Hotel Philippopolis takes its name from the ancient city that lies beneath modern Plovdiv, the Roman Philippopolis, founded on the earlier Thracian settlement and named after Philip II of Macedon. A name like that sets expectations of a stay for history lovers, and Plovdiv delivers on the theme. Ruins are visible in the middle of ordinary streets: the stadium under the pedestrian way, the theatre on the hill, the fortress walls and the remains of old streets. After a day of sightseeing, a modest hotel with a local feel can be the perfect base, with a quiet room, a good breakfast and staff who know which cafes to try. Details differ between room types, so check the current position, facilities and rates when you book.
Staying here
Expect a smaller or mid-sized hotel with a reception, a breakfast service and rooms that range from compact to comfortable. In a city where old buildings are common, ask whether the hotel has a lift, how many steps lead to the entrance and whether air conditioning and heating are provided. A quiet room away from the street is helpful in the warm months when windows are open.
Location
Plovdiv packs several cultural layers into a small area. The Roman theatre is still used for concerts and performances in summer, the Roman stadium can be seen below the main pedestrian street and the Old Town hill is lined with National Revival houses with colourful facades and carved ceilings. The Kapana district offers bars and galleries, and the Singing Fountains and city gardens give a more relaxed side to the city. Many visitors use Plovdiv as a base for the Rhodope Mountains, Bachkovo Monastery and wine tasting around the Thracian lowlands.
Trade-offs
A modest hotel will not offer the resort-style extras of a large chain, and some services such as parking or a lift may be limited. If you want a spa, a pool and an on-site restaurant, check carefully or consider a larger hotel. The advantage is a more local feel and often better value, so compare prices across seasons.
Planning tips
Spring, early summer and autumn are best for walking. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobbles and polished stones, a light layer for evenings and cash for small cafes. Start at the Roman theatre early, before the heat, and plan a long lunch in the shade. Check the current details of your room and rate when you book, and ask the staff about local wine cellars and day trips.
A relaxed evening here might mean a glass of local red or white at a terrace in Kapana, followed by a slow stroll back through the lit streets, when the stones of the city seem to glow and the crowds have thinned.
Why stay here
- ✓Plovdiv location
- ✓Breakfast service
- ✓Reception staff with local tips
- ✓Comfortable rooms
- ✓History-themed setting
- ✓Walkable to central sights (check when you book)
- ✓Wi-Fi (check when you book)
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms (check when you book)
Good questions
Where is Hotel Philippopolis?+
In the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Check the exact position and distance to the Old Town when you book.
Is it good for history lovers?+
Plovdiv is rich in Roman and Revival sights, and most are reachable from the centre.
Does it have parking?+
That is not confirmed here, so check when you book.
