Heading to Bansko for your next ski trip? The Bulgarian ski resort is a popular winter retreat thanks to it’s lively town and it’s affordable nature (albeit less so than previous years).
And one of the reasons to head to Bansko in Bulgaria is the choice of affordable ski lodging. There are hotels, apartments and chalets dotted around this town, most of them considerably cheaper than an Alpine equivalent. This makes Bansko a great choice for families, budget conscious skiers and snowboarders, and just those who are looking for a good value ski break.
If you’ve not already ready our full Bansko ski resort review, make sure to check that out.
But before we go with the recommended apartments and hotels, lets get our bearings.
Where to stay in Bansko?
Bansko is quite a big town, with a bit of a sprawl. The lift station sits at the head of the town and is the main way onto the mountain (the alternative is to drive or take a taxi). As such there is no real ski-in/ski-out accommodation apart from the Kempinski Hotel, which gets the premium location at the end of the ski road.
There are many hotels, apartments and chalets in Bansko scattered a very short walk from this hub location though. But there are also some that might be deceptively far – so check the map before you book and commit.
The map below shows the main drag in yellow, which clusters around the ski gondola.
The walk from the gondola to the Old Church is a good ten-15 minutes in normal shoes, never mind ski boots.
If you’re a long walk from the main gondola, you might want to either use the lockers at the lift station to store your ski boots, or see if your hotel can provide a shuttle to the gondola.
Now, perhaps the main reason to choose Bansko is the affordability when it comes to accommodation. There are lots of options scattered across the town, from cheap apartments to hotels and catered chalets.
Some of the best options in Bansko include:
Kempinski Hotel
For those looking for the premium option, the Kempinski Hotel is the only ski to door hotel in Bansko and the closest hotel to the gondola. Rooms are all tastefully decked out in a mountain style, meaning plenty of wood panelling and animal rugs. Most of the rooms also include a balcony and views across the mountain, or toward the town.
There is also a spa on site and a choice of top quality restaurants for guests to choose from.
For those keen to skip the lift queues, the Kempinski Hotel is one of the few hotels where you can buy a VIP lift pass, allowing you priority access to the gondola in the morning.
Find best prices for the Kempinski Hotel at Booking.com.
Explore Bansko Chalets
Run by a friendly British couple, Martin and Leanne, Explore Bansko have been running for several years and operate three excellent catered chalets. Well located just off the main drag of the Old Town, Explore Bansko’s three chalets include Snow Pine, River Pine and Ginchini. They’re best suited for groups, especially families, schools or bigger bookings as the chalets are mostly designed for communal living.
All of the Explore Bansko Chalets are based on a traditional aesthetic, with a wooden chalet vibe. They use a lot of upcycled items as both furniture and decor – and they even have a hot tub on site for guests to soothe their aches.
Martin and his team prep home cooked food for their guests every evening. And, they also can provide a ski bus for guests to the gondola or, at busy times, up the mountain.
Find out more and book your stay at Explore Bansko Chalets.
The Dumanov Hotel
If you’re after a more affordable hotel and you don’t mind a five minute walk to the gondola, the Dumanov Hotel is a solid option. Rooms are simple but comfortable with kitchen facilities to save those pennies. And there is also an on-site bar, as well as a hammam and jacuzzi/spa.
While you’re not getting the full luxury treatment, you’re well located for some great eateries and shopping and a mere five minutes walk from the gondola and much of the best of the apres ski in Bansko.
Find best prices for the Dumanov Hotel Bansko at Booking.com.
The Grand Royal Apartments and Spa
If a heated pool and spa is a non-negotiable for your ski holidays then the Grand Royal is probably what you’re after. Well located a short walk from the main gondola and Pirin Street, the Grand Royal is a tasteful four star apartment complex. As well as the spa and pool, the apartments are great for families, and that short commute in the morning can be a godsend.
As well as luxury surroundings, you’ll also get a good breakfast to set you up for a solid day on the mountain. And as this is Bansko, prices are very reasonable.
Check out Grand Royal Apartments and Spa.
St George Apartments
Now, if you’re looking for value then this is probably why you chose Bansko. At the St George Apartments you’re getting the spa experience, four star luxury rooms and what would cost an arm and a leg in the Alps… Here, you get half board included, and you’re also just a ten minute walk from the gondola and the centre of town.
Nestled on the edge of Bansko, you’re far enough for tranquility when you need it or dip into the action if you need.
Check prices at St George Apartments Bansko.
Where to stay in Bansko for the season/long-term?
Bansko is increasingly becoming a hotspot for those looking to do an affordable ski season, or enjoy the joys of being a digital snowmad. One of the reasons for this is the good choice of affordable apartments and access to that ski area.
This is where sites like Vrbo can help you find longer term accommodation for a good price and in a good location.
For a month, you’ll find that you can find an apartment from around €1000 – although the standard seems to be quite low until you get to around €1500 per month.
Of course the benefit of staying in Bansko for the longer term is that you can choose a more homely place beyond just a hotel complex in the high street. The Old Town is a lively part of Bansko, and a great place to base yourself for the longer term.
If you’re heading to Bansko this winter, we reckon you’ll have a great time. Make sure to check out our full Bansko guide before you go…!
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