Sunny Beach is a relaxed beach resort town with tons of amenities for foreign tourists. Once you’re here, you can sit back and relax, but planning a trip here can be a bit confusing. There are just so many hotels to choose from! Here are our favorite Sunny Beach hotels for those wondering where to stay in Sunny Beach.
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Where to Stay in Sunny Beach on a Budget ($50 USD or Less a Night)
Here are our favorite Sunny Beach hotels for budget travelers.
Harmony Suites Grand Resort
Harmony Suites Grand Resort offers the best option for any kind of traveler, whether you’re a group or even solo. You can choose from a studio, 1-bedroom, or a 2-bedroom apartment with fully furnished and equipped features. All of their apartments have a mini kitchen (with fridge and cooking equipment), a balcony with outdoor furniture, a washing machine, and safety storages for your valuables.
There’s s a garden outside of the hotel, so you can truly feel that you are in an oasis by the sea. Plenty of sun loungers are beside the outdoor pool if you want to take a refreshing dip just to ease the tension from walking and swimming al day. Families will appreciate the playground for children to let out some energy.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Harmony Suites Grand Resort here ««
Harmony Palace
Harmony Palace is the perfect place for couples and smaller families. They offer studio rooms and 1-bedroom apartments. The rooms all have a kitchen and a balcony and features to make your stay hassle-free. They also soundproofed the rooms so you won’t hear noises coming from the sea or the neighboring rooms. You also don’t need to bring toiletries and towels, because they already have it in their ensuite bathrooms. Slippers, robes, and a hairdryer are also provided.
You may have your breakfast at the café. There are also drinks and cocktails available at their pool bar. You can also enjoy the onsite hammam and hot tub.
It has a small fitness center you can use for free with all of the necessary equipment so you can get in a good workout. They even offer some fitness classes so you can join in on the fun.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Harmony Palace here ««
SmartLine Meridian Hotel
This hotel offers budget-friendly accommodations that guests love. They all have double rooms with sizes perfect for couples or families with two kids. All rooms have a balcony and the interiors are simple yet comfortable.
Another thing that’s great about this hotel is their amenities. They have a huge pool with plenty of sun loungers so you don’t have to wait for that lady who’s been tanning all day in the sun to FINALLY give up her spot. There are even nets in the pool so you can play volleyball. Aside from this, they also have an entertainment room with billiards, table tennis and darts – plus a dedicated staff is here in case you need to borrow something.
Before you go out on a date night with your partner, you can get yourself ready at their salon or barbershop. There’s also a gift shop for that last-minute souvenir shopping. Something you shouldn’t miss is the view from the rooftop restaurant. But aside from this place, you can also dine and get some drinks at their Irish Pub and Pizzeria or the pool-bar.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at SmartLine Meridian Hotel here ««
Mid-Range Places to Stay in Sunny Beach ($50-100 USD a Night)
If you want something a little more upscale, check out our recommendations for the best mid-range accommodations in Sunny Beach.
HVD Club Bor
This hotel has a tagline that says “Ultra All Inclusive” so they truly aim to please! It has fabulous amenities for all guests, and it doesn’t just end with their features since their service is also top notch. They have a large round pool outdoors, surrounded by sun loungers. The entire property is fully covered with WiFi, so regardless if you go near the pool or at one of their restaurants, you can stay connected.
They have 55 rooms in total and there are ample choices for guests to choose from. Most of their rooms are best for couples or families with two children (around four guests in total). All of the rooms have a minibar that they fill with snacks, just in case you want to munch on something but don’t want a meal. The balconies also showcase a grand view of the sea and you can hear the birds singing in the morning and crickets chirping at night.
They have entertainment facilities for adults and kids. You can check out their billiards, darts, and table tennis, but if you want something more chill, then you can listen to some of the live performances they put on.
Kids can play at their kids’ club or run and have fun at their playground outdoors. They also have packages and treatments at their spa aside from soothing massages for your tired muscles.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at HVD Club Bor here ««
Hotel Neptun Beach
If you’re thinking about getting a mid-range beachfront hotel, you won’t regret booking this hotel because you can experience the golden beaches and the bright blue sea. We spent tons of time on the beach out front, and it’s one of the best spots in town!
This huge hotel offers 278 rooms which include 45 studio rooms and 17 apartments. Despite being just beside the beach, they also have a garden that gives it a green vibe for guests as they flock to the parasols and sun loungers beside the outdoor pool (where you can also get some drinks at their pool bar).
Their rooms have a balcony and a work desk plus a minibar. All are simply furnished and each has huge comfortable beds to give you a good rest after a long day checking out the beach or nearby tourist attractions.
It has a restaurant with a terrace and a garden restaurant for a more al fresco dining experience (there’s also nice music played here). You can enjoy some of their services at the spa plus there’s also a Jacuzzi, children’s pool, hammam, and sauna.
You can also get currency exchanged onsite if you need additional cash. It is quite difficult to book this hotel, due to its perfect location and amenities, so it is still best to book in advance.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Hotel Neptun Beach here ««
Royal Palace Helena Park
Royal Palace Helena is another contender for the best beachfront resort hotel in the area. Not only does it have a private area of the beach (which is great because there’s less crowd and Sunny Beach gets really crowded during peak season) it also has a lush garden where you can just get nice sitting areas under the shade of some trees.
They have 149 double rooms and there are also 18 apartment type (suite) rooms suited for more guests. The rooms are styled simple, yet they look elegant. Some rooms have a small balcony with outdoor wicker chairs and a wooden table for two. All rooms have a minibar, safety storages, and satellite TVs.
While most of their outdoor and indoor pools are closed during the winter season, you can try their hammam, hot tub or sauna instead. If you need to get a new hairstyle or just a nice and relaxing spa treatment, then you can visit their salon and spa.
For someone who just loves to sing, you can check out their karaoke at their entertainment room where you can find other activities to kill your boredom. Kids can also be entertained with games and programs, plus they can enjoy the kids’ pool.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Royal Palace Helena Park here ««
Royal Palace Helena Sand
Another hotel inside the Helena Resort Complex is the Royal Palace Helena Sand. The architecture of the property is unique and includes a clock tower that has four clocks that carry the symbol of the Proto-Bulgarian Calendar (which they say is the oldest and more accurate than the Gregorian calendar).
They have double rooms, maisonettes, suites, and apartments to allow guests to pick which best suits their needs. All of the rooms are elegant and still follows the signature theme of Helena Resorts. If you want a balcony with a view of the sea, you may want to consider their double rooms, suite or apartment rooms (it all depends on your budget, the higher tier of course has higher rates).
They usually have shared amenities and facilities outdoors, but the complex is big and you’ll be going to the beach to check out the warm sand and the cool waves (you can also check the beach bar here). On the property, itself, there are several restaurants to choose from. Poseidon Restaurant offers an international menu while Dolphin Restaurant serves yummy seafood dishes.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Royal Palace Helena Sands here ««
Before you leave, make sure you read our checklist for planning a trip to Bulgaria!
Best Luxury Hotels in Sunny Beach ($100+ USD a Night)
Our picks for the best luxury hotels in Sunny Beach.
Blue Pearl Hotel
Blue Pearl Hotel is an ultra-all-inclusive 4-star hotel right on the beach. There’s even an umbrella for each lounger if you don’t want to get baked from the sun.
For couples, you can get their double rooms but for bigger groups, you have a 1-bedroom suite or a 2-bedroom suite to choose from. You can even get their budget or promo rooms (which are usually their double rooms) but these are typically fully booked so hurry up and check for your preferred dates – the earlier the better!
You will love how they keep the rooms looking bright and cheery. If you want a balcony, make sure to select this feature when you book.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Blue Pearl Hotel here ««
Best Western Plus Premium Inn
This is best for couples or families who want the best hotel with complete world-class facilities and features like a casino, restaurant, and a water park.
Some rooms have a balcony and if you choose a suite-type room, then you’ll automatically have one. Free toiletries are available at your disposal in their ensuite bathrooms.
There’s private parking on-site and you will pay only BGN 5 per day (around $3 USD). They also have a kids’ pool available to entertain the kiddos.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Best Western Plus Premium Inn here ««
The Best Sunny Beach Villas
For families looking for larger, more private (or more special) Sunny Beach accommodations.
Vila Krista
Villa Krista brings you the comfort of staying in a homey and cozy house that’s private and pet-friendly. You can warm yourself up at their outdoor fireplace during the cold winter season. It’s also very close to the beach (and in a quiet place), and you can get there as quick as five minutes.
Their villa can accommodate up to twelve guests – it’s actually a good place to rent if you’re a large group of travelers or friends. There is a sea view, so you can see how remarkably beautiful it is in the morning (aside from the typical crowds you will see during peak hours). The entire villa is also very spacious and there are five bedrooms inside. A/C and heating keep you comfortable regardless of the weather.
It has a fully equipped kitchenette, which makes it easy to prepare meals. There are six bathrooms, and the villa includes a washing machine.
What past guests have loved with this villa are the hosts, who are attentive. The entire house is also very clean and the villa is one of the most highly recommended places to stay for anyone who wants to be in town for more than a few days.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Vila Krista here ««
Eden Park Luxury Villas
Eden Park Luxury Villas offer beautiful private accommodation with 2 bedrooms. It also has a large living area with a nice fireplace to keep everyone warm and cozy when the weather gets cold.
You will see a lovely garden that’s landscaped alongside a pool with sun loungers. Palm trees give you a tropical paradise escape vibe. Some outdoor furniture is also available so you can have breakfast or a nice dinner outside.
The rooms all have comfy beds and chandeliers on the ceiling. The huge private bathroom is also fully equipped with amenities – you will love soaking in the bath tub and viewing the garden outside through the window!
This villa has all of the things you need and you might find yourself wishing you can stay here as long as you can!
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Eden Park Luxury Villas here ««
What to Pack for a Bulgarian Beach Vacation
Don’t forget your sunnies!
If you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more, check out our complete Bulgaria packing list.
– A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle. We love Lonely Planet Bulgaria & Romania for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.
– A water bottle with a filter. While generally, the tap water in big cities in Bulgaria is drinkable, such as in Sofia and Burgas, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! We recommend the GRAYL water bottle – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.
– Motion sickness pills. Bulgarian train and bus rides can be hot and cause motion sickness! If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some non-drowsy motion sickness pills.
– Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs. Bathrooms in the Balkans on trains and buses tend to be… how can we say it?… not so well-stocked. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack of wet wipes & hand sanitizer.
– Travel safety items. We think Bulgaria is very safe to travel, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Allison or I use these.
Instead, we both carry the same PacSafe anti-theft backpack. It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.
Read more: Essential Bulgaria Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Bulgaria
More Bulgaria Travel Resources
If this will be your first time in Bulgaria, we have some resources to help make your first trip here a breeze. Check out our guide on how to plan your trip to Bulgaria, which goes over everything from visas to ground transportation to budgeting your trip.
Don’t forget to check out our Bulgaria packing list which has details of everything you’ll want for your trip.
If you’re still considering staying in Sveti Vlas or Nessebar, we have hotel suggestions for both! Check out where to stay in Nessebar and where to stay in Sveti Vlas for our hotel picks in these two nearby towns.
If you’ll be flying into Sofia, here’s how to get from Sofia to Burgas and from Burgas to Sunny Beach.
We have a guide to the best Instagram spots in Sunny Beach and Nessebar so you can take incredible photos of your trip! You’ll also want to set aside time to visit the stunning Pink Lake just outside Burgas.
Next, check out our guide to avoiding taxi scams in Sofia. We don’t have taxi guides yet for Varna and Burgas, but the information about common scams and how to avoid them is the same. Sunny Beach taxis are OUTRAGEOUS compared to the rest of the country, both in terms of pricing and scam frequency.
You will also want to check out our overview of Balkan currency, which describes Bulgarian leva and what to tip in Bulgaria.
We publish new posts almost every day! Bookmark our Bulgaria and Balkans pages so you don’t miss any new resources that come out between now and your trip!
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
RIP Prescription Sunglasses. This photo was taken about twenty minutes before they floated away at Sunny Beach, never to be seen again.
Finally, make sure you always travel to Bulgaria with a valid travel insurance policy. The country is a very safe place to travel, but accidents or theft can easily ruin your trip if you don’t have the travel insurance coverage to recover the losses. Recently my aunt fell on a train in France and needed surgery, but luckily her travel insurance covered the costs in full. Thank goodness!
For travel insurance, I use World Nomads. I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.
>>Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.<<
Pin this Guide to Sunny Beach Hotels for Your Trip to Bulgaria
Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online, appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times, and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.
