Royal Park Hotel, Bansko, Bulgaria

· 8 minutes’ walk to the resort centre · 20 minutes’ walk to the Bansko gondola and ski school meeting point · ski bus stop opposite

If you’re after peaceful surroundings on your Bansko ski trip, try the Royal Park. It’s built on the hills overlooking town, so you’re away from the hustle and bustle in the centre – and you’ve got great views of the peaks in the Pirin National Park to boot.

When it’s time to hit the piste, you can walk around 20 minutes to the gondola. Or save the legs for skiing and hop on the free bus that stops outside instead. Then once you're done, swap the slopes for some swimming and sauna-ring in the spa, before sitting back with a glass of something in the bar.

Moving on to food, there’s a hot and cold spread to start the day where you can fuel up on everything from cereal to eggs, bacon and stacks of pancakes. And it’s well worth upgrading to half board as well to get buffet-style evening meals, which come with all-you-can-drink wine and soft drinks too.

As for where you’ll sleep, there’s a choice of rooms for up to four, or you can pick an apartment to get something a little simpler style-wise – and as an extra perk, whatever you pick, you’ll get your own private balcony.

· bar and lounge with fireplace · Royal Park Spa with indoor pool, sauna and steam room · fitness room · extra charge for massages and treatments · kids’ play area · boot room · lift to all floors (main hotel building only)

All apartments have a kitchenette with a fridge, kettle and a microwave, as well as a TV, telephone, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. Towels, bed linen and end-of-stay cleaning are included.

Studio (approx. 34-40m²) – sleeps 2-3 (max 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child aged up to 11 years): Twin beds, pull-out armchair bed, private shower or bath, WC and balcony.

1 Bedroom apartment (approx. 50-60m²) – sleeps 2-4 (max 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children aged up to 11 years): Twin beds, extra double sofa bed, private shower or bath, WC and Balcony.

Cots are available to hire, free of charge, on request.

Please note: Apartments are of a 3-star standard and in a separate annex building that does not have a lift.

Bed and Breakfast, Half Board Plus

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · optional upgrade to half board with buffet evening meal · drinks included with the evening meal · New Year’s Eve gala meal included