The two Bansko hotels differ mainly in facilities. The first gives 157 rooms, including suites, four pools and a 1,200 m² spa, which suits travellers who want plenty to do off the slopes. The second has one indoor pool, ski hire and a ski school, which helps beginners and anyone hiring kit. Both are family-friendly.
At a glance
| Fact | Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Bansko | MPM Hotel Sport, Bansko |
|---|---|---|
| Check availability | Check availability | |
| Official category | 5-star | 5-star |
| Rooms on the hotel's own site | 157 | Not published |
| Brand, Differs | Kempinski | MPM Hotels |
| Board | Bed and breakfast | Bed and breakfast |
| Adults-only | No | No |
| Family-friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Pools, Differs | 4 | 1 |
| Ski access in the hotel's words, Differs | ski-in/ski-out (opposite the gondola) | ski-in/ski-out, next to the gondola |
| Address | Pirin Street 96, 2770 Bansko | 100 Pirin St, 2770 Bansko |
Not published.Official category is the national tourist register category.
The short verdict
Both hotels hold the top official category and list the same board plan, so the choice comes down to size, pools and how you like to spend your time off the slopes.
- Pick Kempinski Bansko if you want the larger hotel, with four pools, a 1,200 m² spa, a snow room, a kids' club and tennis.
- Pick MPM Sport if you prefer a smaller hotel with a 24 m heated indoor pool, ski rental and a ski school among its facilities, and a Montessori kids' club.
Location and getting around
Both hotels are in Bansko, and both give their address on Pirin Street. Kempinski Bansko lists Pirin Street 96 and MPM Sport lists 100 Pirin St, with the same 2770 Bansko postcode.
Each hotel places itself by the gondola. Kempinski Bansko says it is opposite the gondola, while MPM Sport says it is next to it. If you will be carrying skis or walking with small children, ask each hotel how long the walk from the door to the gondola takes.
Ask about airport transfers before you book, and check how the journey fits your flight times. If you plan to drive, ask about parking and road conditions for your dates as well.
Rooms and board
Kempinski Bansko gives 157 rooms, including suites. MPM Hotel Sport does not publish a room total.
Ask each hotel about room types, sizes and family layouts before you book. It matters most if four or more of you are sharing, or if you need connecting rooms.
The Board row in the table above shows the plan each hotel lists. As a general guide, BB covers your room and breakfast, so lunch and dinner are yours to arrange. Ask the hotel whether other plans are sold for your dates, and what time breakfast starts if you want to catch the first lifts.
Ski access
Both hotels describe themselves as ski-in/ski-out. Kempinski Bansko adds that it is opposite the gondola, and MPM Sport that it is next to it. These are the hotels' own descriptions, so ask each one how it works in practice: which run brings you back, and how far you walk at each end.
MPM Sport lists ski rental and a ski school among its facilities. That can save a trip to a hire shop, and it helps beginners and children starting lessons. For Kempinski Bansko, ask the hotel about ski hire, lessons and ski storage before you travel.
Lift passes, run openings and snow cover change from year to year. Check them with the hotel or the ski area close to your dates.
Pools, spa and facilities
Kempinski Bansko lists the larger wellness offer. Its spa covers 1,200 m², and it lists four pools: an indoor pool, outdoor pools and a children's outdoor pool. The spa also has a jacuzzi and a snow room, and there are fitness facilities.
Beyond the spa, Kempinski Bansko lists a kids' club and tennis. Ask about kids' club ages and hours, and whether the outdoor pools are open and heated for your dates.
MPM Sport keeps things simpler. It lists a 24 m heated indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, saunas and fitness facilities. A 24 m pool is long enough for proper lengths after a day on the slopes.
For children, MPM Sport lists a Montessori kids' club. Ask which ages it takes, when sessions run and whether places need booking ahead.
Who each suits
Kempinski Bansko suits travellers who want a bigger hotel with plenty to do off the slopes, from the 1,200 m² spa to tennis. It also works for mixed groups where some ski and others spend the day in the spa. It is a weaker fit if you want a smaller hotel, and if ski hire in the building is a must, ask before you book.
See the Kempinski Bansko hotel page or check availability at Kempinski Bansko.
MPM Sport suits skiers who want a smaller hotel with ski rental and a ski school among its facilities, and families drawn to a Montessori kids' club. Its heated indoor pool works well for swimmers. It is a weaker fit if you want several pools or a large spa to fill rest days.
See the MPM Sport hotel page or check availability at MPM Sport.
You can also see how Kempinski Bansko compares with another hotel in the resort, or browse all Bansko hotels to widen your search.
Questions
Which is bigger, Kempinski Bansko or MPM Sport?
Kempinski Bansko gives 157 rooms, including suites. Ask MPM Hotel Sport about its size if scale matters to you. Kempinski also lists more pools, four against one, and a 1,200 m² spa. Ask which room types are free for your dates.
Does either hotel offer all-inclusive?
No. Neither hotel lists an all-inclusive plan. The Board row in the table above shows the single plan each one lists, which covers breakfast only, so plan where you will have lunch and dinner. Ask the hotel whether other plans are available for your dates and what each one includes.
Which has the bigger spa or more pools?
Kempinski Bansko has more pools, four against one, and gives its spa size as 1,200 m². MPM Sport lists a single 24 m heated indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi and saunas. If a like-for-like spa comparison matters to you, ask MPM Sport for the size of its spa before you book.
Is either hotel adults-only?
No. Neither hotel is adults-only, and both are family-friendly. That suits families, but couples hoping for a calm spa should ask each hotel whether the spa or pools 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, so it depends on what your children need. Kempinski Bansko lists a kids' club, a children's outdoor pool and tennis. MPM Sport lists a Montessori kids' club, ski rental and a ski school, which helps if children are learning to ski. Ask each hotel about club ages and family rooms.