Unbelievable Petra House Room in Veliko Tarnovo: You HAVE to See This!
Unbelievable Petra House Room in Veliko Tarnovo: You HAVE to See This! (Seriously, You Do!) - A MESSY, HONEST Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, and I'm still buzzing. And the reason for all this giddy energy? Unbelievable Petra House Room. Seriously. The clue's in the name, people! Don’t let the slightly OTT title put you off, because, trust me, it’s not just some hyperbolic marketing gibberish. Petra House is… well, it’s an experience. Let’s get messy, shall we? Because let’s face it: nobody benefits from a sanitized, perfect hotel review. We want the real deal!
First, the practical bits (because even I need a little grounding reality, eventually):
Accessibility: Okay, so this is where things get a little wobbly. While I didn't specifically need it, I did notice they have a few facilities for disabled guests. The elevator gets you to most floors, which is a huge plus in a place like Veliko Tarnovo, which is all hills and cobbles. But I would definitely suggest contacting them directly if you have specific accessibility needs. Be warned, the area surrounding might present some difficulties, depending on your mobility.
Cleanliness and Safety (and Pandemic-Era Anxiety):
Look, let's be real. We're all a little germ-phobic these days. I was thrilled to witness the comprehensive safety protocols. The anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, the sanitizing of the kitchen and tableware… the constant supply of hand sanitizer… it was all a relief. They obviously take hygiene seriously. And the staff were trained in safety protocol, a big plus. I even saw them using professional-grade sanitizing services. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available if you, like me, sometimes feel like you have to choose.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (The "Unbelievable" Part):
I stayed in (drumroll…) a room! And, honestly, the "Unbelievable" wasn't just hype.
- The Vibe: Think a blend of rustic charm, modern comfort, and a sprinkle of "Wow, they thought of everything!" My room had air conditioning (essential!), a super comfy bed, and blackout curtains that actually worked. I'm a sucker for a good blackout curtain. The decor was all exposed brick, warm lighting, and seriously gorgeous carpentry. Honestly, I spent the first few minutes of my stay just wandering around going "Ooooh" and "Aaaah!"
- Amenities Galore: Free Wi-Fi (in the rooms, naturally! And free Wi-Fi in public areas! We'll come to that), a mini-bar stocked with (admittedly slightly pricey) goodies, a coffee/tea maker, and a seriously comfortable seating area. I especially loved the in-room safe box, which gave me a sense of security. And let's not forget the bathrobes! Slippers! All the little touches that make you feel pampered. They also had a hair dryer, which saved my frizzy hair.
- Tech-Savvy: Wi-Fi access was, obv, free.
- More Stuff: Let's not forget the essentials: a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub, a desk (perfect for a bit of work or late-night journaling), and a window that actually opens. (This is a big deal, people. Get some fresh air!) They also included a lot of other things like complimentary tea, hair dryer, etc.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Calories Don't Count on Vacation, Right?):
- Breakfast Bliss: Oh, the breakfast. The breakfast! They have both a buffet and ala carte options. Let me tell you, I'm usually a grab-and-go coffee and toast kind of gal, but the breakfast at Petra House? Changed. My. Life. There were international cuisine options, including a delicious Asian breakfast, and a mouthwatering buffet. They even offer a breakfast takeaway service which might be handy if you have a really early start. I, personally, did a full breakfast. Every. Single. Day.
- The Restaurant: There’s a restaurant that serves international cuisine (I'm a sucker for a good international menu!). They also have vegetarian options!
- More Choices: A bar! They have a poolside bar too. Plus a snack bar. Just, basically, food everywhere!
- Room Service: 24-hour room service?! Yes, please! Perfect for those late-night cravings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (aka, Avoiding Actual Sightseeing for a While):
- Spa Day, Anyone? Okay, I may have indulged in a little bit of spa time. (Don't judge me!) They have a sauna, a steamroom, massage, and a spa. I had a fantastic massage. Pure bliss after a day of exploring the ancient city.
- Swimming Pool (with a View!): They also have a swimming pool (outdoor), which looked incredibly inviting. I didn’t get around to using it, but I walked past it and it looked incredible.
- Fitness Centre: there’s also a gym, so if you're the active type, go nuts! They also had a foot bath. I’ve never tried one, but I am intrigued.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier When Someone Else Does the Boring Stuff):
- Helpful Humans: 24-hour front desk, concierge service, daily housekeeping… basically, anything you need, they’re there to help.
- Practicalities: Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, laundry service, dry cleaning. They’ve got you covered.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, car park [free of charge], and a taxi service.
For the Kids (aka, "Can I Bring My Tiny Humans?" – Yes, You Can!):
- Family-Friendly: They’re definitely family friendly, but don’t expect a full-blown kids' club.
Getting Around, Getting There (The Logistics):
So, how do you actually get to this slice of paradise in the middle of Veliko Tarnovo? They do offer an airport transfer service, though, obviously, you'll need to get to Bulgaria first! And, of course, you can call a taxi or use your own car. They also have a car park on site.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Real Stuff:
Okay, here comes the messy part. Because no hotel is perfect, and honestly, those are the ones you remember.
- Internet Woes: The Wi-Fi, while free and generally good, did occasionally fluctuate. It's the curse of travel, right? Gotta learn to disconnect - even if briefly!
- The Location: Veliko Tarnovo is all hills, people. Be prepared for some serious stair climbing. Petra House is in a great spot, but it's not exactly a flat walk to everywhere.
- The Price: It's not a budget hotel. But for the experience, I personally found it totally worth it.
My Unsolicited Opinion (Because, Duh):
Look, this isn’t just a place to crash. Petra House becomes part of the experience. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, to savour every moment.
Final Verdict: GO! (Seriously, Just Book It!)
Here's My Dirty Little Secret: I was planning to extend my stay. I genuinely considered cancelling my next hotel and just staying at Petra House for the entire trip. That's how good it was.
My Rating: 9.5/10 (The .5 is because perfection is boring)
Unbelievable Petra House Room - LIMITED TIME OFFER!
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- Deluxe Room with a View: Wake up to stunning views of Veliko Tarnovo.
- Complimentary Breakfast Buffet: fuel your adventures with a breakfast fit for a king.
- Free Wi-Fi in your room.
- Private Balcony: Soak in the atmosphere with a private terrace.
- Access to our spa.
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Why book Unbelievable Petra House Room?
- Unrivaled Comfort and Style: Enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms that blend modern luxury with Balkan charm.
- Central Location: Explore Veliko Tarnovo's historic sites and vibrant culture on foot.
- Exceptional Service: Experience warm Bulgarian hospitality from our dedicated team.
- Safety Assured: We prioritize your safety with stringent hygiene protocols.
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Seoul's CUTEST Rabbit Home: Yeon-hee's 2-Room Haven!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is me, me, rambling my way through a few days in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, specifically holed up in the Petra Room at Petra House. Lord, I hope the ancient stones of this place can withstand my chaotic energy.
Petra House - Petra Room: A Week of Wanderings and Whims (and Probably a Few Wallows)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and… Awkward Introductions?
- Morning (ish): Ugh, getting there was a saga. Flight delay, lost luggage (my lucky socks! Gone!), grumpy taxi driver… the whole shebang. Finally arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, and the air hits you like a brick of history. Seriously, the altitude, the cobblestones… my calves are already screaming. Found Petra House, and it’s gorgeous. That Petra Room? Instagram-worthy, for sure. But first? Coffee. Black, strong, and a primal scream of caffeination.
- Afternoon: Cracking open a dusty guidebook (who even uses guidebooks anymore? Me, apparently.) and stumble upon the Tsarevets Fortress. Holy wow. The scale of it all! I honestly spent a good hour just wandering around, feeling ridiculously small and incredibly lucky. Got a little lost at one point, which led me to some secret garden with incredible vista views. Maybe the best, maybe not, but it was perfect for a moment of quiet awe and a few too many photos.
- Evening: Dinner at a recommended restaurant, "Shtastlivetsa." Okay, the food? Divine. The atmosphere? Cozy, romantic, perfect for a… solo diner? Yeah. Felt like a total dork ordering for one, but who cares? I feasted on the local lamb and downed a bottle of local wine. Felt a little tipsy, a little melancholy, and a whole lot in love with Bulgaria. Shout out to the waiter who didn't judge my rapidly-increasing consumption.
Day 2: History Hangover and… Cat-sitting?
- Morning: Ooof. That wine. Woke up with a hangover, a pounding head, and a sudden craving for greasy food. Decided to explore the Samovodska Charshia market. The architecture is charming, but the smells… well, let's just say my stomach wasn't thrilled. But the locals are lovely. I bought some spices that hopefully won’t ruin my remaining meals.
- Afternoon: The Petra Room owner, bless her, mentioned a local stray cat. I've been recruited as a cat-sitter. Let's be honest - my main job is to give that cat some extra lovin'. I am here for this. I, a crazy cat lady, am in my element.
- Evening: Another restaurant, same waiter, same wine. He remembers my order. Oops. More exploring the night view of the city, it is absolutely beautiful. The stars are a glittering tapestry, and the city lights add another layer of magic.
Day 3: The Monastery Mishap and My Inner Critic (Who Never Shuts Up)
- Morning: Determined to see a monastery. Set out for the Transfiguration Monastery, which is, in all honesty, a bit of a trek. Got hopelessly lost, again. Google Maps saved the day (thank you, benevolent gods of technology!). The monastery itself? Stunning. The frescoes are breathtaking, and the silence… deafening, in the best possible way.
- Afternoon: My inner critic decided to make a grand entrance. "Are you sure you're enjoying this? Maybe you should be doing more. You could be learning more! Are you really seeing the essence of Bulgaria?" Shut up, brain! I was enjoying the moment of quiet awe.
- Evening: Okay, I need a strong drink and a hearty meal. Found a cozy little tavern. They had live music. And lots of wine. I am on a mission to get to know every kind of Bulgarian wine. It's my goal.
Day 4: Doubling Down on History and a Deep Dive into the View
- Morning: Back to Tsarevets Fortress. Yep, I loved it so much, I went back! This time, I dove deep. Seriously, I spent hours just wandering, letting the history wash over me. The stories, the battles, the rise and fall. It's hard not to get swept away.
- Afternoon: Spent an entire afternoon on the balcony of the Petra Room. I swear the view from this room is the best in the city! Just sitting here, watching the sun sink over the city, drinking coffee, and writing in my journal. Life doesn't get much better than this.
- Evening: Found a tiny little cafe that only served… well, mainly coffee but had amazing cakes. Ended up talking for hours with the local woman who owned it. It was just a moment of pure connection. I love it!
Day 5: Departure Day (and a Few Tears, Probably)
- Morning: Packed, re-packed, checked for missing lucky socks (they magically reappeared!), and wrestled with my emotions. Part of me is thrilled to go home. Part of me? Doesn’t want to leave. Veliko Tarnovo, and the Petra Room, have managed to burrow their way under my skin.
- Afternoon: One final, lingering walk around the city. Said a quiet goodbye to the cat. Seriously, that cat stole a piece of my heart.
- Evening: Headed to the airport, reflecting on the journey. This trip wasn't perfect. There were hiccups, self-doubt, and way too much wine. But it was mine. Raw, messy, and utterly unforgettable. I'll be back, Bulgaria, I promise. Also, I'll bring cat treats.
Unbelievable Petra House Room: Veliko Tarnovo, You HAVE to See This!!! (Maybe...)
Okay, Seriously... Is the Petra House Room *Really* That Amazing? (And Should I Pack My Bags NOW?)
OH. MY. GOODNESS. Okay, breathe. So, the Petra House Room... right? "Unbelievable" they call it. Well, let's just say my expectations were, shall we say, *elevated* by the hype around this place. I saw photos. Gorgeous photos. Instagram-worthy, obviously. And for a good chunk of time, I was utterly, completely and irrevocably *sold*. I even started practicing Bulgarian phrases in my head *just in case* I couldn't handle the sheer beauty and started bawling.
The reality? It's... good. Really good. But, and this is a BIG but, maybe don't pack your hiking boots and a week's worth of emergency chocolate *just yet*. It's like, imagine ordering a ridiculously decadent chocolate cake. You picture it, dream about it... and then it arrives. It's delicious, don't get me wrong! But the frosting is *slightly* off, the cake crumbles a bit more than you'd hoped, and you realize the picture was probably airbrushed. I’m getting hungry, sorry.
The views are legitimately breathtaking, though. Seriously, the view from the balcony... the picture doesn't do it justice. I literally gasp-laughed the first time. It's that classic Veliko Tarnovo, houses clinging to the cliffs, the winding river... perfect. I spent a solid hour just staring without speaking. That part? Absolutely unbelievable.
What's the Deal with the Room Itself? Is It Actually Comfortable? (Because "Pretty" doesn't always equal "Practical," let's be honest.)
Comfort, huh? That's the million-dollar question. Okay, so it *looks* comfy. Think: exposed stone walls, cozy rugs, a fireplace (I didn't get to use it, sadly!), that killer balcony I mentioned... But here's where things get a *tiny* bit messy. "Cozy" can sometimes translate to "a bit cramped." The space isn't huge, really, especially with all the beautifully-placed furniture. You're definitely not gonna be doing any cartwheels in there, that's for sure.
The bed? Divine. Soft, fluffy, and I slept like a rock. Except for that one night... More on that later. Let's just say, the walls *are* thin. REALLY thin. And the acoustics... oh boy. I may or may not have accidentally overheard a very passionate conversation involving a very loud dog at 3 AM. It wasn’t exactly "cozy" then.
And the bathroom? Functional, clean, but again... not exactly spacious. The shower? I'm a tall person, and I was brushing the ceiling. You know? Minor stuff. But, if you're someone who enjoys the feeling of elbow room, brace yourself. Or, you could just embrace the tight surroundings and call it "charming." (I did. Mostly.)
Okay, spill. Give me the juicy details! Is there REALLY a Secret? (A tiny part of me is praying for a hidden dungeon, or tunnel!)
A SECRET?! Oh, you KNOW I looked! I mean, the whole "Unbelievable" thing practically *screams* mystery, right? I was convinced there was some secret passage, maybe leading to a lost treasure or a secret bar (much more probable, I thought). I even tapped the stone walls with my fingernails, Indiana Jones style.
Alas... no dungeon. No hidden bar. No mysterious clues. However, and I'm keeping this one vague - the balcony *does* offer a prime spot for, shall we say, *people-watching*. And you'd be surprised what you can discover when you have a good view. Let's just say, some Bulgarian street performers put on a surprisingly compelling show one evening. And no, it didn't involve fire breathing. That's all I'm saying.
There’s a quirky feature of the bathroom, well it's more something I observed, which felt like a secret, but it's more of a design anomaly. The positioning of the mirror. I won't spoil it. But it had me wondering if the architect was having a laugh. (Spoiler: they almost certainly were).
What's the WiFi Like? (Because, let's face it, that's a DEALBREAKER for some of us!)
WiFi... the bane of the modern traveler's existence, isn't it? Okay, so the WiFi *was* iffy. I mean, it worked, but it wasn't exactly blazing fast. Think: buffering videos, slow downloads, and the occasional moment of utter despair when you're trying to post that perfect Instagram photo and it just... refuses.
Look, I'm not going to lie. There were a few moments where I considered throwing my phone out the window in a fit of frustration. But then, I'd remember the view, take a deep breath and put up a small prayer to the internet gods. And you know what? It was actually kind of *nice* to be a little disconnected, forced to actually *look* at the view for a while, you know? A digital detox of sorts. I started reading a book, which I haven't done in ages. So, take it as you will. Bring a portable charger, be patient, and prepare to embrace the occasional internet outage. Or, you know, become a hermit. It's tempting.
Would You Stay There Again? (The Ultimate, Brutally Honest Verdict!)
Hmm... that's the big question, right? Would *I*, jaded traveler and general cynic, stay there again? Yep. Absolutely. But. And this is a big, capital-"B" but.
I’d go again *knowing* what I know now. I'd pack earplugs (thanks, loud dog & Thin walls!). I'd mentally prepare for potential WiFi woes. I'd also request a room on the top floor, just to *try* and avoid the aforementioned loud dog & passionate, talking couple. But I would definitely go again.
The pros outweigh the cons. The view is astonishing. The room, despite its minor flaws, is charming and undeniably atmospheric. And the whole experience is... memorable. And that's what you want, isn't it? Not just a place to sleep, but a story. And I got a story. A messy, slightly imperfect, definitely honest story. Now I'm inspired. I need to find some more places to stay, haha!
