Redefining hospitality in Bulgaria: The rise of the bleisure lifestyle

What lies in Sofia for 2025 and Kitchen59? A glimpse through the eyes of our General Manager.

When it comes to breaking the mold in hospitality in Sofia and Bulgaria in general, few do it as boldly as Kitchen59. Positioned at the intersection of vibrant design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional service, Kitchen59 is setting a new standard for what travelers can expect from a hotel stay.

Let’s see how the team behind Kitchen59, who has been with the project since its inception and live by the slogan “Bold Hospitality”, reshapes the hospitality landscape and what it means for today’s millennial-minded traveler.

What Inspired the vision behind Kitchen59?

“Travelers today want more than just a place to sleep—they want an experience that feels fresh, personal, and connected to the world around them. We wanted to create a hotel that does exactly that. From day one, the idea was to challenge the traditional hotel model and keep things simple but edgy. Why settle for ordinary when you can have something memorable, exciting, and full of personality?”

Kitchen59’s design reflects this philosophy. The bold interiors, playful accents, and rooftop pool and bar are all part of a radical approach to hospitality. “It’s not about excess; it’s about delivering value in a way that surprises and delights our guests.”

How does Kitchen59 meet the needs of modern travelers?

“Millennials and today’s global travelers are all about flexibility, technology, and meaningful experiences. They want it all, but they also want it delivered seamlessly. It’s about status, but a quiet one. Our brand equity is quite strong now and matching it up to what the guests want. We’ve integrated smart solutions to streamline the experience while keeping the human touch central to everything we do.”

From hassle-free bookings to a staff that’s as energetic as the brand itself, we have designed our “kitchen” to cater for those who value high-tech convenience paired with vibrant, people-first service.

What sets Kitchen59 apart in a competitive market?

“There’s no denying that the hotel industry is crowded, but specifically for our geography and demographics Kitchen59 isn’t just another option – it’s a standout. Our rooftop pool and bar are buzzing with life, offering some of the best views in Sofia, co-work options and quite cool events. Our rooms are very very simply designed to thoughtfully blend style and function. And let’s not forget the good price point – hihg-end in feel, but accessible to all. After all price is what you pay, value is what you get, and I think we’ve positioned ourselves very well for now.”

Sustainability also plays a big role. Eco-friendly practices are embedded into our operations, but we never sacrifice style or comfort. Guests can feel good about their stay without compromising on the experience they deserve.”

Where do you see the future of hospitality heading?

“Tough question. I think there are two worlds. 1. General international trends and specifically Bulgaria as a market. I think locally the future is about personalization, innovation, and creating spaces that feel alive. Hotels need to be more than just functional – they should inspire. And industry that’s been idle for a while here in Bulgaria slowly wakes up and should adapt to meet the modern generation needs. At Kitchen59, we want to lead that charge, combining bold design, smart tech, and an unwavering commitment to top-notch service. Boldy pioneering new ideas and concepts.

2. Internationally I think the world of AI and hotel autonomy is elevating the industry and hotels are becoming more and more aware of techonology adoption and becoming self-sufficient which might finally lead to breaking the chains from OTAs and other technological giants who made the industry very dependant on them in the past 10-15 years. Intersting times lie ahead, we’ll wait and see.”

But back to Bulgaria , we believe that Kitchen59 isn’t just keeping up with trends – it’s setting them. For the traveler who demands style, substance, and affordability, this is a place that checks all the boxes.

What would you say to people who are just about to discover you?

As the bleisure lifestyle continues to take off in Bulgaria, and now being fully integrated in Schengen I think Kitchen59 is at the forefront of this exciting movement. We’re trying to to position ourselves agressively for EU travellers and for everyone else who feels the winter depression coming, we’ve launched a hot sale of 15% off all room bookings. I think even during the grey and gloomy months people should experience what it means to truly redefine your stay in Sofia and try something fresh.