Very simple hostel accommodation with shared toilet / bathroom facilities or communal sleeping accommodation. No self-catering facilities. Bulgarian style / quality of furnishings. No additional amenities with the exception of ski lockers.

Hostel style accommodation with shared toilet / bathroom facilities but secure, separate sleeping accommodation. Amenities such as TV, DVD player, etc in communal areas.

2 star also covers self-contained apartments without additional amenities such as swimming pool, sauna, etc. Furniture should be similar quality to DIY “flatpack” - cheap veneer over chipboard

Facilities such as en-suite bathrooms in shared properties or furnishings such as TV with English channels, full kitchen, central heating and additional facilities in complex - swimming pool, sauna, steam room, restaurants, bars, etc.

Off-road parking should be expected, as is a free shuttle bus to/from the Gondola station. Taller apartment blocks (higher than 3 stories) should have lift facilities. Furniture should be good quality “flatpack”. Most of the properties available in Bansko are 3 star properties which makes our independent Quality rating all the more crucial.

At the heady heights of 4 star, full en-suite facilities should be expected, lift facilities are mandatory, as are full satellite TV and free internet facilities within the property. On-site Restaurants should provide a good range of food - Western European, Greek and Bulgarian specialities should feature on the menu. Furniture should be handmade from real wood.

Staff should be available 24 hours a day to welcome visitors and to assist with any problems

Nothing should be found wanting with five star properties. To save you looking any further, there is only property in Bansko that is truly 5 star - and that’s the Kempinski Grand Arena. Although cheap by world-wide Kempinski standards, the hotel is the dearest (and best!) in Bansko. There have been numerous reviews carried out by experienced travellers - and we are happy (and slightly jealous) to give the Kempinski Grand Arena a full complement of Green stars.