The two Velingrad spa hotels are close in size, with 140 and 126 rooms, and both centre on an indoor mineral pool. The larger adds an aquatonic pool, contrast pools and a hammam for long spa days. The smaller gives sizes for its indoor and outdoor pools and adds mineral jacuzzis, which suits swimmers. Both welcome families.
At a glance
| Fact | Arte Spa & Park Hotel, Velingrad | Spa Hotel Sante, Velingrad |
|---|---|---|
| Check availability | Check availability | |
| Official category | 5-star | 5-star |
| Rooms on the hotel's own site | 126 | Not published |
| Board, Differs | Half board | Full board |
| Adults-only | No | No |
| Family-friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Address | 200 Yundola St, 4600 Velingrad | 1 Lenishta St, Chepino, 4600 Velingrad |
Not published.Official category is the national tourist register category.
The short verdict
Both hotels hold the top official category and both have a spa, so the choice turns on the spa features you want and how many of your meals you want covered.
- Pick Arte Spa if you want measured pools for swimming, with a 25.3 by 7.8 metre indoor mineral pool and a 22 by 9 metre outdoor pool, plus mineral jacuzzis.
- Pick Sante if you want the slightly larger hotel and a fuller spa circuit, with an aquatonic pool, contrast pools and a hammam alongside its mineral pool.
Location and getting around
Both hotels are in Velingrad, in Pazardzhik province. Arte Spa's address is 200 Yundola St, while Sante gives 1 Lenishta St, Chepino, with the same 4600 Velingrad postcode.
The two are on different streets, so ask each hotel how far it is to the places you want to visit, and whether you can walk there easily. It is worth asking early if you plan to spend most of your time away from the spa.
Ask about airport transfers before you book, and check the journey against your flight times. If you plan to drive, ask about parking and road conditions too.
Rooms and board
Spa Hotel Sante does not publish a room total. Arte Spa & Park Hotel gives 126 rooms and apartments. Ask each hotel which room types are free for your dates.
Ask each hotel about room types, sizes and family layouts, particularly if you need connecting rooms or space for cots.
The Board row in the table above shows the plan each hotel lists, and the two differ. As a general guide, HB usually covers breakfast and dinner, and FB adds lunch as well, which suits long days in the spa without heading out. Plans can vary by package and date, so ask the hotel what yours includes.
Spa and wellness
Both hotels have a spa, and both list an indoor mineral pool. Sante adds an aquatonic pool, contrast pools and a hammam. Arte Spa adds mineral jacuzzis.
A hammam is a steam bath in the Turkish style; for how the aquatonic pool works, ask the hotel. Contrast pools let you switch between warm and cold water. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor before using hot, mineral or contrast pools.
Ask each hotel about treatments, spa hours and whether spa entry comes with your room. Check age rules too, as some spa areas are closed to children or open to them only at set times.
Pools, spa and facilities
Sante lists a main indoor mineral pool, a large outdoor pool, children's indoor and outdoor pools, an aquatonic pool and contrast pools. For pool sizes, ask the hotel.
Arte Spa gives sizes for its two main pools: the indoor mineral pool is 25.3 by 7.8 metres and the outdoor pool 22 by 9 metres. It also lists children's pools and mineral jacuzzis. For the total number of pools at either hotel, it is worth asking before you book.
For swimmers, Arte Spa's measured indoor pool is the surer choice for lengths. For families, Sante lists children's pools indoors and outdoors, which helps whatever the weather.
If you need a gym, a kids' club or a choice of restaurants, ask each hotel what else is on site.
Who each suits
Arte Spa suits swimmers and anyone who likes to know pool sizes in advance, with a 25.3 m indoor mineral pool and a 22 m outdoor pool. The mineral jacuzzis suit a slower soak. It is a weaker fit if a hammam or an aquatonic pool is high on your list.
See the Arte Spa hotel page or check availability at Arte Spa.
Sante suits spa lovers who want more to move between, from the aquatonic pool to the contrast pools and hammam. Families get children's pools both indoors and outdoors. It is a weaker fit if you want pool sizes before you book, so ask the hotel if lane swimming matters.
See the Sante hotel page or check availability at Sante.
For other spa hotels in the town, browse Velingrad hotels.
Questions
Which is bigger, Arte Spa or Sante?
Ask Spa Hotel Sante which room types suit your stay. Arte Spa & Park Hotel gives 126 rooms and apartments. Size cannot be compared, so it should not decide your stay. Compare the spa features and the pools instead, as that is where the two hotels differ most.
Does either hotel offer all-inclusive?
No. Neither hotel lists an all-inclusive plan. The Board row in the table above shows the plan each one lists, and they differ, with one covering more meals than the other. Ask the hotel what its plan includes, whether drinks are extra, and whether it changes by package or date.
Which has the bigger spa or more pools?
Sante lists more spa features, adding an aquatonic pool, contrast pools and a hammam to its indoor mineral pool. Arte Spa lists mineral jacuzzis and gives sizes for its indoor and outdoor pools. Neither hotel gives a spa size or a pool total, so ask both before you book if those figures matter.
Is either hotel adults-only?
No. Neither hotel is adults-only, and both are family-friendly. If you are a couple hoping for quiet spa time, ask each hotel whether the hammam, jacuzzis or other spa areas have adult-only hours or age limits. Rules like these can change, so check them close to your travel dates.
Which is better for families?
Both suit families. Sante lists children's pools indoors and outdoors, and Arte Spa lists children's pools too. Sante does not publish a room total, and Arte Spa gives 126 rooms and apartments. Ask each hotel about family rooms, cots and whether children can use the spa pools, as rules on age and opening hours vary.
Does either hotel have a hammam?
Sante does. Its spa lists a hammam, along with an aquatonic pool and contrast pools. For Arte Spa, ask the hotel whether it has a steam room or hammam, as its own list centres on an indoor mineral pool and mineral jacuzzis. If steam matters to you, check before you book.