DOT Sofia - a zone of coziness, tolerance, and culture
Hello Lydia! Tell us a little more about yourself.
I have been working in the field of tourism for many years. I entered this industry quite by accident, and I really liked the idea of being useful to people and creating happiness, because hotels are a "happiness factory" :)) So, I continued my development in this direction. There were years when I had some hesitations, wanting to change fields - I had focused on management and processes in the company culture, but fate seems to have brought me back to where I feel extremely good.
How do you feel connected to DOT?
From the very beginning, I was extremely impressed by the concept - the idea of collecting in one place several things that are essential for the good and calm feeling of every person. The hospitality in the face of the hotel part, the delicious food with its aromas and colors, presented by the KOMAT restaurant, the Bulgarian contemporary art, which is invariably present in DOT Sofia and is part of our vision, and above all – the idea that this whole space is more like a home than a public building or hotel. Because of that, I feel DOT Sofia is like my place. Before I even understood the concept, I felt it when I met Pancho Georgiev. During my first meeting with him, I was impressed by his calmness. All the serenity that he possessed told me that we would accomplish something great in an incredible way.
In today's business processes, the individual is the most crucial asset. Without the right attitude, personal care, attention to detail, experience, wisdom, or shared values, lasting success is unattainable. DOT Sofia is a community, not just a hotel or a building.
For the customers, you are the face of DOT Sofia - what is the most important message you want to convey to them?
Above all, they enter a place that is a meeting point of common interests, a symbiosis between aesthetics, hospitality, good food, and contemporary art. A home, a house with a lot of comfort and peace. I really want the people we meet to feel that the care of this place is without compromise. We bring attention to the smallest detail.
Comfortable and peaceful garden apartments with an area of about 65 sq.m.
photo: Asen Emilov
If you had to complete the sentence: "When you enter DOT Sofia, you know that...", what would it sound like?
When you enter DOT Sofia, you know that you are at home - a zone of coziness, tranquility, tolerance, and culture.
The various components of DOT function as a cohesive unit—what are the primary driving forces behind this synergy?
The guests are the primary driving force. We are dedicated to ensuring they feel the ambiance of our hotel rooms, the comfort and aesthetic appeal of their surroundings, and the enchantment of contemporary art upon entering DOT Sofia. It is the guests who truly make everything special.
And on that note, what does it take for a team to work in sync?
First and foremost, I believe that friendship brings no harm. While it may not always be the paramount factor, and not all teams foster strong bonds among colleagues, I still view it as a significant advantage. Cultivating strong team relationships requires well-organized processes and efforts. Politeness, helpfulness, empathy, and tolerance—all these qualities are crucial for ensuring smooth operations. Perhaps I should have begun with the most fundamental aspect: for a team to function effectively, its members must genuinely love what they do. That sentiment resonates deeply within our team.
On every corner we uncover something intriguing—do you have a favorite spot?
I adore the entire building. It's challenging to choose a favorite spot. Throughout the day, my preferences shift - I find myself enamored with different corners at different times. I cherish each one for its unique charm. The sunbeams filtering through the shutter dots, casting patterns on concrete surfaces or white walls, hold a special allure for me. Occasionally, I find solace in entering one of the apartments, arranging flowers, or simply relishing the view from the balcony. Moreover, ascending to the penthouse and stepping onto the roof terrace is a particular delight—the panoramic view of Sofia in all its splendor has a remarkable ability to dissolve any stress. Every corner exudes beauty, and I feel privileged to work in such an inspiring environment.
Cozy and spacious studio with its own kitchenette and bathroom suited for a single guest or a couple.
photo: Asen Emilov
What makes staying at DOT such a unique experience?
We've poured a tremendous amount of care into crafting this space. We've deliberated extensively on what brings joy and relaxation to people, aiming to recreate this atmosphere at DOT Sofia and impart that feeling to our guests. It's a place where individuals can connect, socialize, feel at ease, and tantalize their senses. The surrounding neighborhood adds to this experience—the vibrant surroundings complement the minimalism of DOT Sofia wonderfully, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. It's more than just accommodation; it's an emotion, a warm encounter... You depart with a sense of relief from negative thoughts and newfound enlightenment. And, of course, all of this is accompanied with stories—about the place, about the art, about the people, about Sofia.
What's the most favorable feedback you've received from a client regarding DOT Sofia?
We've received numerous positive comments, but the most valuable feedback has been from guests who described their experience as feeling like home.
Be inspired - book your stay
DOT Sofia is located in close proximity to the Women's Market - the heart of Old Sofia, the historic center of the city, which for centuries was home to trade and markets. The building welcomes with a unique facade created entirely from corten-steel, which makes it an indispensable part of the atmosphere of the multi-genre district. The space is an intersection of a boutique aparthotel of 10 designer apartments, a penthouse with 360-degree views and a private roof terrace, Sofia's best new restaurant for 2023 - KOMAT, and a prestigious collection of contemporary Bulgarian art. DOT Sofia becomes part of the environment with the intention of developing both its identity and its capabilities.