bansko for Couples – Romantic Studio for Two
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Modern, Fully-Equipped Kitchen
- Unblemished Mountain Views
Located just 50 meters from the Gondola, this hotel features romantic rooms with high-end furnishings and a double bed for two. There’s also a sofa bed, Smart TV with Netflix, a dining table, and a fully-equipped kitchen that you can use to whip up an in-room meal.
Now, if you’d rather not muck about with cooking during your stay, rest assured that the property lies close to eateries such as El Torito Bansko, Baryakova Mehana, and Familia Tavern. With a private hot tub and a common swimming pool, the hotel also boasts proximity to attractions like the Bansko Panoramic Viewpoint.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Hotel in Bansko For Families – 1BR Hotel Room near Ski Lifts
- $$
- 4 Guests
- In-Room Kitchen
- Shared Pool and Restaurant
Spend quality time with your family at this gorgeous hotel in Bansko. This property offers one-bedroom apartments just steps from the gondola ski lift. While the hotel does feature an on-site restaurant, rest assured that the apartment also provides a private kitchen, perfect for those fussy kids!
With one double and two single beds, this space easily accommodates four guests. There’s even a crib for the little ones. Guests of the hotel can enjoy easy access to points of interest such as Velyanova House, Pirin Street, and the Neofit Rilski Museum.
Best Hotel in Bansko for a Weekend – Deluxe Apmt in Spa Hotel
- $$
- 2 Guests
- In-Room Kitchen
- On-Site Restaurant and Spa
Located less than 400 meters from the ski lift, this Airbnb hotel in Bansko boasts an on-site restaurant known for its delectable breakfasts. There’s also a swimming pool and a courtyard with gorgeous mountain views. Thanks to the hotel’s spa, you can enjoy a soothing body treatment after skiing all day.
With a stay at this hotel, you’ll be close to the Old Town, known for its cultural events and museums. Additionally, the hotel’s suite features a kitchen, perfect for in-room meals. At the end of the day, retreat to the separate bedroom fitted with a double bed for two.
Best Hotel in Bansko for a Group for Friends – Suite in Hotel Zara
- $$
- 7 Guests
- Shared Pool and Sauna
- On-Site Restaurant and Bar
Nestled on the spectacular outskirts of Mount Todorka, Hotel Zara offers the ideal setting for reconnecting with your friends. Suites boast three bedrooms that comfortably accommodate groups of 7 with extra bedding for 7 more friends.
You’ll also find a spacious balcony as well as a refrigerator for those late-night snacks! Spend a day touring nearby points of interest like Radonova House, Neofit Museum, and Velyanova House, then retreat to the hotel where you can unwind in the common pool or sauna. Cap off your day with a classic Bulgarian feast at the on-site restaurant.
Don’t Forget Your Bansko Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Bansko
Whether you’re planning on hitting those slopes, strolling the cobbled streets, or exploring the many historical buildings, you can be sure that a hotel room in Bansko will offer the ideal environment to relax after a busy day!
With plenty of excellent eateries, adrenaline-pumping slopes, and gorgeous natural scenary, Bansko certainly has something for just about every type of traveler.
Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable and safe places to visit in Europe, so you won’t need to save for ages to be able to afford the ultimate skiing holiday!
While you’re planning your trip to this idyllic town, you may also wish to consider getting travel insurance. If you ask me, proper coverage is absolutely crucial when it comes to both overseas and domestic travel. More importantly, travel insurance can save you plenty of money – not to mention hassle – in the long run.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
