We, Dutch couple en route by train to Istanbul, stopped over in Sophia with some misgivings about the city and Bulgaria, probably fed by the frequent news in the Netherlands on activities of Bulgarian (petty) criminals. The direct neighbourhoud of the station (even though station very impressive Soviet-era) seemed to confirm our fears. But our view changed quickly. Hotel Aris just a short walk from station very good value for money, very friendly staff, and in nice quiet neighbourhood not far from city centre (excellent small restaurant around the corner, too). Sophia turned out to be very interesting: city centre full of interesting sights and sites, surprisingly European atmosphere, friendly people, and good food for small prices.
Marcus, Amsterdam

stayed here for 3 nights with 11 others on a stag trip. its walkable from center about 10-15 mins, casino princess is right by it, which is handy. aris is clean, and the beds ok. staff were friendly enough, (despite us making lots of noise in the early hours) if you looking for a quiet romantic hotel, forget it, (probably forget sofia actually!) but for a 'boys' trip, you wont go far wrong here. breakfast is poor though.

The best place in entire Sofia for vacation,business and relaxation.I travel a lot across the Europe and i stay in a lot of different hotels but in Bulgaria,Sofia the Aris hotel is the best for staying,nice personal,nice rooms etc...I recommend this hotel to all people who are coming to Sofia to stay in this hotel. I am more than satisfied and give the hotel a five star ratting.....

My experience here was summed up by my polite request to the receptionist for an iron and ironing board so I could iron my shirt, she rudely denied the hotel possessed such items, shouted at me when I persisted and got one of the manager's goons to stand over me intimidatingly. After 15 minutes of arguing, during which I insisted they must have an iron somewhere, she finally went up in the lift to the cleaning cupboard on 2nd floor and produced said items. Instead of being embarrassed at having been blatantly shown to have been lying, she shouted at me "Are you happy now?" and snarled something in her native tongue, which I don't expect was complimentary. The rooms were clean, but considering they weren't particularly cheap for this part of the world were small, three to a room (one on a futon). The bathroom was a broom cupboard-sized wet room with shower, toilet sink, everything got saked when you showered. Also I wouldn't describe this as centrally-located, being about 10-15 mins walk away from the centre of town, it's also located next to an ugly council block in a really shabby street.