2. May 2015: Executive Lounge @ Sofia Balkan Hotel, A Luxury Collection
The breakfast selection at the Executive Lounge of the Sofia Balkan Hotel is only limitedly optimal. The elements you find there are absolutely okay – no question about that but the selection is very limited.
But at least you have a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, fresh fruit, as well as breads.
And there is tea, coffee, and some juices which make it enough for a quick breakfast.
The atmosphere of the lounge is only limitedly appealing. It probably was really fancy once and while I must admit that it is maintained quite well, it has its glorious moments in the past.
However, they make it quite an acceptable place to sit down and have a little snack in the afternoon.
What is surprising is that they serve wine throughout the day. I haven’t tried the wine and can’t, therefore, assess its quality but I haven’t seen many all-day-long wine offerings in hotel lounges. The macaroons you can see on the picture below look delicious and they are okay with regards to the taste but they are way too dry when you eat them.
Obviously, tea goes ideally with the macaroons …
I was quite surprised by the dinner as the selection is definitely better than for lunch or breakfast. They use an étagaire to serve a selection of small sandwiches with shrimps and the like.
While the potatoes are only soso, the stuffed chicken is actually very delicious as the stuffing is yummy and it is prepared in a way so it is not dry but juicy. Definitely tasty chicken!
Overall, the Executive Lounge is an okay place to go – especially if you are staying at the Sofia Balkan Hotel. From my point of view, it is nothing I would pay additionally for if it wasn’t included in the Platinum status but it is definitely fine to visit the lounge.
One note with regards to the hotel: While the Sofia Balkan Hotel is not the most modern hotel there is, I had a very pleasant stay. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and supportive. Doesn’t matter if you need some sightseeing tipps, an airport pickup, or a restaurant reservation. Especially Denisha, Front Desk, and Nelly, Concierge, are very helpful and friendly!
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Contact Details:
Executive Lounge @ Sofia Balkan Hotel, A Luxury Collection
Sveta Nedelya Square 5
1000 Sofia (BG)
Tel.: +359 2 981 6541
E-Mail: reservation@sofiabalkan.net
Homepage: http://www.sofiabalkan.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
