Location. The Festa Sofia is located in Sofia, Bulgaria, within four kilometres of the city centre. The National Palace of Culture is also four kilometres away, and the Boyana Church is at a nine- kilometre distance. The central train station is eight kilometres from the hotel. Hotel Features. Set at the foot of the Vitisha Mountain in a quiet residential area, the Festa Sofia is housed in a landmark modern property and opens to a bright lobby area finished with marble flooring and antique-style furnishings. Guests can exercise in the fitness centre, relax in the spa with its sauna, steam room and jetted tub, and pamper themselves with a range of treatments at the beauty centre and hair salon. Those arriving by car will find complimentary garage parking onsite, and further amenities include room service, laundry facilities, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Guests of the Festa can enjoy Italian and Mediterranean dishes at the informal Festa restaurant; sample Lebanese dishes and smoke hookah- pipes in the traditional Orient restaurant; and round off the day in the Whiskey & Cigar Bar. The hotel also houses a lobby and mezzanine bar, and offers a complimentary buffet breakfast daily.

Two conference spaces are available onsite, and there is a business centre.

Guestrooms. The 120 guestrooms and apartments are air conditioned, and offer views of the city or mountains. All have stylish, modern decor in neutral tones with dark wood furnishings, and further amenities include complimentary wireless Internet, satellite television, hair dryers, minibars, safes, and desks.

Expert Tip. The Boyana Church, nine kilometres from the hotel, dates from the early 11th Century and is world-renowned for its 13th Century frescoes, which offer one of the most well-preserved examples of Eastern European medieval art. The church has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Room Types:

Apartment:   One king bed. Separate living room. City or mountain view. City or mountain view. Warm-toned minimalist-style furnishings. Air conditioning, minibar, complimentary wireless Internet, satellite television, safe, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries.

Double:   One queen or two twin beds. City or mountain view. Warm-toned minimalist-style furnishings. Air conditioning, minibar, complimentary wireless Internet, satellite television, safe, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries.

Single room:   One twin bed. City or mountain view. Warm-toned minimalist-style furnishings. Air conditioning, minibar, complimentary wireless Internet, satellite television, safe, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries.

Driving Directions: From Sofia Airport (SOF): Distance to the Festa Sofia is 12 kilometres, approximately 10 minutes' drive.

Getting there. The number 84 bus runs to central Sofia, departing every 10-25 minutes between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Tickets cost 0.50 BGL, and are available from the kiosks at bus stops. There is an additional fee per piece of luggage. Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and cost approximately 5 BGL to the hotel. Prices are all subject to change.

Getting around. Sofi a's public transport system includes trams, an underground metro, buses, and trolleybuses. Tickets should be validated when boarding. Private minibuses are available, and run along fixed routes. Taxi fares are reasonable, but tr avellers should ensure the meter is used.