HYBRID BETWEEN A DESIGN HOTEL AND MEGA RESTAURANT
LOCATION
Hey, how can we transform a former socialist mall into a hotel? That was a dilemma the team at the architectural bureau Sundukovy Sisters must have mulled over when designing The Emporium Plovdiv – Mgallery. The former supermarket Evlompia is located within spitting distance of Plovdiv’s city centre and was a favoured shopping mall among locals. The building from the eighties features a typical brutalist design. The building is tucked between residential skyrises from the same era that still serve as textbook examples of careful urbanist planning with numerous green surfaces and playgrounds. This residential district is very close to the city centre, which gives the hotel a competitive edge. Following a thorough and radical architectural intervention during the coronavirus crisis, the former mall transformed into a luxury hotel, home to one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, Torro Grande. Location is the hotel’s key advantage, offering easy access to all landmarks within Plovdiv.
ACCESSIBILITY
The second largest Bulgarian city is connected to the rest of the world by highway and railway. Guests are happy to learn the hotel offers a secure parking lot, while the railway station is only 1.5 kilometres away. Train connections are great, and the motorway between Plovdiv and Sofia, 155 kilometres away, is well-maintained. You will need about two and a half hours to reach Plovdiv from Sofia by fast train. Given the frequent bus connections, Flixbus seems like an excellent choice. You can easily stroll the city on foot or by bicycle. We even recommend taking a taxi, as they are relatively cheap and found all over town. Arriving by plane is theoretically possible, yet with only a dozen connections, the city’s air accessibility is underwhelming. A few low-budget airlines cannot improve the generally poor air accessibility.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The team at Sundukovy Sisters approached the renovation of the former mall with an eye for detail. Their architectural bureau has cooperated with the Accor hotel chain several times before. Still, this project was a tough nut to crack. They excelled, nonetheless, creating stunning public areas, including the hotel lobby and entrance. The deluxe rooms are just as impressive. We were less impressed by the “smart room” that appeared perhaps overdesigned and made us feel confined due to the small space, even though it was technologically advanced. Still, the architectural details deserve praise. Concrete honeycombs adorning the ceilings of the hotel, a homage to the once instantly recognisable feature of the shopping mall, immediately caught our eye. The selection of materials is world-class. Architects brilliantly revamped the façade but kept some of its patina intact. The verdure entrance turns heads, and guests feel compelled to spend hours on end in the library in the lobby or the elegant champagne bar crowned by an eclectic fireplace. Emporium Plovdiv’s praiseworthy, intimate interior is surpassed only by the incredible beauty of the renovated radically brutalist architecture.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
We dined in Torro Grande restaurant, which centres its broad offer on fusion dishes, including sushi. As we have learned from experience, restaurants that offer a hefty menu with pictures should generally be avoided. As anticipated, the cuisine was mediocre (mixed grill, mixed emotions). Still, it seems the pleasant interior of the restaurant is enough to keep locals returning. The entire restaurant is divided into three parts: Torro Grande, Torro Boulevard and Torro Premio. The latter is also a breakfast hall, where we had high hopes. Eagerly expecting an à la carte menu to deliver, we were disappointed by the underperforming service, barely edible eggs benedict and microwaved French pastries. We expected much more from breakfast with a price tag fixed at 20 EUR per person. In a five-star hotel, the dishes should at least match those in the qualifying round of a Masterchef show. The staff generally seems disinterested or even inexperienced. It is a shame the cuisine leaves a poor impression. Excellent architecture does not guarantee a superb stay.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
We stayed in the “smart room”, which is not the most spacious. Nonetheless, a slew of designer tricks and excellent furniture make up for the confining feeling. In addition, the high ceiling, a piece of heritage from the former mall, leaves a good impression. The centrepiece is a quality bed where you can get some shut-eye. A black wall supports the TV (who watches it these days?), functioning as a diving wall behind which guests will find the bathroom. The bathroom features a slick design and an innovative sink and faucet, but their functionality is questionable, given the water is sprayed all over. The mirror is equally unfunctional. A golden ornament exudes exclusivity on the trending coarse concrete walls. Laminate flooring and cherry wood elements add to the luxurious feel. One of the room’s advantages is the digital management of all devices that work flawlessly. The shower, too, can be managed digitally. The room is definitely advanced, as advertised, but we suggest you opt for a slightly larger room if possible (a superior room).
Meetings centre
A smaller conference room is located just behind the reception desk. It can be divided into two smaller halls. The hall can accommodate up to 50 attendees. The lobby is also home to an executive meeting room for 12 people. Our eyes were fixed on the hotel atrium, as its design reminds us of Danish hygge-style terraces that can transform into outdoor venues in the summer months. The Torro restaurant can be rented for events and complements the boutique meeting capacities.
DESSERT – The extras
The small spa and fitness centre provide a welcome retreat from Plovdiv’s hustle and bustle. You can also arrange a massage and various treatments according to agreement.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Although the digital gadgets in the room were very useful, the light disturbed us during the night.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The central lobby mimics a Roman forum, where guests can drink champagne, focus on work or revel in the design. We found it the perfect zen place for some remote work and relaxing.
SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
Accor hotel chain has launched numerous sustainable initiatives, even though this hotel does not directly share its green aspirations, apart from the usual notes reminding guests to help preserve the environment and only change towels if necessary. Nonetheless, the renovation of the decaying shopping mall is a socially responsible activity in and of itself. The centre has been given a new lease of life. Judging by the sheer number of guests, it is doing well again.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
We cannot ignore the debate about hotel stars. Once a hotel has five stars, it must deliver a world-class experience. In this light, hotels in the five-star category are like clubs playing in the Premier League, where every mistake is scrutinised. Although The Emporium Plovdiv boasts a fantastic architectural design, the rest of the offer is only satisfactory. Despite its technological innovation in the rooms, not everything runs smoothly. As always, the essence of the hotel is in the service. Unfortunately, this hotel comes short in that respect. We hope the hotel leaves a more memorable impression next time around.
FINAL GRADE: 4.71 SILVER City Meeting Hotel
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
