Went to Golden Sands for a two week holiday in July 2003 with Hubby and two daughters aged 4 and 7 in tow, not really knowing what to expect, although was prepared for it to be fairly basic. We were more than pleasantly surprised - the hotel was absolutely lovely, our room in particular well exceeded expectations with lovely decor and the bathroom was great with a huge walk-in shower, which was ideal for showering the children every evening. I guess we were very lucky however, as we met another family when we were there and their room, which was on the other side of the hotel wasn't half as nice as ours. The common parts were clean, bright and modern, the reception staff helpful. The food in the hotel was what we now know to be typical of Bulgarian hotels and sadly it's not good, which is a shame because outside the hotels the food in the restaurants is excellent, so why the hotels can't get their act together I don't know (on a more positive note, it's so cheap to go to Bulgaria on a half board basis with prices equal to self catering in other destinations that you just eat out anyway!). The pool was nice but we thought it could have been cleaned more often and be prepared to pay for sun loungers and umbrellas! The Resort of Golden Sands itself is fabulous and there's lots and lots to do in the evening especially for the children with bouncy castles, pleasure boats etc. Theres also loads and loads of stalls selling cheap, if not genuine (if you get my drift) T'shirts, bags, trainers, watches - well you name it! If you get the chance go onto the galleon boat (now a restaurant) where we had the best steak we've had in years for next to nothing. Beware, if you're a bit prudish there are some ladies of the night knocking about later in the evening. You just need to remember that Bulgaria is a pretty new destination, and they're trying so hard - the people are very helpful and friendly, it's just some things are still a bit rough around the edges - but hey it must be great because we're going back again this year to Sunny Beach this time. Just go with an open mind and a healthy sense of humour and you'll have a great time.