The Spirit of Past and Present – The HanUt hotel
Address: 27 General Kartsov Str, Karlovo
Mobile: 088/ 830 46 94; 089/ 964 63 68;
Contacts in English: 089/ 894 04 04
Open year-round
Credit cards: currently only debit cards
Other useful information at www.hotelhanat.com
At first, the chambermaid was nice, allowing me to take pictures of the lounge of the Hanut Hotel (not the rooms because they were all taken), but later, when I started asking her about the facilities and all the other staff she was more reticent, clearly preferring not to answer some of my questions at all, or else with a perfunctory “I don’t know”. Apparently, she preferred defending her position to assisting me. Imagining myself in her shoes, I knew she had the right, but I could not excuse her managers.
Apart from the impolite conversation, I have to say that the hotel has many pluses. It’s in the centre of the town of Karlovo, on the main road from Sofia to Bourgas. Behind its high walls, you will find a beautiful whitewashed building with wooden rails, windows and doors, as well as a cobblestone staircase. All these atmospheric touches suggest the traditional and historical heritage of Karlovo. The fa?ade of the hotel, which, along with the nearby houses from the old part of the town, are included on the UNESCO world heritage list, well preserve the revolutionary spirit of this country-centred small town. The varied and coquettish flowers on every window or veranda, all blooming in the sunny weather, are a real delight.
The three-star family hotel is a small one. It has only 10 rooms, three of which are apartments. One of them has a real fireplace (80 leva per night) and although the whole wall is decorated with stones, it really has a certain cosiness about it. A studio will cost you 50 leva per night, whereas the double rooms are 40 leva. Children, however, under the age of five stay free, whereas those from five to 10 sleep for half price. Checking the internet site I was surprised to see that it quoted prices 10 leva higher per room,
but when I talked to the chief it became clear that that was an error on the website. Strange! Breakfast is not included in the price, but can be ordered the night before for five leva per person and is served in the hotel dining room. Although they do not bring food to the rooms, you can easily find a place to eat. The nearest restaurant is just downstairs and there are plenty of other options – from fast food to delicious restaurants with beautiful gardens.
Well-suited to the interior of the lounge is the Hanut’s art-gallery. While you’re waiting for your accommodation (after 2pm every day) you can have a look at the pictures hanging on the walls or you can just sprawl on the soft sofa and watch TV. In every room you can make use of a vast range of TV programmes, telephone, air conditioner, and speedy connection to the internet via (free) WiFi, the option to pay with debit cards, mini-bars and hairdryers. You can also rely on a prompt medical service, rent some things or buy others as the hotel is surrounded by shops or you can ask to have an organised walk in the beautiful rose valley.
Another benefit is the crisp air which will make your stay healthy – the small hotel is near to the mountain – only 10 minutes walk away. Together with the comfortable mattresses and non-lumpy pillows, it is all a guarantee for a good nap.
Sometimes it is difficult to find spare rooms, especially when local festivals are taking place. Around the Rose Festival generally all is taken well in advance, so if you would like to get a room you had better ask at least a month earlier.
You will suffer a disappointment, however, when it comes to speaking English. Judging from the description of the price list, I can honestly state that there is hardly anyone who speaks it well, but I am sure you will make it through in some way.
Another disadvantage is the hotel’s lack of parking lot, so you have to leave your car unattended on the nearby public parking area.
In a nutshell, I can frankly recommend this small family hotel with its seemly mixture of old-era charm alongside comfort and modern style. My thumbs are up!
