Helena Park - Ultra All Inclusive

Just finished a short break at the Helena PARK. Next door is the Helena SANDS, and together they make up the Helena RESORT. The wellness centre (massage, manicures etc) and the indoor pool pictured here, are in the Helena SANDS. Our double room was spacious, quiet and well thought out. Wi-fi worked perfectly throughout the hotel as did the air-con. We had a shower over a bath, which some may struggle with, and a double balcony. Everywhere was spotless, and all staff friendly and helpful. All meals were of the buffet variety and contained lots of different elements, with salad bar, hot dishes, a chef attended grill area with roasts meats and fish, also the routine chips, chicken nuggets etc for all. Fresh fruit, deserts and ice-creams. shame there was no curries, Mexican or Chinese meals on offer, but over all quality ingredients, and lots of choice. Nice sized easy access outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, ample sun-loungers and parasols with x2 separate children's pools near their own play area. Complementary free sun loungers and parasols on a section of the beech. The free shuttle bus to the Aquapark stops right outside, as do the number 5 and 8 to Nessebar and further afield. During the day, the animation team were engaging enthusiastically with the guests, and providing the children's entertainment. It is unfortunate that this same team were also tasked with providing adult evening entertainment. Professional entertainers, be they vocalists, musicians or acts of any description would have been appreciated.

Day one we asked to move as the room we got had no air con, no wifi and was right next a busy main road.. the so called mini bar was a small fridge with 2 cans of drink 2 bottles of water and 2 cartons of drink for kids.. we did get moved to a twin room which is bigger and quieter and due to it being on the ground floor the wifi actually worked.. the entertainment is poor of a night time.. so far a music quiz, bingo and on night 3 we walked out as was supposed to be disco but 15 minutes into it still no one.. the reviews said about dance troops but looking at the area i cant see how that is going to happen with such a small stage area.. food is ok and the pool area is passable but looks like a 90's crazy paving area that needs updating.. the decor is ok and passable.. jeep safari was amazing and have other trips booked.. for an all inclusive holiday you should not need to leave your hotel to find your own entertainment.. we have been using TUI for over 10 years and this has to be an all time low.. never a 4star hotel in a million years.. the newer hotel next door looks amazing but we can only use the spa and indoor pool but they can come to ours for what ever they want.. not suitable for families with young children as no kids food area.. not sure what TUI rep says this was 4 star needs to go to Specsavers.. only plus is the staff are very polite and helpful..

This was our first stay in Bulgaria. We had no particular expectations but on arriving late at Helena Park, they had kindly left us a selection of cheeses, salad and bread in the restaurant for us to help ourselves to which was a nice touch. The hotel itself was nice, clean but dated. The air con in the room was not brilliant so can't imagine what it would be like in the hotter, summer months. Restaurant was pleasant but lighting was very bright and it was very warm inside restaurant. Not much character in there. Nice seating area outside which we sat in every meal time. Much fresher and overlooking gardens and pool. Food was nice but a bit repetitive. Waiting staff were polite but barely spoke. Swimming pool was freezing but it is May, made good use of the indoor pool at Helena Sands when weather was more dubious. Animation team were lovely and our daughter enjoyed activities with them. Special thanks to Puky and Danny who worked so hard to keep, what was generally a hard audience, entertained. Hotel position was the far end of Sunny Beach which we were grateful about. We suspect it could get quite rowdy in the busier months further down the promenade where there are plenty of bars, arcades, and more questionable establishments! Would return to Bulgaria and Helena Park was pleasant but wouldn't rush to return to this hotel.

Just back from a week at the hotel. It's the start of the season so quiet but lovely. The staff are all very nice and helpful. There were other residents who required the doctor and he was very good. Food not bad for all inclusive plenty to choose from. Cocktails a bit yuk but drinkable after a few!! Will definitely return to this hotel.

I have not finished my stay, but as an English speaker,booking with a UK company,you would expect some English speaking channels. Other than Sky news, no any normal English programmes. Staff told me all channels are German. Expect better from a hotel of this standard.

1st time in Bulgaria. Just got back from a 10night stay at Helena Park Hotel. We travelled as a family of 6 adults and 2 teenagers. (Half travelled with TUI & half travelled with Jet2) Arrival: The transfer bus drops everyone off on the public footpath/bus stop at the front of the hotel. The gates at the front of the hotel appear to be all locked however only the middle one is. This is confusing after a 3.5hr flights and 60 minute transfer. Check In: Spotless with a straight forward check in process. Shown to the room by a bell boy. Rooms: We all had twin rooms which were very large and spacious. The bathrooms were a good size with beautiful smelling toiletries and nice toilet paper. Our 2 pillows were lumpy so we requested an extra 2 each. They were promptly brought to the room. The mattresses were quite hard and after 10 days were very uncomfortable. Mini Bar had drinks included which were part of the AI. If you requested a refill of the moni bar, that would have been a recharge to us. Pool: The pool was freezing however this did not stop us from enjoying it. (Tip - the sea is warmer!). Sunbeds were plentiful and comfortable and the pool towels could be changed as often as necessary. The showers by the pool are warm, most people used them after using the pool to warm through. Lifeguard: Very grumpy. Entertainment staff: Fantastic and very engaging. We found them all continuously happy and worth every penny they get paid. Daytime activities ran every day except for Mondays and included darts, archery, aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, pool games etc. Evening entertainment could be improved. Bar staff: Very grumpy and spoke little English and could be very abrupt at times. Sometimes slamming drinks down on the bar etc. Bar saloon was open until midnight. After 11pm the staff would serve drinks in paper cups. We complained about this as we felt that it was not appropriate and preferred to drink from glasses on an evening. The staff would still.give out paper cups to everyone but not us after we had complained. When the bar closes at midnight, the lights are promptly switched off and in come the cleaners - you pretty much get kicked out whether or not you are finished your drink. Restaurant Staff: Very quick at tidying away plates. No table service for drinks. Spoke very little English. Restaurants: Snack bar: kept spotless but food was quite often only warm. We had to complain several times about this to the woman supervisor. Main buffet restaurant: Food always hot and always something to eat although, as per buffets, they become repetitive. Themed Restaurant: We went on the Bulgarian Themed Evening. The food was cooked well but not really to our liking. We all tried it and enjoyed the experience. Beach: Free sun loungers (grey ones on each side of the paid red ones). Not easily to spot but ask if you're unsure. Sand hot in the afternoon so wear suitable footwear. Sea is lovely - clean and warm but beware of the