I stayed at this hotel after reading its rave reviews from here and other sites. Its main appeal being the very appealing low room rates.

Location-wise it's not too far from the airport. From the airport costs 10 Lev and returning to the airport was less. However it's a slight walk to the town centre of Sofia...probably around 15-20 minutes depending on your pace.

The reception staff are exceptional. They are very willing to help as much as possible. We asked one receptionist to try and book a tour for us to visit the Rila Monastery from a leaflet we saw. She didn't do this, instead she called a taxi driver to drive us there for half the price of the original tour!

The rooms themselves are spacious and the beds were normal to sleep on. The red satin sheet complete with heart shaped cushion was slightly off-putting (stomach-churning) but was easily solved by stuffing them in the wardrobe. There is internet connection in each room (no wireless) and the cable can be obtained from reception. Every room (apart from ours) has a jacuzzi bath. We had one the 2nd time we stayed here, but it's nothing special. The best thing about it is the in-shower radio system. Also, with the water appearing slightly yellow in the tub, having a shower was more appealing. Every room has numerous light switches dotted about the room. It's quite a challenge working out which switch does what. If in the unfortunate event of a light bulb going out, you'll be pleased to know there are 50 other lights to counter the darkness..

Breakfast was probably the biggest disappointment at this hotel. The atmosphere of the breakfast room was rather dreary, and the food itself was poor to say the least. But for the price of the room, it's amazing that breakfast is even included.

To summarise, the California hotel isn't a perfect hotel at all, but it's got a great quirky character, which most people will love.

I stayed here for just the one night, but enjoyed it. As mentioned perviously, the rooms have got a jacuzzi bath, which is a nice and unusual touch. Staff were all very friendly and spoke great English. Was a bit outside of the centre, but the taxis are pretty cheap - get reception to order you one - I even used other hotel receptions when in the centre to make sure I got a legitimate one. One interesting part of the room was the lighting options - honestly there must have been about 20 different settings - down light, up llights, spot lights, border lights. The Starship Enterprise has an easier control panel.

There are a few down sides to the hotel. Curtains are light & don't quite cover the windows - could bother some people. Breakfasts are a bit on the weak side, a few pieces of cheese, some cold meat and that's about it. Could have been a bit more imaginative.

But overall - visit this hotel, you'll really enjoy it

We only stayed here one night while visiting Sofia. Hotel was lovely with big bed, nice furniture and jacuzzi bath, very nice!!! We had a nice view of the Vitosha mountain from our window. I particularly liked the lights above the bed on the ceiling, was very romantic. Fridge was well stocked with drinks and snacks but they did not actually matched the list provided. Also there was a condom in the bathroom bin but apart from that the rest of the room was very clean. Breakfast was ok, selection of cheeses, juices, pastries and eggs, ham and baklava.

Our arrival to Sofia was exactly on the day in which elections took place in Bulgaria (5.7.2009). In spite of the flyers and the elections signs and despite of the bad maintenance situation of the roads and the sidewalks, it was very impressive to see the cleanliness of the streets.

The hotel situated in a quiet neighborhood. Not in the center but also not very far.
We used the taxis that were ordered by staff of the hotel that arrived within seconds.
The price to the center was, around, 5 leva (2.6 Euro).

Hotel California has number of room types. The standard rooms like one we ordered and the more high level. The room we received was relatively small and the impression was quite disappointing. No place to the suitcases. There was a curtain that did not manage to cover the window. The remote control of the television did not work properly. There was not curtain in the bath.

We requested to upgrade the room with additional price. After we returned from the city, we were surprised to find that we will be passed to upgraded room without addition.

The upgraded room was indeed in different level. It was Very spacious. The sitting area had a big couch. There was large balcony and bathroom with Jacuzzi. The room fits hotels in the highest standard.

Unfortunately the hot water pressure in the Jacuzzi was weak and there was difficult to shower (our room was in high floor). We were offered to change an additional room, but we loved the room and preferred to remain, within expectancy that maintenance people will repair the problem while we shower in hard conditions. Until we left, the problem was not repaired.

The internet connection was wonderful. The cleanness was spotless. The towels weren't the softest but good enough. The staff was very friendly, efficient and wants to assist especially the manager.
The breakfast that includes variety of products was Reasonable. If you will arrive late, it is possible that part of the products will be absent. There isn't a problem, ask and you will receive all you need.

All in all we would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel but in the upgraded room and noticed the water pressure, hopefully it was fixed.