As promised here is a personal view of our recent trip to GS from 3rd till 17th June and some of the info you may find useful....This was our third vist to the resort the last time was back in 06 and also 05.

Things have certainly changed a wee bit as bars come and go, excursions are more expensive and new attractions are explored, or not as the case may be. But on the whole prices for food, drinks and gifts remain fairly stable. 1.5 lev to 2.00 lev for a small beer and 2.00 to 3 for a large depending on what you drink and where. Cocktails such as SOTB, Pina C, Tequila Sunsise etc etc range from 3 lev to 4.5 lev and in some bars BOGOF for around 9 lev is not uncommon.

Echange rates in the hotels seem very very low and border on the rip-off as 2 lev to the £ are very common with some giving 2.07 as a rule. On our return last night the bank rates were up to 2.28 in some cases so to get your sterling changed in one the the usual branches is a definet must. Street vendors are continuing to really screw the unsuspercting tourist with 'come on in' flashy rates on the outside but clever catches once you hand over your cash. ie, offer of 2.30 lev but you are then told it that is an average rate depending on how much you want changed...under a £100 will often see you only getting 1.85 lev in reality....BE VERY CAREFUL folks.

nb, the Raiffeisen Bank near The Admiral has moved. No longer situated opp The Gibraltar restaurant it is now 30mtrs passed the Admiral going north but still gives a good service. The atm often goes down as it gets emptied so take your passport if you want to use a CC inside at the desk...BUT, they do charge 10lev comm for 200 lev on your card if the atm is not operating. Flex cards are a must if you diont take sterling.

Food prices for main meals will range between 6-22 lev depending on your choice and many come with a free drink but the quality does vary greatly and what does seem cheap is often qualified by the final plated offering.

Excursions to the usual sites remain pretty constant and Balkan Tours will be for many a choice via your rep. They do not take Sterling anymore and you have to pay in Lev, by cash, or CC