Rila Hotel Sofia | City stay in Sofia | Book Now

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Key details

About the Hotel

6 Kaloyan Str., Sofia, Bulgaria, 1000

Close to the city center

Very good

7.9

7.8

/10

4.0

3.3

Loved by Rila Hotel Sofia guests

Attentive staff
Renovated rooms
Comfortable bed
Central location

"We were in a renovated penthouse apartment; it looks really nice, great view on Sofia and Vitosha."

Javor from Switzerland

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"The room was spacious and provided with a TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, kettle, 2 complimentary coffee tea."

Jacob from India

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"Just finished a week skiing holiday staying at the Rila hotel, Borovets."

Gary L from United Kingdom

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Location

Rila Hotel Sofia is situated in downtown Sofia, between Vitosha Boulevard, the Presidency Building, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Major cultural attractions such as the National Opera, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and the National Palace of Culture are within walking distance. The hotel provides easy access to numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping areas.

Accommodations

Rila Hotel offers a diverse range of rooms, including Junior Penthouse Apartments, Deluxe Twin Rooms, Superior Queen Rooms, and Corner Penthouse Apartments. Each accommodation merges comfort with functionality, designed to meet varied guest needs. Guests can enjoy city views from spacious terraces in select rooms.

Dining

The hotel's restaurant includes a dedicated lab for food research, showcasing culinary innovations. Guests can start their day in the bright breakfast room with a capacity of over 80 people. A terrace offers an ideal setting for a tranquil morning meal.

Business Facilities

Rila Hotel features six conference rooms with capacities ranging from 25 to 70 seats, equipped with essential technology like multimedia projectors and microphones. The hotel organizes coffee breaks, working lunches, and cocktail menus tailored to professional events. All requests for event organization receive prompt follow-up within 24 hours.

Historical Significance

With a history spanning over 55 years, Rila Hotel has hosted millions of guests, leaving a rich legacy of experiences. Eyewitness accounts mention tunnels linking the hotel to important state buildings in the area. This historical connection adds a unique aspect to the guest experience.

Highlights

Location: Downtown Sofia, near cultural sites

Accommodations: Junior Penthouse Apartments available

Dining: Lab for food research at the restaurant

Business: 6 conference rooms with professional equipment

Must-do experiences

Visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at dusk for great photos.
Try the traditional Shopska salad at Restaurant Sasa for a local delight.
Stroll through the vibrant Central Market Hall for fresh produce and snacks.
Explore the lesser-known Museum of Socialist Art for a unique perspective.
Catch a performance at the National Palace of Culture for culture and fun.

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Shine on SocialsInsta-worthy design

“Beautiful design hotel in the centre of Sofia.”

Alexandra from United Kingdom

Explorers, Not TouristsSofia's vibe

“I got a balcony overlooking a square, sometimes some street musicians played their instruments making a wonderful vibe for me”

MissHK2009 from China

Away at HomeHome comfort

“The room was tidy, warm and comfortable.”

laura

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Economy Twin Room Not Renovated

2 persons

250 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

Air conditioning

room details

Economy Triple Room Not Renovated

2 persons

280 sq. feet

3 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Junior Suite

2 persons

445 sq. feet

3 Single beds

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Renovated Superior Queen Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Very good

7.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Car hire
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Night club

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Rila Hotel Sofia, the dining options blend modern flair with rich international flavors, making it a delightful spot for casual coffee breaks, business lunches, or intimate dinners. Whether indulging in a diverse array of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes or savoring grilled delights, guests are invited to experience a culinary landscape like no other.

Lege Bar and Dinner

International, European, Grill/BBQ

Ambiance

Modern and stylish setting perfect for both relaxed gatherings and elegant evenings.

Key Offerings

Sample diverse dishes featuring Asian influences alongside traditional BBQ, complementing the meal with finely crafted cocktails. Ideal for both social gatherings and special occasions.

Reservation

Recommended.

Hours vary.

KOTO Restaurant

Modern Cuisine

Ambiance

Contemporary dining space emphasizing a dynamic atmosphere.

Key Offerings

Delight in seasonal and eclectic menu choices that celebrate fresh flavors and culinary innovation. Perfect for lively dinners and casual meet-ups.

Reservation

Recommended.

Hours vary.

Rila Hotel Sofia Location

6 Kaloyan Str., Sofia, Bulgaria, 1000

Map view

6 Kaloyan Str., Sofia, Bulgaria, 1000

City landmarks

Church

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

3600 ft

Market

Central Sofia Market Hall

2400 ft

Park

Borisova gradina

1.0 mi

Event hall

National Palace of Culture

4800 ft

Museum

National Institute of Archaeology with Museum

2600 ft

Bridge

Eagle Bridge

5200 ft

Landmark

Russian Church St Nicholas

2200 ft

Mosque

Banya Bashi Mosque

2100 ft

Landmark

National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria

3000 ft

Museum

National Museum of Natural History

2100 ft

Stadium

Vasil Levski National Stadium

4400 ft

Monument

Monument to the Tsar Liberator

3300 ft

Event hall

Central Military Club

2400 ft

Church

Saint Sofia Church

3400 ft

Landmark

Sofia University Saint Kliment Ohridski

4100 ft

Landmark

Lake Ariana

1.0 mi

Nearby

Museum

Regional History Museum

2000 ft

Park

City Garden

1100 ft

Theatre

"Ivan Vazov" National Theater

1500 ft

Monument

Soviet Army Monument

1900 ft

Gallery

National Art Gallery

1600 ft

Park

Doctor's Garden

700 ft

bul. "Vitosha" 2

Sofia Court House

800 ft

Vitosha boulevard

1600 ft

pl Sveta Nedelya

Holy Nedelya Church

900 ft

Church

Church of St Petka of the Saddlers

1600 ft

Church

The Rotunda Church of St George

800 ft

SofiaBulgaria

Monument to the Unknown Warrior

1000 ft

Square

Statue of Slaveikovs

1400 ft

Church

Ancient Orthodox Church Saint Parascheva

400 ft

Restaurants

Wok to Walk

1000 ft

8 bul. "Vitosha"

Dream House

700 ft

ul.Alabin 50 Floor 1

Casa de Cuba

700 ft

1-3 Tzvetna Gradina Street Helzinki Square

Dobrevi

700 ft

Restaurant Pizzeria Slavyani

700 ft

bul.Yanko Sakazov 72

Coffee Shop

700 ft

Ul. 11-Ti Avgust 13

Hesburger Sofia Center Alabin

700 ft

ul. Peotr Vl. Alabin 29

KFC

1000 ft

ul.Angel Kanchev 2 Garibaldi Square

Da Nino pizza food

900 ft

Bulevard vitosha 4 Angolo via alabin

Explore Sofia

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

14 minutes' walk

Iconic Orthodox cathedral with stunning architecture. A must-see for its elaborate frescoes and impressive dome.

Borisova gradina

20 minutes' walk

A sprawling park perfect for leisurely walks or picnics, featuring gardens, sports facilities, and serene lakes.

National Palace of Culture

18 minutes' walk

Cultural center showcasing art exhibitions and theaters, notable for its unique architecture and vibrant public events.

City Garden

4 minutes' walk

Charming park near key attractions with sculptures and a playground, ideal for relaxing strolls or family time.

Biking at Borisova gradina

20 minutes' walk

Bike rentals available in the park for exploring its scenic trails. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Sofia Spa Treatments

15 minutes' drive

Local spas offer relaxation with various treatments. Ideal for guests seeking rejuvenation after a busy day.

Wok to Walk

4 minutes' walk

Casual eatery specializing in fresh wok dishes. Quick service with customizable bowls for all dietary preferences.

Casa de Cuba

3 minutes' walk

Vibrant Cuban restaurant offering authentic dishes and lively ambiance. Perfect for a fun night out.

National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria

11 minutes' walk

Prestigious venue hosting opera and ballet performances. A cultural highlight for arts enthusiasts.

Ivan Vazov National Theater

6 minutes' walk

Historic theater known for dynamic performances. Offers a lively atmosphere for both classic and contemporary plays.

Getting around

City Centre

Sofia4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Sofia (SOF)18 min · 7.1 mi

Train

Sofia Central Bus Station21 min · 1.1 mi

Underground

Serdika5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of BGN 20 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the Rila Hotel's amazing central location, making it easy to walk to attractions like St George's Rotunda and the cathedral of St Nedelya, as well as the main shopping district. Many appreciate the renovated rooms, often described as spacious and clean, with amenities such as a coffee machine, free water, and sometimes a balcony offering breathtaking views over the city and Vitosha mountains. While most find the rooms well-equipped, some guests have mentioned very firm beds. the hotel is considered a great value choice for exploring Sofia.

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Review score

Based on 1088 verified reviews

7.4/10

Very good

72%

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Staff

8.5/10

Breakfast

7.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Pros

Great location

Renovated room

Hall design

Cons

Weak WiFi

Small bathroom

Andreas from Germany

Single

Renovated Superior Queen Room

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:September 13, 2025

9/10

perfect locationgreat view

The location was perfect! It made visiting the city easy, with many restaurants nearby. I enjoyed the large window in my roomwith great views.

The socket in the room was slightly loose, but still usable.

0 Helpful

Nico from Germany

Single

renovated superior queen room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 08, 2025

9/10

free watercoffee machinecentral location

the room had a free water supply. the coffee machine was convenient for a quick refreshment. also, the central location provided easy access to many attractions.

the shower design allowed some water to spill onto the bathroom floor.

0 Helpful

julia from united kingdom

Single

renovated superior queen room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 07, 2025

7/10

decent stay in a convenient location

great locationconvenient locationrenovated roomsuperb designpedestrian streetold decorcommunism timenot keptpoor maintenance

the hotel is in a great spot near the metro station. my room was one of the renovated rooms with a superb design. the main pedestrian street was only a short walk away too.

the room i had did not look like the pictures shown online. it looked old and had decor that seemed to be from the communism era. i also noticed the room was not very well-kept.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Rila Hotel Sofia

Does the hotel provide any parking facilities for guests?

30 October 2023

Hotel Rila Sofia does not have its own parking. However, the surrounding area is under 'Blue Zone' parking regulations, which is free from 19:30 to 08:30. There is a small paid parking lot nearby at a rate of 15 BGN until 12:00 the next day, but reservations are not possible. A guarded parking garage is available 350 meters away for 24 BGN per day. Guests can obtain more information at the reception.

Is there an airport shuttle available during the early morning?

30 October 2023

A private airport shuttle can be arranged at any time upon request. The cost is 25 EUR per car for a one-way trip, accommodating up to 3 passengers.

Are there lifts available for guests to access the rooms?

29 October 2023

Yes, guests have access to three lifts that connect to all guest rooms, along with stair options.

Is it possible to store luggage after check-out?

28 October 2023

Guests can store their luggage at the reception for a few hours after check-out, ensuring convenience for their travel plans.

Are hairdryers and irons available for guests?

27 October 2023

Guests can request both an iron with an ironing board and a hairdryer from the reception at any time.

What options are available for breakfast, particularly for dietary restrictions?

26 October 2023

The buffet breakfast features over 45 items, including various gluten-free and dairy-free options to cater to different dietary needs.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

25 October 2023

Pets are welcome, specifically in the economy rooms, with a cleaning fee of 5 BGN per day for cats. A request must be made in advance.

What nearby attractions can guests enjoy while staying in the hotel?

24 October 2023

Hotel Rila is centrally located close to key cultural sites such as the National Opera, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, all within walking distance.

Can you provide information on the available conference and event facilities?

23 October 2023

The hotel offers six conference rooms with capacities ranging from 25 to 70 seats, equipped with modern technology. Options for catering, including coffee breaks and meal services, are also available.

Is there outdoor space for dining or relaxation at the hotel?

22 October 2023

While the hotel does not have its own garden, there are two restaurants nearby that feature lovely outdoor terraces for dining and relaxation.