Lion Hotel Sofia

4/10

Poor

03 Dec 2025

Kelli

The hotel looks okay in the outside, but the rooms are not that well kept. The one man at the desk was quite rude when we first stopped by to ask about a taxi to the airport. His comment was he didn’t work at the airport! We would have stayed somewhere else at that point, but we had already paid for our room. I wasn’t impressed at all!

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2025

Mark

One of the hardest reviews I have had to create. Sofia airport has a metro straight to Sedona and this a short straight walk to the Lion Hotel. Alternatively you can change lines and take one stop to Lavov Most metro which is directly outside the Lion Hotel. I really liked this hotel and the free breakfast from Cafe 1920 is one of the best I have ever had. The room was spacious and clean with a fantastic coffee machine. There’s a Lidl a couple of doors away for water, snacks, beers, etc. the hotel is at the end of a long shopping street and easy walking distance of many tourist spots, such as the cathedral and serdika ruins. The area feels a little dodgy, but once I’d spent time walking around it didn’t seem so bad. Now the difficult part, I was here on business and the hotel had no internet the whole time. There was WiFi but this WiFi had no internet. So for most business users this is terrible and likely to be a huge inconvenience. The man behind the desk said this wasn’t something they knew of, but nothing seemed to be done about it. The other issue was that their secure baggage storage was a set of shelves behind the cafe. I would recommend and would love to give it top marks but as a business user the lack of internet is a big issue.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2025

Jordan

No a bad stay; the room had everything I needed and the staff were wonderful and very helpful. The only thing I didn’t care for was the smell emanating from the pipes in the bathroom in my room. I had to leave the bathroom window to the streets open and the bathroom door to the room closed to manage the stench. I believe the issue was not specific to my room but the pipes in the whole hotel.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

01 Nov 2025

Simona

The room was clean , but it was very cold . The AC wasn't working.

8/10

Excellent

14 Oct 2025

Angela

The property was very comfortable and the staff very helpful. The only thing we didn't like is that the heater didn't work in our hotel room.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2025

John

Clean and comfortable, great breakfast! Good location close to train and bus stations.

Self

8/10

Excellent

26 Sep 2025

Ramon Roberto

Great hotel for the price and very convenient in city center and vey walkable!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Aug 2025

Tracy

Great hotel

Great hotel for a good price

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Volkan

It worth its price. The breakfast was perfect. Even every thing is same I would prefer it because of the English breakfast they serve.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

21 Aug 2025

Joseph

Much older than in photos, lacks amenities, bathroom too small not enough space to hang towels

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2025

Darian

Great rooms, very friendly and funny staff, I give the neighborhood five stars for sheer entertainment. One day, two men ran out of a store in their underwear cursing at each other.

Definitely recommend 👍

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2025

MIKE

I really liked this hotel. All the staff were very polite. I would go again.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2025

Ian

Lovely place

It, was great, quiet rooms, great staff and food lovely with perfect location.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2025

Benjamin

Clean and comfortable room with good air conditioning. Staff were friendly and helpful. Great cafe downstairs. Metro stop at the front door (one stop from Serdika area).

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Dmitry

It’s OK

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Jaime

Perfect for a few nights in Sofia! It is walking distance to the bus station and the metro station that takes you to the airport. It is clean and spacious. Only thing is you hear the trams going and coming. Not too bad but if you’re a light sleeper just fyi.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Halina

Everything OK

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2025

Juan

Great place, close to the city center and bus station.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2025

UMIT

It's a great location and highly recommend! Clean and comfortable. Nice staff
The only concern may be the noise from the Tramways starting early in the morning, however you get used to it after a while
I am completely Satisfied

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2025

James

Okay, the receptionist whin zi checked in was fantastic, very froendly and welcoming. The receptionist when I checked out was not as friendly, but good at her job. However, I was given a great room and the breakfast was very good too.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2025

jeffrey

Great location

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2025

Petar

Perfect

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Nov 2024

Jessee

Nice enough place. For a free upgrade which is always nice. Lots of traffic and noises during the night

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2024

Mark

Good location, 15 minute walk to the shopping district. Trams and buses in front of the hotel. The shower could use some small upgrades but all in all a very nice and hospitable, friendly helpful staff. I would stay there again

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2024

Neil

Great Value and Location

It was a great stay. Staff is quiet. Hotel is quiet. Location is great.

Room was huge.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Sep 2024

Adam

Its a very conveniently located hotel, short walk from all interesting cities. Very large room with hige comfortable bed.
Little dated..

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2024

guo ming

Location is good.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Sep 2024

Vasyl

This hotel was soso. Bathroom was great. AC was old and barely made cold. It is 1 km away from city center. View is average. Nothing impressive.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

31 Aug 2024

Gilla

Very good hotel, especially given its price. The location is not terrible, but you so have a 10 minute walk to reach the central metro statiob ehich is probably the one you'll use.
Staff was friendly and helpful, not always at the front desk so sometimes you have to wait a while at the lobby.
Apart from that, rooms were perfectly clean and fitted the pictures on here.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2024

Ian

Located right by metro stop so transport links there are perfect. Lovely little restaurant attached to hotel. 5 minute walking distance to nearby market. Reception had an odd smell on arrival but works were being done. Friendly and efficient staff. Spacious and well equipped rooms.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2024

Ruel B

accessible area

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2024

md nazmul

Staff are not friendly. Bad smell in the room. Location is very good though..

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2024

Martyn

Great location

A great location in central Sofia! The room was spacious, clean and comfortable and the staff were friendly. Despite being near the Lavov bridge junction, it was relatively quiet too!

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2024

john

Great location, very comfortable

large room, well-equipped, quiet and comfortable. Excellent bar/cafe attached with interesting breakfast choices

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2024

john

Comfortable, good value, ideal location

Room ideal for me - quiet, kettle, fridge and spacious. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful and a terrific cafe attached for breakfast or other meals including craft beers.
Ideal location, next to Lavov Most metro, one stop from Serdika and ten minutes from the main bus and train stations. Very pleased to return for a further night 3 days later in the same room.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2024

john

Comfortable, good value, ideal location

Given room 27. Ideal for me - quiet, kettle, fridge and spacious. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful and a terrific cafe attached for breakfast or other meals including craft beers.
Ideal location, next to Lavov Most metro, one stop from Serdika and ten minutes from the main bus and train stations. Very pleased to return for a further night 3 days later in the same room.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2024

Daniel

Very clean. Great market two doors down. Restaurant next door provides excellent breakfast. Lavov Most metro station on M2 line is right across the street. Take M4 metro line from airport to Serdika stop. Transfer to M2 line heading for Obelya. Lavon Most is next stop. Look for exit from metro to Maria Luisa.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2024

colin

We selected hotel Lion for a city break (4 night stay). The hotel is good value, its clean and secure . The location offers good access to the old town if you liked walking, if not it has a tram stops close by that will allow access to more places in and around the city, we used them and have to say they are great value. The hotel is also walking distance to the main railway and bus station which allows good access to other towns – we did a day trip to Plovdiv, going out on the bus and returning the next day by train.

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2024

Brandon

Classic bait and switch. Booked a deluxe room with queen bed when arrive just throw us into a dark dirty room with double bed looks nothing like the photos on Expedia website
when I spoke to front desk was told take it or leave it that is not my problem. Beware run far and fast

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Feb 2024

James

I liked the quiet location

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2023

Sellathurai

Centraly located next-door to metro tram

Very convenient centre of Sofia. Clean hotel with all the facilities. Daily house keeping. Bath tap and shower facilities mini fridge kettle
You can't more than this for the price
All the transport network doorstep

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2023

Michael

Great hotel in Sofia

Huge room and bathroom for a bargain price in a great location. Slept extremely well too.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2023

Jennifer

Very convenient location. View from my room is amazing ! Thank you !

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2023

Svetlana

Hotel itself is very nice and very affordable compare with closer to the center. Staff was nice, rooms are clean. Conveniently located. There are 3 supermarkets nearby (promarjet, Bella, lidl), coffee shops, other food stores, kiosks, authentic bakeries.

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2023

lee

Good location, about half a km from the main centre. Bit of noise from the road and the trams but not bad. Big room,

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2023

Christine

I found the property quite basic but safe and comfortable for a night.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2023

Amanuel

Everything was great!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Aug 2022

Nazig

Our one night stay was fine. Area is a bit sketchy but a quick walk to Vitoshka and NDK. Staff was friendly. Recommend for a short stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2022

Syed Asad

Perfect location to stay in Sofia.

Business_and_leisure

2/10

Poor

05 Jun 2022

Georgios

A week ago I stayed in this hotel for a night . Soon after my check in I realized that when you switch on the air condition , there is a water leaking in my room .The room was in the fifth floor and it was a warm and sunny day . I went down to the reception and the person who was there tried to avoid me , but eventually I managed to convince him to come and to see what is going on in the room . He asked me If I opened the window , because , in according with him that could be the reason for the water to insert in the room ( it was a dry and sunny day ,as I mentioned before) , I explained him that I didn't open the windows . Then I asked him to change room as it was very warm there and I needed an air condition and he refused. He brought a plastic kit which was placed below of the AC so that water won't drop in the floor ..He said to me that he is not an engineer and as such there is nothing he could do about the problem. He said that it is possible his boss to come after a while and to see the air condition , but it was obvious that he lies , and indeed nobody came again . Then he left from the room and returned in the reception .During our conversation I spoke to him in Bulgarian and for some reason he responded me in English . I visit Bulgaria all my life and used to live there . This man apart form the fact that he was unhelpful and rude ,for some reason he tried desperately to show me that he really don't care about the problem I faced as a client of this hotel .

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

03 Jun 2022

Georgios

They gave me a room in the fifth floor during a quite warm day in the end of May . I realized soon that it is not possible to use the air condition , because If I tried to switch it on ,water started to drop from it . I went immediately to the reception in order to ask for help and I found there a young man who initially didn't want to come at all and to see what is going on , but eventually I managed to convince him to come with me in the room. When he saw the air condition he asked me If I opened the windows , because , as he said that could cause water to insert in the room (?) and I explained to him politely that I didn't open the window ( the weather outside was good , it was a warm sunny afternoon ). then he went in another part of the building and he brought a plastic kit to prevent the water to fall in the floor and he placed it below of the AC .I asked him to give me another room as it was quite warm there , but he refused.he said to me that he is not an expert and he can not repair the air condition and there is nobody who could help . Then he said that may be his boss will come in a while to check the machine , but ,as I expected , that never happened . Then he just left from the room and he returned in the reception .For some reason which I don't understand I spoke to him fluently Bulgarian and he answered in English ( I speak Bulgarian with all my Bulgarian friends ) .The room was very warm .

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2022

Verified traveler

Modest hotel with helpful staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2022

Verified traveler

Pleasant stay

Reception staff kindly let us checkin a little early. Tall ceilings, well maintained. Lift.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2022

Dinka

The place is clean.I would use it again,but the wait for breakfast was very long.Keep that in mind when you go.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2022

Verified traveler

I was traveling from the states. I don’t remember how many times I have stayed there.
Good hotel, very good staff and great breakfast.

Thanks y’all

Business

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2022

William

Nice hotel good location close to the bus station and centre

Business

8/10

Excellent

06 Oct 2021

Demetris

Good location, friendly stuff very clean room. Good place to stay.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Sep 2021

Adam

Okay

Business

4/10

Poor

23 Sep 2021

keith

Nice hotel, needs to improve staff training

Very poor reception and customer service . poor standard, choice and service at breakfast . Nice clean large room,
Good position ,

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2021

William

Nice hotel very central

Business

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2021

Martin

Misleading pictures

They provide misleading pictures and information about their rooms on hotels.com In reality the room you get is half the size. Besides, the reception lies that the hotel is full when it is literally empty. Bad sound isolation so you can't expect a good sleep at night.

Self

2/10

Poor

18 Mar 2020

MICHAEL

Annoyed

I found no large towels to have a shower and at one stage only one hand towel. So I had to go a friend's home to have a shower. This was mentioned to reception on the morning I left

Business

8/10

Excellent

03 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Wifi connection is very very very slow but others are ok.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2019

LINDSEY

Warm clean rooms helpful staff, close to everything

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

15 Sep 2019

Hayden

The worse stay ever. The hotel is terrible and the staff is very aggressive. I left after 30 minutes of checking in, so you can imagine what did I find. The hotel refuse to cancel and refund any money. They claim that they are three star hotel so they can be dirty, aggressive and you should accept whatever they offer.

Business Self

2/10

Poor

02 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The property looks nothing like the photograph, let's just say that for now.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Clean, specious at great location. Cool stay in lovely city.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Good size comfortable room, however the restaurant was not available as advertised due to renovation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2019

Ollie

Very large room for the price and great hospitality from the staff at the facility.

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2019

Jack

Location is hood

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The Lion Hotel was good for the price charged, and the interior was in good condition, especially the corridors which looked to have recently been renovated, but the carpet in my room 31 was in need of replacing and the bathroom while a good size needed updating. There was not really any facilities to use as the adjoining Papaya café/ restaurant was shut due to refurbishment. The hotel is situated 10-15 minute walk of the central city area in one direction and a similar distance in the opposite direction to the main railway and bus stations. Very handy Metro stop right by the hotel entrance. Overall it is worth staying but the facilties are basic, but options if you do not mind a short walk.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Friendly staff, clean room.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2019

Ahsan

this is amazing hotel, with everything so perfect no problem no worries absolutely clean with friendly staff close to the metro and tram and stores, loving it will definitely go back again.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

location is great rooms are really nice
i didnt like that they do not have hairdryer in the bathroom
& compare to othe hotels in the same area they do not have coffee maker in room beside that everything is OK

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Still a great value. I'll return

They've changed breakfast to buffet. It's modest as buffet's go but a big improvement over the previous system. Still appreciate the great location near the bus station and metro.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2018

Dip

Nice location .... near metro station and central railway and bus station. Trams stop right outside.

Not luxury but good value for money .... bathrooms could do with upgrade

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2018

Geraldine

A difficult city

An unwelcoming city where we were ignored for service in a lovely restaurant near A. Nevsky Cathedrsl, and refused a ride back to hotel at taxi rank. A difficult city to enjoy. Hotel good an adjacent restaurant saved us.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2018

chris

lion hotel sofia

room was value for money well located within walking distance of the bus station and the city centre

Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

very good location. bed not like in order . room not like the order. very very low internt wi fi. the employees is very kind and helps

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2018

Linda

Great walking for solo

So interesting to find Roman archaeogosogists right at my from door. History everywhere

6/10

Pleasant

17 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Room had an infestation of flies on the ceiling

Felt uncomfortable to lie on the side of the bed with an infestation of small flies crawling around in the corner of the ceiling.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

convenient

very convenient to the metro. the air condition is noisy.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Fantastic hotel

Great hotel,clean ,comfortable ,quiet and an excellent location. Great friendly and above all helpful receptionist.

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2018

Dip

Lion

Excellent location at a budget price..... can’t complain really for where the hotel is......

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Pain in the back...

Negative points are for the bed, it's too soft and not confortable. The hotel is nice, clean and have really good location.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

The Metro is just outside door.

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2018

Gordon

Very Bulgarian!

Ideally situated, with a tram stop, trolleybus stop, bus stop and Metro station right outside and a short walk (10 minutes) to the main sights. Slightly 'tired' hotel but giving hints of a long and varied history. The staff were all very helpful. Other reviews had criticised the breakfasts - they were very simple but typically Bulgarian and I thoroughly enjoyed what was on offer; if you want the life style you have at home then it is best to stay at home. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to experience Sofia.

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2018

Neve

A nice place to stay

A nice and a new hotel and the staff was verry friendly.
A pleasant breakfast area, clean rooms.

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2018

Dip

For where it is (Lavov Most) and the price .... really can’t complain ..... good value for inexpensive stay

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2018

ILAN

Perfect Location Right on Lavov Most

A very clean hotel great location nice & large rooms freindly stuff
bus stop ,metro,trum all on spot

8/10

Excellent

28 Jan 2018

Steven

Excellent location, pretty central with excellent views over Lions Bridge.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2017

Jef

Good location. Tip top

It close to Metro within walking distance to Central Market Hall. Just one tram stop aways

8/10

Excellent

01 Oct 2017

Albert

Simple clean hotel reasonably central.

The Bulgars seem to have very little interest in tourism and are reluctant to engage with you, quite often rude ,off hand and ignorant, but occasionally someone will surprise you and be polite.
Food and accommodation are inexpensive and I was very pleased with what I paid for Hotel Lion. Reception is just a desk occupied by a staff who always seemed to be wearing headphones and in his own little world : polite and pleasant enough . Not all of them speak English . The lift is up a few steps just behind the reception. There is a coffee/drinks bar adjacent which was quite pleasant , but thats it ....no lounge , nothing like that.
The room was cleaned and changed daily . It was a reasonable size . Shower was good on heat and power but the enclosure was cramped and basically three sided so the tiled bathroom floor always got soaked. There was a fridge containing the mini bar . It would have been nice to have a kettle .
I had noisy neighbours with a dog in the flat next door .

6/10

Pleasant

30 Sep 2017

Bod

City central

The hotel is a bit faded but fine for the price. Very clean and close to the sights. A limited breakfast option but croissants are good. Only downside is that it's in a noisy location if you like a window open.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2017

Suzie

Great Hotel

Really great hotel with super friendly staff and really comfy beds. Location is not to far from main bouvelard with great shops and cafe's although back street shops and cafe's really worth visiting and the market which is close buy

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Good location

Arrived just before noon,was given a room on the top floor wich smelled musty and only had skylights so no view,i had booked a room with a balcony so returned the key and asked for what I had paid for.I had 2 wait 2 hours for next available room wich was on the 3rd floor and again no balcony but after the long wait and flight I took it. was told it had a nice view if you like looking out at the main road and kebab takeaway wich is open 24hrs and you can hear the noise all night.Breakfast is not good I ordered the English wich was nothing like a proper English breakfast the bacon and sausage were fused into the eggs toast only done on one side coffee was only half a cup full but if you ask for cappuccino you get a full cup.

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2017

Reinette

Nice hotel, convenient location.

I only stayed on night, it was comfortable and clean. Everything you could expect for the money.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2017

beddy

Good

I liked that it is close to bus station.
The hotel is in front of metro.
The Breakfast was also good.

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jul 2017

Yolanda

Location is excellent

The hotel is closed to everything in Sofia. Breakfast is included but not a buffet. I t is good value. The bedroom was very spacious and I loved the views from the window. Very quiet and clean. I liked it and apart from the unfriendly staff everything was great.

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2017

Paul

Excellent base to explore Sofia

A very good experience of the hotel, which added to a great time in Sofia.