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4.5
#1 of 4 resorts in Bansko
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Whether visiting Bansko for business or leisure purposes, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena is the ideal base from which to work or explore all that the town has to offer. Located at the footsteps of the Pirin Mountains, the luxury hotel is situated right next to the Gondola lift station that takes you all the way up to highest slopes, half pipes and snowboard facilities. The shopping and cultural district of Bansko is also easily accessible within walking distance from the 5 stars hotel.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
Russian, Bulgarian, German
Location
Pirin Street 96, Bansko 2770 Bulgaria
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
1,245 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
What a treat staying at this hotel, it really is the best in Bansko. Traditionally styled, the grand lobby entrance has a warm welcome, with a huge Christmas tree in the stairwell, lots of ski memorabilia, and even some sheep (not real ones of course!). Staff were warm and friendly, helped us to our room, and gave us some advice about the best places to eat drink and visit during our stay.
We were upgraded to a suite which had insane views of the mountains and the gondolas - this is a view not to be missed, particularly at sunrise and sunset. We were delighted to find some treats of mixed nuts, chocolate, fruit and wine in our room, as well as lots of premium branded goodies in the bathroom.
The Kempinski is well located right next to the gondolas, and even has a VIP access tunnel for when the queues are too long - this was real perk of the hotel. As was the closely located boot room at the foot of the hotel. So walks to the gondola station were far from strenuous.
Breakfast was included as part of our deal, and was a feast for the eyes and the belly. I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find anything to eat at the buffet style breakfast, they really had thought of everything. On arrival you’ll be greeted with a choice of two healthy juice shots of the day, whilst seated at your table for a coffee order, and eggs to order. The buffet hosted an array of dishes from light salads, breads, cheeses, cold cuts, hot breakfast dishes, fresh fruits, granola, nuts, seeds and even a squeeze your own juice station. Most mornings we ended up getting up early for breakfast, only to take a nap again straight after, as we were so full!
After skiing we treated ourselves to the spa. I thought that breakfast and my hotel view was going to be my favourite aspect of the hotel, but the spa knocked my socks off! Spoiled for choice with so many different steam room and sauna options, I couldn’t pick a favourite. They have every type of sauna you could imagine, with varying humidity and temperature options. I didn’t know I would become such a sauna connoisseur. My favourite is always the steam room for me, and this one didn’t disappoint, as I could follow up with a variety of saunas, and even a snow room if I wanted to. Sore and tired legs can be rested in the outdoor jacuzzi, surrounded by snow, views of the mountains, and a string of spectating gondola passengers.
For me, the Kempinski made for the perfect ski hotel - big breakfasts, a stones throw from the gondola station, and an award winning spa for relaxation.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KHGA, General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Jan 23, 2020
Dear LaurenOfArabia, Thank you for being our valued guest and for taking the time to share detailed feedback regarding your recent stay in Bansko. We are happy to know that you have enjoyed our prime location, the lavish buffet breakfast and the state-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa facilities. We hope to welcome you back soon! Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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We stayed here for 1 week during February half term in 2 executive rooms on a half board basis. The rooms were large with plenty of storage and balcony, the bathrooms each had a separate bath and shower. Our son’s room looked out over the gondola and lower ski slope, we were less fortunate and had the front of the hotel which could be a little noisy at night, but not a problem. Both rooms were spotless as was the rest of the hotel and all facilities. The spa and pools are very good and a lovely place to relax at the end of each day on the slopes. The ski in/out facility is fantastic and all staff were amazingly helpful and friendly. The breakfast was pretty good with a fresh omelette station. The evening buffet could be a little boring and so we ate out a couple of evenings and paid extra for the teppanyaki restaurant on our last night which was fab. If you are going to go to Bansko, then stay here, the hotel will not disappoint.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KempinskiBansko, General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Feb 26, 2020
Dear UncleTom1991, Thank you for being our guests and for taking the time to share feedback from your recent stay with us! We are very happy to know that you have enjoyed our services and facilities! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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The best ski hotel in Bansko, within walking distance of the gondola, the most comfortable for Skier, families, friends and couples. Our third time in this amazing hotel, always fun to return to a familiar place, to a high standard and a smiling and helpful staff. This time (me and my husband) came to a ski holiday in the midst of the Corona virus crisis. Thankfully the level of hygiene at the hotel was very meticulous so we felt very safe. The staff are wearing a mask and gloves all the time, and in every corner you have Hygienic gel. We stayed in a deluxe suite which was very spacious and luxurious, fun to return to such a warm and cozy room after a frozen day on the ski slopes, but I can promise you that all the rooms are beautiful, large and well design. We stayed at the hotel on a half board basis, and tried its three excellent restaurants. The buffet at the Gallery is suitable for everyone, international dishes, everyone will find here what to eat. The Japanese restaurant Sushi & Teppanyaki was, in a word, "wow", talented chefs prepare the food for you in front of your eyes, while making exciting explanations, and funny jokes - thank you Ivan for an unforgettable meal. I wrote a separate review of the restaurant. The third was the best Italian restaurant in Bulgaria for 2020 - "come prima", one of the most talented chefs, stylish food, surprising and very tasty! Spas was our waiter and he is so kind and proffesional. The most delicious lasagna and onion soup I have ever eaten. The hotel's spa is perfect after a day of skiing, a selection of saunas, an indoor and outdoor hot tub, and a heated indoor pool. There is also a heated outdoor pool, but we arrived on a particularly frozen weekend, so we did not dare to go out with swimsuits in the evening, well done to the braves. Behind all this goodness stands a lovely person, hotel manager Christian Ruge, and his professional staff, see that everyone does their job with love for what they do, always with a smile and a good energies, which I have not encountered in many hotels in the world, and I travel a lot, so what That I write definitely touches me and it is important to me that you know that good human relations between the hotel staff, are what make the place so special and it does not matter how many stars the hotel is rated. And now that we are home, already missing and looking forward to return back ,and for now it's good to have a lot of photos that will remind us of the unforgetable weekend.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Mountain view is a must!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Jan 24, 2021
Dear hilaplanet, Thank you for choosing Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena once again, for your ski holiday in Bansko! It is utmost pleasure to read your detailed feedback and that you consider us as a "top hotel in Bulgaria". We are very happy to see positive reactions over our continuous strive for impeccable hygiene following strictly the imposed precautions. The beautiful Pirin Mountains are a natural treasure, which is one breath away from our doorsteps, so we are very glad that you have enjoyed skiing and then relaxed in our state-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa. It is lovely to know that you have managed to visit all 3 of our restaurants and you have enjoyed the culinary journey we take our guests on. And finally, please rest assured that all mentioned personal superlatives, describing the professional service we aim to provide on a daily basis, will reach the attention of our Management Team and the respective employees. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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Just arrived back from a 7 night stay through Crystal Ski.
First impressions on arrival were good, easy check in bags taken up to our room for us.
We chose a half board basis when booking, that is the first bad point in my opinion the extra HB price with Crystal was simply not worth it.
After three nights of eating at the hotel, we started eating out as the food was simply not good enough for a 5 star rating.
On the flip side the two on site pay restaurants were fantastic (Prima) Italian & Teppanyaki they are a must if your on a bed & breakfast basis.
Ok so one negative comment HB.
One positive comment Prima & Teppanyaki.
Another positive was the Ski Room absolutely great feature of the hotel the service was spot on and is a real credit to the hotel, makes life so much easier when your suiting up for the slopes.
It was our first visit to Bulgaria & Bansko, mixed impressions of the staff, some were pleasant some were not so pleasant. (Might be the language barrier).
Again in my opinion the staff seem to be biased towards the Russian guests which brings me on to my next negative.
5 star hotel at 11pm Children running around the hotel lobby bar shouting and screaming ( not what you expect to be fair) #russianschoolholidays !!!.
Another Positive was the Spa facilities, top drawer pools, sauna etc. Negative: Full of Children
Rooms were lovely and clean and warm but again asking for tea bags & creamer was an issue as none of the cleaners spoke english, yes I know we should learn other languages so improvised with showing them the empty packets.
In summary the hotel is looking a bit tired and dated now after 17 years and is due a refurbishment.
50% staff were nice đź‘Ť 50% staff were not đź‘Ž
Possibly biased towards mother Russia 🇷🇺, probably 90% hotels income !!!
Breakfast is ok (Had better at other 5 Stars)
Half Board is a “NO” save your money and spend it the pay restaurants.
I would stay here again if in Bansko but on a B&B basis, and not when it is the Russian school holidays.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KHGA, General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Jan 14, 2020
Dear BPASouthport, Thank you for raising your concerns and for sharing feedback regarding your recent stay in Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko! We are pleased to know that you find our check-in procedure easy, our rooms lovely and clean, and our a-la-carte restaurants fantastic. We are happy to read that you have tried all our outlets and the state-of-the-art facilities of Kempinski The Spa. We appreciate your opinion as it is very important to us and it will reach the attention of our management team. It is great that you consider returning one day to Bansko and we look forward to welcoming you back as our valued guests in the future. Thank you! Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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Everything in this hotel was spot on or surpassed a hotel's needs. Reception check in was easy Rooms were clean, had so much storage space, heating worked perfectly, strong large shower and a bath tub, balcony with a great view. The bed was a king and so comfy with good clean bedding. The spa was better than most I have been in in London being a spa junkie i was so impressed. 4/5 different sauans to choose from, a steam room, relaxation room and a snow room we were spoilt for choice.
We had a Royal Thai massage which was better than most thai massages here in london which we have monthly, the thai women providing this service were amazing, sweet and really helpful to what you needed.
The hotel is perfect if you are skiing as the gondola to the mountain is a 2 minute walk, or less if you use their snow boot room.
Breakfast was mediocre, we didnt try any of the evening/lunch restaurants but we did visit the Tepinyaki japanese restaurant one evening for the show and the food was great and the show was hilarious, we really enjoyed it.
All food ordered to the room and drinks came quickly after a phone call which was great if you're feeling lazy.
Really glad we stayed here and chose this hotel in Bankso. Beautiful decor outside and inside.
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Date of stay: March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KempinskiBansko, General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Mar 16, 2020
Dear ayaanahrose, Thank you for visiting Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko and for taking the time to share your feedback with us! It is a complete pleasure for us to read that you have tried almost all our facilities and you have enjoyed your stay! We look forward to welcoming you back as our valued guest in the future! Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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This is a really mixed review. The positives: you won’t find a hotel better situated for skiing. It is right at the bottom of a very easy slope and right next to the gondola to which you have priority access as a Kempinski guest. The spa is lovely, an indoor and outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a thermal area and we had amazing massages too. The Teppanyaki/sushi restaurant was fantastic, the food amazing and the service from both the chef and staff, particularly Milana, was exceptional. It is within very easy walking distance of many excellent restaurants, bars, shops and the ice skating rink. The not so positives: it really is very tired, if you’ve stayed at a Kempinski before, as we have, the service is nowhere near the level you would get elsewhere. We arrived late and had to manoeuvre all our luggage and ski gear through the rotating door ourselves; every day we had to ask for our water, coffee, towels, bathrobes etc to be topped up, when they had been taken away by housekeeping but not replaced. My calls always received a very quickly response, but at a top hotel, you really shouldn’t have to ask for towels! Service at breakfast, with the very notable exception of the very helpful Bianca, was surly and slow. The choice of food on the buffet was really good, but trying to get a coffee or tea was very hard indeed and made the experience a bit of an ordeal! I understand that these are difficult times for the service industry, but surely all the more reason to make your guests feel welcome. also, if you are going to continue to charge top prices, you need to be offering top level service. The restaurants we ate in in the town were very cheap, good quality and very friendly. For us the choice is, pay the premium for the amazing location, spa and Teppanyaki, or stay elsewhere with better service, cheaper prices but a little less convenient.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Eat at restaurants in the town, they really want your business and are very good.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Jan 22, 2022
Dear Sightseer17697925839, Thank you for choosing Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena for your recent winter holiday in Bansko. We are happy to know that you have enjoyed our prime location next to the Gondola lift station, the state-of-the-art spa facilities at Kempinski The Spa and the culinary journey we take our guests on at our Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki Grill. Your opinion is important to us and it will reach the attention of our management team. We hope to welcome you back in the future. Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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The hotel is quite old, furnishing and everything which is a minus. Also floor in the room was not meant to be cleaned for the whole stay - 5 nights. But we asked for cleaning because we were with our baby kid and they did it immidiately. Rooms were not supplied with shower gel every day. The rest of the things were great - breakfast was super! The whole hotel is very quiet, no kids screaming, no one jumping in pool, rooms are quiet and you don't hear other guests. We were at a room facing the city and it was also quiet. Towels were changed daily. At the pool you could take as many towels as you wish.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Aug 5, 2020
Dear Bulgaria87, Thank you for staying in Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko and for taking the time to share you feedback with us! We are happy to know that you have enjoyed our lavish buffet breakfast with more than 100 items, our spacious and quiet rooms, and the state-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa. Your opinion is important to us and will reach the attention of our management team. Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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We needed a disabled-accessible room with a toilet seat that wasn't wobbly? They were on it. I wanted ice cream and seltzer by the rooftop pool? Done. Plates and utensils for my takeout so I could eat on the balcony? Presto!
This place has multiple swimming pools for every mood and crowd situation, stunning mountain views...and it's a great value for the price. I could have stayed in Bansko for much less, but this is worth every lev.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The disabled room is spacious and marvelously accessible, with thoughtful details. It's also...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Aug 4, 2021
Dear CarmenDelRaval, Thank you for being our guest and for sharing your feedback with us. We are pleased to know that you have enjoyed your experience in Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko and we hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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Our first ski trip with our children and first time in Bansko. After much googling and research we opted to stay at the Kempinski, much more expensive than any of the other hotels but it’s worth it. Location is excellent. It’s right next to the gondola station and at the top of town so everything is conveniently located. The food is very good, I’m not one for buffet food and my son is super fussy however the quality and variety means there is something for everyone. The memorable additions that actually made the holiday special for our children is the spa and swimming pools. After a long day on the slopes, to have these 5* facilities is fantastic. On our rest day we also used them in the day and they were much quieter too. We are so glad to have chosen this hotel and hopefully we can return next season.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Feb 28, 2022
Dear Harrisfamadventures, Thank you for choosing Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena for your family winter vacation in Bansko. It is wonderful to read that you have mentioned our prime location next to the Gondola lift station, the culinary journey we take our guests on and our state-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa. We are pleased to know that you have enjoyed your stay and we hope to welcome you back in the future. Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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Spend there 3 nights last February with friends and have to say that the 5 stars standards are all there. Rooms are wide and spacious, offering a clear view of the town and of the mountain range. The bathroom also is modern and supplied with some quality amenities which you would expect from this brand level. Breakfast and dinner buffet were pretty satisfying in both variety and taste. The great thing about this winter resort is that it's right on the main slope arrival and cabin lift point, so you literally just have to walk 1 min from your room doorstep to be onto it and back, while being in the center of Bansko. Also they provide a very friendly service a the ski shop rental within the hotel, so here again, no need to walk around town for that. Lastly, the wellness and spa center is second to none. It has a very large indoor ( and outdoor heated pool) swimming pool with jacuzzi, steam room and sauna among others treatments, some of which are chargeable, like massages obviously. Beware that prices aren't cheap naturally, but depending on the booking time and the specific period, overall, it could be very well worth it.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Owner at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Responded Jul 31, 2022
Dear 846dantec, Thank you for being our valued guest during the past winter season and taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are happy to know that you have enjoyed your stay at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko and we hope to welcome you back in the future. Thank you! Best regards, Christian Ruge General Manager
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Dear CFdoire,
Our email is visible at the bottom of our official web page.
Thank you!
Best regards,
The Reservations Team
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
Dear Doris D,
The best rooms are our Executive rooms, which have a magnificent view towards the marvellous Pirin Mountains and a direct access with the elevator to Kempinski The Spa.
Best regards,
The Team of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
There are more places to choose from in the Bansko area.
PRICE RANGE
₱9,088 - ₱10,167 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kempinski hotel bansko, kempinski resort grand arena
LOCATION
BulgariaBlagoevgrad ProvinceBansko
NUMBER OF ROOMS
157
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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