Romania - Eastern Europe - page 495

EXPENSIVE
Hotel Cap@a Beautiful chandeliers sparkle in the all-marble lobby of this his-
toric hotel, signaling to all its long and distinguished pedigree. Established by Grigore
Cap @ a in 1852, it was here that the first U.S. Embassy was housed between 1880 and
1884. Emperors, kings, statesmen, and Francis Ford Coppola have been guests here,
and it still bears discreet references to significant political events that were decided in
meetings held here by the country's leaders in times gone by. More gracious and bet-
ter priced than a number of similarly comfortable Bucharest hotels, its guest rooms are
spacious, with high ceilings and carpets, wall-mounted chandeliers, antique armoires,
and plaster molded detailing. If it's important, specify whether you'd like a tub or
shower. And bear in mind that Cap @ a has excellent specials during quiet periods, so
look out for last-minute deals.
Calea Victoriei 36, Bucharest. & 021/313-4038. Fax [phone]. www.capsa.ro. 61 units. 200 € ($250) double;
225 ($19) per person. MC,

V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; fitness center; sauna; massage; hairdresser; room service; laundry; courier. In room:
A/C, TV, minibar.
Lido Hotel Operating since 1930, this grand old hotel is a good alternative if the
Hotel Capsa is full, or has suddenly raised its rates substantially. Guest rooms, done
out in faux-Venetian style with painted wood and a pale color palette, are comfortable
enough but have a slightly faded feel; while these could do with a refurb the bath-
rooms are looking good, with combination tub/shower. One of the best reasons to stay
here is the spectacle of city life from the tiny balconies overlooking busy General
Mageru Boulevard—pure Bucharest (depending on your fancy, the housekeepers, who
all seem to resemble supermodels and work in ridiculously short skirts, are another).
B-dul General Magheru 5, Bucharest. & 021/314-4930. Fax [phone]. www.lido.ro. 119 units. 240 € ($300)
double; 345

€ -450 € ($282-$563) suite; 490 € ($613) apt; 600 € ($750) imperial suite. Breakfast 15 €

($431) suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; brasserie; breakfast room; bar; fitness center; massage;
sauna; Jacuzzi; salon; room service; laundry. In room:A/C, TV, minibar, hair dryer.
MODERATE
Hotel Opera After a major renovation in 2002, this small hotel—right in the
center of town—has emerged as one of the best options in the city, given its location
and price. Decorated with an assortment of music-related items, antiques, and lovely
sepia photos of '50s Bucharest, Opera offers smart yet sensible lodgings, with spacious
guest rooms. Bathrooms are equally comfortable; standard doubles have showers, so
you'll need to book a suite if you prefer a tub. At weekends, when rates are reduced,
it may be worth forking out a little extra for one of the junior suites, each named for
a different opera. There's no in-house restaurant, but staff can point you in the direc-
tion of something suitable, or you can order meals to your room. If you're in the mood
for company, you can join the locals who while away their time playing backgammon
in the lobby bar.
Str. Ion Brezoianu 37, Bucharest. & 021/312-4855/7. Fax [phone]. www.hotelopera.ro. 33 units. Weekday/
weekend: 150

€

($244/$188)
junior suite. Rates include breakfast and VAT. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Breakfast room; lobby bar; fitness room (from
2007); car rental; business lounge; room service; laundry; airport transfers at 20

€ /130 € ($188/$163) double; 175 € /150 € ($219/$188) executive double; 195 € /150 €

€ ($25). In room:A/C, TV, Internet,

minibar, tea- and coffeemaking facility, hair dryer, safe.
Hotel Unique Small, intimate, and contemporary, this boutique hotel
opened in 2006, but looks set to join the ranks of the city's best. There are just four
guest rooms and one suite per floor, all with sleek, contemporary styling (white and

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