Hello. i stayed in the Orchideja from the 19th- 26th august 2004.When we arrived we were greated by friendly staff who took our bags to our rooms. The rooms were very very clean. They were quite basic but they were lovely, and had a nice view of the beach. There were problems with the beetles, but they were harm less, and if you put a towl at the bottom of your door, they will not bother you. The maid service in this hotel is the best i have ever seen. They spend about an hour a day cleaning your room. They come every day and change the sheets, wash the floor, and generally tidy everything up for you. If you tell them that you dont need them to tidy your room, they get upset, as they seem to genuinelly enjoy theyre job. They are very friendly, hard working, and only make about £100 a month, and work about 12 hours a day. So on your last day, if you give them a tip, there are very happy. The pool is really nice, and you can use the magnolia pool aswell, which is just opposit. The only bad thing about the holiday was the food. There was a huge selection in the buffet, however, in bulgaria, they tend to serve the food warm, which gave a couple of people bad stomaches. There are lots of restaurants by the beach though, which have nice food, at very good prices.
The beach is only a few mins away. You can either walk ( about 10 mins) or get the little train which stops outside the hotel. The beach is amazing, loads of water sports. When we arrived the rep said that there were no jelly fish, however, when i went jet skiing ( £10) i went quite far out into the sea, and there were loads( so be carefull ! ) Lots and Lots of shops in albena, which all sell fake designer clothes, bags etc( very cheap Lousi Vuitton purses, £5 and are fake, but look real enough). If you are to take a taxi, you should agree the price before you begin your journey. The taxi drivers are very friendly, and it is very cheap to get a taxi. We took a taxi to Varna, and he dropped us off and walked us to the shops. He then asked what time we wanted to be picked up. When you go for your journey home, they arrive about 20 mins early just incase. The journey took 80 mins altogether, and cost us just £10. The driver dosent ask for the money untill the end of the journey either.
Albena is a lovely place to stay, and is suitable for both familys and couples. There is something to do for everyone, and i would go back there again. Hope this has helped someone : )
My one word of advise is.............dont go to the bowling alley. If youve been there you know what im talking about.

Stayed here first 2 weeks in August 04. Hotel clean but basic. Excellent maid service- lots of beetles during stay getting into room.I put tissue under door & maid replaced it on a daily basis. All inclusive bar stops at 11pm but you can continue to buy drinks. Pool is adequate & no problems getting sunbeds as extensive grassy area surrounding pool with plenry of trees for shade. Food rather repetitive & many people sufferinf from stomach complants. Rep blamed it on a bug in the resort but every else seemed OK. We blame it on the food being recycled throughout the day also squash coolers/water containers observed being refilled with tap water!!. Beach is 5-10 mins walk down some steep steps (162). At the top of these steps there is a small parade of shops at the end of which is Ninas' Restaurant. We spent many evenings here. Hospitality superb as was the food-Double steak,fries & trimmings for 14lev approv £5 your knife just melts through it. Also their bar never closes as they have a night watchman who will serve you once the staff have gone home. Sports on the beach are cheap. Approx £4 for banana boat,£15 for paragliding & £10 for 15mins on jet skis. Taxi drivers are excellent. Check with them before you book tours. Price they charge is for the taxi & not per person which can save a lot of money. Also they take you to your destination & either wait for a couple of hours or return at a time specified by yourself. They do not expect payment until the end of the return journey. This was our second time to Albena & we love the resort. Drinks in resort approx 3lev (£1) for a pint & 1-2lev outside. Whilst we will not return to the hotel we can wholly recommend the resort. Feel free to contact us.