Romania - Eastern Europe - page 496

blonde wood dramatically offset by touches of red or orange). It's worth paying the
little extra for suites that come with balconies or splash out on the sumptuous pent-
house apartment, which affords a panoramic view of the surrounding neighborhood.
If that's taken, never mind; all the accommodations are still wonderfully spacious. Not
a huge array of facilities but the small, smart breakfast room and tiny garden terrace
should suffice.
Pia$a Romana, Str. Caderea Bastiliei 35, 010615 Bucharest. & /fax [phone] or 021/311-8196. www.hotel
unique.ro. 15 units. 124

($174) junior suite. Rates include breakfast and taxes. Weekend rates
may be cheaper. Internet may offer lower rates. MC, V. Amenities: Breakfast room; coffee bar; terrace; limited room
service; laundry; airport transfers. In room:A/C, TV, Internet, minibar, tea- and coffeemaking facility, hair dryer, safe,
DVD on request.

€ ($155) double; 139 €

Rembrandt Hotel Compact and utterly chic, this Dutch-owned bou-
tique hotel is the personal top choice in the city, with gorgeous contemporary guest
rooms, comfortable beds, and welcoming staff. It's also located slap-bang in the cen-
ter of the city, across the road from the National Bank of Romania, another gorgeous
city monument. Just 15 rooms are squeezed into an almost impossibly narrow slither
of carefully restored downtown real estate, but the Rembrandt has, in just a few years,
come to define the spirit of renewal and rejuvenation that Bucharest's historic Lipscani
District has been crying out for. Accommodations are beautiful; simple and sleek,
they're done out with wooden floors, fabulous white linens, and Art Nouveau light fit-
tings. When Ethan Hawke was in town to support his mother's local charity organi-
zation, he'd checked into the Rembrandt before the media were even aware of his
arrival—it's that discreet and unpretentious. If you don't mind having a slightly
smaller room, note that there's one top-floor unit with a private balcony from which
the spectacular views of the city stretch as far as the Parliamentary Palace. Rembrandt
is near a wide range of lovely restaurants, and is perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Note that rates are more than 10% lower at weekends.
Str. Smârdan 11, Bucharest. & 021/313-9315. Fax [phone]. www.rembrandt.ro. 15 units. 81 € -91 € ($101-
$114) tourist double; 93

Value

($154-$179) business double. Rates
include breakfast and taxes. MC, V. Amenities: Bistro; bar; laundry. In room:A/C, TV, DVD and CD player, Internet,
minibar, hair dryer.

€ -113 € ($116-$141) standard double; 123 € -143 €

Residence Location aside (Residence is in the north of the city, within
walking distance of the Arcul d'Triumf, but you will have to catch a cab to see other
top sights), this is one of the best small hotels in Bucharest. Wood floor passages lead
to carpeted guest rooms decked out in smart bamboo furniture (making them thor-
oughly unique in Bucharest) with wrought-iron beds; they're spacious and, by local
standards, lovely. Public spaces are an eclectic combination of contemporary and neo-
classical elements; there's a relaxed atmosphere that makes this Residence feel homey
and inviting. Note that the “Garden Restaurant” is actually indoors, and there is no
garden; the terrazzo-style dining area at the front of the hotel is a popular meeting spot
for locals and visitors.
Str. Clucerului 19, Bucharest. & 021/223-1978. Fax [phone]. www.residence.com.ro. 35 units. 90 € ($113)
double; 100

Value

($150) suite. Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; fit-
ness center; travel services; airport transfers; laundry. In room:A/C, TV, Internet, minibar.

€ ($125) studio; 120 €

INEXPENSIVE
If you don't mind foregoing room service and the like, a good way to save money is
to rent an apartment; just make sure you're not located too far from the action.