Melia Grand Hermitage

At over 700 guest rooms spread over nine floors, the Melia Grand Hermitage is certainly one of the largest hotels in Golden Sands -- if not the whole of Bulgaria. Stepping into the cavernous lobby, it's obvious that the interiors follow suit, with antique-style furnishings, dome chandeliers, and carved-wood paneling combining for a palatial effect. As well as flooding the reception area with natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows to the rear look out over the hotel's lively main pool and grounds beyond. Lovely gardens dappled in shade from tall pine, oak, and fir trees are crisscrossed with stone footpaths and terraces that slope and tier down towards the resort's beachfront promenade and the Black Sea. An all-inclusive property, the hotel attracts a mix of families with kids and vacationing couples from all around the world. Those looking for a more upscale experience shell out extra for the more exclusive The Level experience, though some non-Level guests claim upgraders receive preferential treatment. The size of the property also means elevators can be slow and breakfast lines are long during high season. 

The complex has a hillside setting surrounded by forest in the popular Bulgarian resort of Golden Sands, positioned on the western shores of the Black Sea. A long busy sandy beach is just minutes' walk from the hotel, and backed by a pedestrianized promenade dotted with bars, restaurants, and other hotels. The area's center, with much of its nightlife, is around a 10-minute walk away, while the large and bustling city resort of Varna is just over 20 minutes' drive. The medieval Aladzha Monastery is a 10-minute drive away. Family-friendly fun can be found at the Aquapolis water park, a five-minute drive. Varna Airport is 35 minutes by road. 

Starting at a generous 460 square feet (43 square meters), even the smallest of the hotel's 727 rooms are certainly spacious. Decor is a blend of red-and-white striped fabrics, mahogany veneer furniture, and thick carpets that create a traditional and homey, yet airy and bright look. All rooms open to balconies or terraces overlooking the surrounding park and hills, or over the pool with partial sea views. The Level Rooms are positioned on higher levels for better ocean views. Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs (with a couple English-speaking channels), minibars, and electronic safes; free Wi-Fi with a hit or miss connection is available. The Level Rooms add kettles, bathrobes, and slippers, pillow menus, and free minibars stocked with snacks and cold alcoholic and soft drinks. 

Spacious tiled bathrooms all come with shower/tub combos (some with separate showers), wall-mounted hose hairdryers, and hotel-branded toiletries. Level Rooms upgrade to additional toiletries. The Romance Suite also includes an in-room whirlpool tub and circular bed. While all rooms are generally clean and well-maintained, there have been numerous reports of poor housekeeping. 

As you might expect from an upscale resort hotel, there's an impressive collection of dining, relaxation, and leisure facilities on-site. The main hub of the property is the large and lively central swimming pool, complete with separate children's section and surrounded by decked terraces lined with loungers (including an exclusive section for The Level guests). There's plenty of poolside activities for all ages throughout the day, while guests who just want to swim have a separate lap pool. Extensive kids' club activities are available, as well as waterslides and a rope ladder climbing park built among the forest grounds. The hotel's bi-level YHI Spa also has a large heated mineral water pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a long list of treatments, plus a mini spa for kids. 

Most meals take place at the Hermitage Restaurant, a buffet-style dining room open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reports suggest that while food choice is extensive, with regular theme nights, live cooking, and a kids' corner, food quality can be inconsistent and service can get overcrowded at peak times. There are also several a la carte options, including Italian, a Spanish tapas bar, and Paellador Levante restaurant for paella with sea views. A German pub serves premium draft beers and German snacks, and there's a lobby bar/cafe serving coffee and cocktails. All-inclusive rates are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.