Hotel Shterev Karlovo

No hot water Uncomfortable pillows Torn curtains

The only good thing for this hotel is the location.

Most of the facilities were broken or not working. The sheets and the towels were worn out or dirty. The room for four people had only 3 working sockets, and the fourth one had a broken terminal inside the socket. The door of the bathroom was dropped from the hinges and every time someone wanted to go to the bathroom , it was a challenge. Plus the toilet cistern was broken.

I've no idea what this hotel used to be like and why it might have prompted quite so many negative reviews in the past, but we had a very comfortable, peaceful and pleasant three nights there, right in the centre of Karlovo at a very good price. The staff were lovely and there was no evidence of any of the so-say 'issues' that other guests appear to have had. To be honest, I was slightly wary about booking it when I read what others have written here, but don't believe the negative hype - it's a really nice, clean, friendly 2-star hotel with views across to the Balkan and right on the main town square (with cake shops!) And a great base for exploring Karlovo.

The wifi was a bit wobbly - but that's no big deal or indeed uncommon.