Little River Guest House — Hotel in Gabrovo

In this day and age it is not uncommon for people to use superlatives to describe something that might otherwise be considered fairly mediocre, but on this occasion I can assure the reader that all praise here has been well earned.

My partner happened upon the Little River Guesthouse whilst planning for our trip to Bulgaria; we had no idea it would exceed all expectations, and more!

Paul and Andrew are incredible hosts, they are warm, welcoming, respectful, considerate, thoughtful and very attentive, they made us feel relaxed and at ease within minutes of our arrival.

After a short tour of the property we were acquainted with our rooms, they were wonderful - nice modern bathroom, immaculately clean, with a wonderfully styled and decorated traditional Bulgarian room. The beds were supremely comfortable, and even though the daytime temperatures were in excess of 35 degrees C, the room was always a pleasant temperature.

We asked for dinner on the night of check-in, my partner informed me that they were well renowned for their delicious food, but nothing could have prepared us for the treat they had instore for us! Paul and Andrew had been notified that I couldn't eat wheat, with that they had carefully prepared dishes, even gone as far as making desserts and baked wheat-free bread just so that I could eat a full course meal and have an enjoyable breakfast - truly above and beyond any service I had experienced hitherto now. And the food was mouthwatering! It seemed to exceed even the finest food we have eaten before anywhere else, they are superbly accomplished chefs - the proof really is in the eating!

Our nights were relaxed and peaceful. Andrew or Paul would always offer a post meal coffee or tea, and conversations with them were easy, insightful and engaging - they really have nailed the art of being hosts.

The setting is picturesque, the sound of the Bulgarian evenings, with the owls, crickets and nightlife was mesmerising, making walks along the quiet country roads a delight. Equally, sleep was peaceful as there was little in the way of noise from the surroundings beyond the aforementioned wildlife.

I cannot recommend this guest house enough. We certainly intend to return, it was a treat, a true pleasure and one we hope very much to...

I spent a week here in October, in the most special guesthouse I've ever been to. The place itself is a delight - an old bulgarian house, cozy and beautifully decorated by the owners, yet doesn't compromise on modern comforts. The room was very clean and tidy, the bathroom was renovated, and the mattress and bedsheets were clearly of very high quality. It was cold outside, but the central fireplace warmed up the room, and it was very nice inside the house. I was prepared to have limited connection but had no issues with Wifi! I asked the hosts, and they said they upgraded to a different provider, so that upped even more the level of comfort. All that was great, but Maria&Nadia made it even better - It is apparent that they truly care about the experience of each and every guest. They were very kind and attentive and quick to suggest places to visit when I asked for help. I could only dream of this level of service in other places. The food is at another level - I'm usually not one for breakfasts, but here I was in anticipation every morning. I opted for some of the dinners, and they were very unique and delicious - Georgian, Middle Eastern, original dishes, all made with skill and care. One of the meals I had were with forest mushrooms that the hosts picked themselves that same morning! Maria&Nadia are extraordinaire cooks; I could've visited just for the food. All that praise is just for the experience that the hosts cultivated, but I can add that I really enjoyed traveling around - I visited Tryavna, Veliko Tarnovo, Village Etar, and more trails around Gabrovo that the hosts kindly suggested to me! The village had made for nice walks in the morning&evening, and the house is really in an ideal location for people who love nature, arts, and culture, without compromising on the quality of their living space. I had a truly unique and wonderful experience, thanks to Maria and Nadia! They've exceeded all expectations, and I'm very eager to come back...

My review of staying at Little River Guest House in September 2024, now under the new ownership of Mari and Nadya, is filled with only positive emotions! This place is simply wonderful, and with the arrival of the new owners, it has gained new life while preserving the cozy atmosphere we so dearly value.

Mari and Nadya have brought their own special, warm, and unique energy to this beautiful place. You can feel their kindness and attention to every guest. The cozy rooms, with their unique atmosphere, seem to be made for complete relaxation of both body and soul. We spent three unforgettable days here, enjoying the tranquility of nature and the beauty of the landscape.

The food deserves special mention – it’s simply top-notch! The breakfasts, prepared with love, are full of fresh products and original dishes that won our hearts. Evenings spent in the garden with a glass of wine and a view of the starry sky became some of the most memorable moments of our stay.

Mari and Nadya have wonderfully preserved the unique charm of this place – a blend of old Bulgarian atmosphere with modern comfort – while adding their own touch, making the stay even more heartfelt. There’s everything you need for complete relaxation here, from cozy spots in the garden to delightful walks around the surroundings.

If you're looking for the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, Little River Guest House, now under the care of Mari and Nadya, will be your ideal choice! We will definitely...