This week I did not think long before choosing a hotel to present to your attention. Because this place left me no choice.

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you close your eyes? Is it a sunny beach, a beautiful painting, or are you just imagining what would it be if you got a nose job? OK, I'll stop here because I am afraid this is getting weird. Well, the picture that comes to my mind is something I saw in Ruse – Anna Palace Hotel.

Let me first tell you something about the history of the place. It was built in 1888 by architect Valsamaki and was intended to be a residence for a well-to-do merchant called Dina Bebis. In 1906 a tragic incident occurred and Bebis had to leave the city and he sold the property to Hugo Shoberman, the owner of the first modern taxi cabs in Ruschuk (the former name of Ruse). In 1910 Hugo lost the property in a game of poker – that story turned into a city legend.

Since then, the building has changed many faces. It was used as the building of the Italian Consulate, then the Austrian Consulate, and then the Romanian Consulate. It used to be a Nature and Science Museum, then it turned into the headquarters of the Bulgarian Hunting and Fishing Union. In 2001 businessman Ivan Milev bought the building and started restoration work on it in September. Then, on 9 April 2003 Anna Palace Hotel opened doors.

Don't forget that the hotel is situated in Ruse. If you haven't visited Ruse, you have to do it! It is a beautiful city on the river Danube, which also serves as the a border between Bulgaria and Romania. I personally love the place. I remember it inspired me so much I wrote an entire collection of poems while staying there.

It is the fifth largest city in Bulgaria and there are so many things to do there. It is known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, which attracts many tourists

But poetry belongs to a different article. Now back to more down-to-earth matters. Anna Palace is a magnificent place. The lobby's walls are decorated with artwork and lit in mysterious green. There are single rooms, double rooms and luxurious suites, all with telephone, satellite TV, internet access, and AC. You can choose between a bath tub or a shower cabin in your bathroom.

The restaurant can seat up to 100 people in its 4 sections and summer garden, in which by the way, one can enjoy a fantastic view of the River Danube. In other words a perfect combination of atmosphere, great cuisine, and a a collection of wine and spirits.

Prices are more than reasonable. Rates vary between 30 and 60 euros per person, depending on the type of room you choose.

The hotel is of course part of the Authentic Bulgaria selection.

That is all from me this week. I hope you are enjoying our journey around the Authentic Bulgaria Hotels as much as I do. Don't forget to join me next week as well, when I will be ready with another temptation for those of you wishing to explore every corner of beautiful Bulgaria.

By Zornitza Rizova