Not only has the Kempinski got a new General Manager, Christian Ruge, it also has a new Executive Chef, Nikola Todorov. Nikola’s childhood dream was to become a chef and he has not stopped pursuing his goal. He graduated from the Professional School of Tourism in his home-town of Varna, majoring in Culinary Arts. He […]

The Shopska salad, The Bulgarian culinary tradition, is now the signature dish of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko. Bansko regulars will be very familiar with the national culinary icon; the Shopska salad but, like me, will not know it’s history FULL DISCLOSURE: Kempinski Grand Arena are sponsors of Bansko Blog, whilst I never recommend anything […]

The Grand Arena Hotel Kempinksi in Bansko is a landmark building representing a modern Bansko. Its scale, its roof line and woodwork reflect an architecture that is more sympathetic that many of the other new buildings. Due it’s location and five star status, The Kempinski Grand Arena Bansko plays a flagship role in the fortunes […]

Orlando Stefani has seventeen years experience in the hospitality business including six years as a General Manager. He is the first interviewee of a regular series to be posted here on Bansko Blog. Orlando Stefani, a Swiss national, has been with the Kempinski group for more than ten years, in three continents. He has been General Manager in Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Bansko […]

The Bansko ski season officially opens on Saturday 17th December, and I’ve just been informed by the Kempinski Grand Arena in Bansko some interesting news. News, that is almost as exciting as fresh snow — the prospect of winning a super sexy Audi A1 motorcar. You must act NOW. Go to banskoski.com to register — just 900 participants. […]

As I pulled the car up outside the Kempinski Grand Arena, Bansko I was greeted with a smile, and an offer to take our bags out of the car. When asked about parking, I was offered a 5 lev a day option. This is summer time and I replied…  “Alternatively I can park across the […]