Tiara Beach

Situated on grounds with lots of trees and lawns, the Tiara is similar to most other Sunny Beach resort properties in its layout, facilities, and activities. The emphasis here is on outdoor spaces and kicking back under the sun, so the interiors aren't that exciting. It's by no means the most modern of the hotels in the area, though in general, resorts in Sunny Beach look a little dated compared to other resort destinations. Public interiors are done in a predictable mix of light and dark marble, salmon-colored accents, and wood paneling. A few antique-like objects are placed here and there, along with potted plants, to give the spaces a little life, though nothing feels particularly fresh or contemporary. Still, the resort here is spic-and-span clean, and the reliable quality of its features -- including generally well-liked dining -- draws families who appreciate the nearby beach and abundance of on-site recreation.

Tiara Beach is at the quieter southern end of Sunny Beach in an area packed with other resorts, restaurants, and bars. It's only a five-minute walk to the beach from here, and a car isn't a necessity for staying in Sunny Beach (though it will be helpful to explore the area). The Tiara is a five-minute drive or a little under a 20-minute walk to the bustling Flower Street area, and a tourist train to Flower Street also stops outside the resort. The Flower Street area features a street market, food stalls, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, the Casino Kuban, and Luna Park Sunny Beach amusement park. The E87/9 road is about a two-minute drive west of the resort, and Action Acquapark water park is eight minutes away by car. The ancient Thracian settlement of Nessebar -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- is about a 10-minute drive from the resort. Burgas Airport is a 25-minute drive and Burgas city center is a half-hour drive away.

The 324 units at Tiara Beach are spacious and clean, though decor is utterly simple and looks a bit dated. Most rooms have a bright color palette of royal blue, light blue, gold, and beige. Furniture comes in a simple oak veneer and looks dorm-like, and there's little on the cream-colored walls beyond a tiny framed picture that feels like an afterthought. Competing patterns in the upholstered seating along with satin spiral-print bedspreads and curtains further the less-than-modern look.

All have balconies (some with pool views), desks, safes, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with satellite and English channels, but they lack tea- and coffee-making facilities and double beds are frequently just two singles pushed together. Some rooms have sofa beds, and Apartments have separate living rooms with small dining areas. Bathrooms are generously sized but as dated looking as the rooms, with large quartz-chunk countertops, beige and brown tiling, and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Note that Wi-Fi is available for a fee in rooms, but free in the lobby; however, speeds are occasionally slow.

Though it's not right on the beach, there's plenty to keep guests busy at this resort. As with most area hotels, the centerpiece here is the pool complex, which has freeform section separated from a round section by a center island with bridge. The pool also has a mushroom sprayer and shallow children's section. The highlight for families with kids, though, is the small outdoor water park, which has several slides, including one that twists and turns. The deck is spacious and guests usually have no problem finding a lounge chair. The resort has a poolside bar and snack bar serving sandwiches, pizza, and pasta.

In addition to water-based fun, the animation team leads sports and activities like volleyball, water aerobics, air-rifle shooting, and boccia. In the evening, the team entertains guests with music, dance, and karaoke. There's also a kids' club (for children ages 4 to 12) with a playground, colorful indoor play area, and dancing. The resort's game room offers billiards, foosball, and table tennis, and there's a small fitness center, a freeform indoor pool, and a full-service spa with a sauna and steam room. 

Depending on the time of year guests are visiting, the hotel is either all-inclusive optional or mandatory, though premium liquors are never included. In any case, food gets fairly solid marks from previous guests. The breakfast buffet has a made-to-order egg station, sausage, bacon, pancakes, cheeses, cereal, breads, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and juice. There's also a buffet restaurant serving Bulgarian and international fare. A second restaurant serves Bulgarian cuisine with an a la carte menu. Wi-Fi is free in common areas -- but spotty -- and while parking is available for a fee, and space is limited.