Alua Helios Bay - All Inclusive

Halfway through our holiday at Helios Bay and I have to say, if you're thinking of upgrading, don't bother, there's no one enforcing the rules for the 'upgraded areas" so it's a free for all. Wouldn't do it again, waste of money. Food not brilliant either.

The hotel is very clean throughout, we had a corner room with panoramic views of the sea, we had a large balcony with sun loungers , our room was very nice, very roomy and very clean. All hotel staff were pleasant and helpful . Entertainment was not the greatest but we have come out of season . The all inclusive buffet was great, I’m a very fussy eater and didn’t have any problems finding plenty to choose from. You also help yourself to drinks in the restaurant. The only thing I would say is needed extra would be another toaster or 2 at breakfast time. The pool is large but I can imagine trying to get a sun longer in peak season would be hard. My only gripe with the hotel is the smell of cigarette smoke everywhere , smoking is allowed around the pool, around the pool bar, every terrace you just can’t seem to get away from it, we were on the 6th floor and it was all we could smell along the whole corridor. Obzor was very quiet but I assume because of the time of year, we caught the bus into nessebar for 10lev each and a taxi to old town nessebar which is definitely worth a visit, we also took a bus to Varna again 10lev each and got a taxi to Sea Gardens which is beautiful and many things to do while there, you can not get round this in one day though. While the hotel staff were lovely we didn’t find this outside the hotel, we found Bulgarians to be very rude, one even threw our receipt at us! At times we felt like we were an inconvenience. One week was definitely more than enough as there really wasn’t much to do.

Me and my girlfriend have just got back from spending a week here. The hotel is beautiful and in a stunning setting, walking through the doors at the back of the lobby out on to a terrace the view of the beach and sea is stunning. We felt like we had our own private beach during our stay. The rooms are large and to a good standard, and we had a nice balcony overlooking the pool and the beach. Before our stay I had seen a negative comment regarding the hotel’s lifts and the wait times, I can’t say we experienced that mind you we did visit at the end of the season. The pool is unheated and a lot of people were saying it was too cold, personally that absolutely suited me but it’s something to be mindful of. If you find it’s too cold you still have options, there’s a heated indoor pool and of course the sea. All the staff are lovely and very helpful; from reception staff, to bar staff, the cleaners, the animation team, I wouldn’t have a negative thing to say about any of them. The food was excellent throughout our stay, the Balkan themed dinner on the Saturday night being a particular highlight. Our only bad experience was with the Nubium a la carte restaurant downstairs, I would advise to steer clear. The food is a limited version of what’s available in the main restaurant, and our dishes showed up not as described on the menu and we left still feeling hungry. The only thing that let our holiday down was the entertainment. The animation team were great, but it was the same activities every day. They varied them up where they could but it was a bit disappointing. As we got to know them, they explained there was a reduced schedule due to being out of season. That’s fair enough, but the hotel was full so it didn’t really make sense. The evening entertainment was really poor during our stay, I don’t know if that was because of it being the end of the season or if that’s what it’s like all the time. I would stay here again, if you just want to relax for a week not go anywhere and exist in a bubble it’s great. Obzor town is nearby, it’s a nice walk with a couple of things to see but not much there. Sunny beach is a 50 minute taxi/bus ride away, so if you’re planning on visiting there this might feel a bit isolated.

From walking into reception at silly o'clock in the morning when we offered food and drink, our holiday was great. Staff were exceptional and nothing was too much trouble. Our room was on the 7th floor, it was very spacious and was cleaned and linen/ towels changed every day. It was coming to the end of the season but Savi and the rest of the animation team still worked tirelessly every day apart from Sundays (day off) to make sure we were entertained, or left you alone if you didn't want to participate in all activities. The town is about a 10-15 walk away, the square is very pretty, with all the usual tourist stuff but the silver shops are plentiful and some lovely jewellery. The only downside was when a work convention arrived at the hotel for a few days, took over the hotel and were in general very rude and moved furniture constantly in the bars and restaurants making it really difficult to navigate your way around, but when they left, normality was restored( even the staff were pleased, but were too polite to let it show) All in all, would recommend this hotel and would definitely return to Bulgaria.

This hotel was fabulous! Completely surpassed all of my expectations. Firstly, I can't fault the attitude or work ethic of a single member of staff. They were all so helpful, friendly and alert. The food was exceptional, especially compared to other all inclusive holidays I've been on in recent years. There was always plenty of choice and food was accessible for the majority of the day with the restaurant and snack bar. The drinks were fizzy, and there was always plenty of staff manning the bars so even a queue of 10-15 people infront of you was gone in minutes. The rooms were clean and had plenty of space as well as all having a sea view. The complimentary refillable shampoo, conditioner and shower gel as well as pool towels were also very well received. The pool area was well maintained, but the water was FREEZING! The indoor pool more than made up for it though. I'd definitely recommend the upgrade to the My Favourite Club for a better room, private sunbathing area and seperate lounge with fridges of branded mixers and cakes/chocolates etc.. Outside of the hotel was a little quiet in terms of activities and bars etc. but there was a long, flat, beach front walk that was about an hour there and back.

My husband and I have just got back from Bulgaria, it was our first time. We just wanted a relaxing holiday and It was. The staff at the Alua Helios Bay Hotel in Obzor, were very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. The room and bathroom were spacious and immaculate. The food was fantastic, you could eat and drink all day if you wish. I think I definitely have gained a few pounds. LOL The entertainment staff were all hardworking, we played darts and bocca, which was fun. We will definitely be going back ⛱️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Arrived to a friendly welcome. Lovely room. Lovely pool with plenty of sun loungers - although they aren't very comfortable. Lovely beach - sun beds - these are not owned by the hotel and are allocated to another hotel but if any are spare after 11am you can pay for 2 sunbeds and a sunlounger for 21 lev. Well worth it as the sea is warmer than the pool. Staff don't pester you to partake in activities round the pool. No loud music round the pool. Really relaxing. Drinks are great. Beer, wine, Fanta, coke, etc. Proseco. Cocktails were good especially the mojitoes. Walked into Obzor town. Lots of little shops. No one pesters you, lovely little square with a lovely water fountain. Food in the main restaurant is plentiful but as normal for all inclusive can be repetitive. We ate most nights in the al a carte restaurant's as not so busy and cooked fresh. These need booking in advance but manage to book five visits in our 7 day stay. Our room was facing East so had an amazing sun rise. Entertainment wasn't the best but the staff do this and did there best.

A friend went here in June and when I took a look at the Jet2 site I was taken with it - very odd for me because we have not holidayed for 9 years. The whole holiday from start to finish was genuinely wonderful 24hrs before arrival I requested a high room and preferably no one above us and could we be on the end as I am a very light sleeper - perfect - top floor and only 1 neighbour on one side, which we never heard!! Due to the comments about booking the a la carte restaurant I asked at the front desk how to do this - Michael told me - to be at the main restaurant at 6.30 when it opens for dinner and the restaurant manager is there to greet the guests through the door - exactly so, our first night I had booked the a la carte - no issues - however, it's not a la carte - but it was nice to be out of the busy main restaurant. Although, as the weather was lovely we sat on the terrace and dined there which was delightful - great view!! It's fair to say that the Hotel is not THE best but it is not pretending to be - the staff everywhere are working their socks off!! WELL DONE Everyone - Thank You!!!

Worst place ever been avoid. Food is terrible cook everything in oil and like a school canteen set up. Can't take food out of restaurant it says, but people do. No snacks around pool like updated hotels offer at lunch etc all in the limited cafe or main menu. Drinks they do let you get your own cokes etc by pool bar and coffee etc only thing that was a plus. No water unless from a chiller the eco friendly may approve but at 2am if you haven't filled your flask your in trouble. Whole hotel must have gone downhill as apparently was Rui and reviews were great, each to there own I guess but felt like back in 1980s needs a makeover and update. Sunbeds poor and uncomfortable and parasols cant be moved set in uniformed lines terrible. Beach have to pay for sunbeds again 1980s... Entertainment usual kids club come variety show come music not nightclub as advertise. Rooftop cocktail bar is just sun upstairs to pool bar where everyone with taste wants to get away to and even that is covered in flies. The upgrade...is it worth it...the only good part I would say is you get an extra lounge you gets snacks and drinks from canned and bottles and water, in my opinion saved the holiday but that's me and my taste. Would I go back 100 definately not.