Romania - Eastern Europe - page 519

ambience. Furnishings are luxurious, but never grandiose, and while there's an antique
theme, there's no sign of frilly excess. Guest rooms are carpeted and decently laid out
in an approximation of what might be called “country antique style” and there's some
exposed brickwork to remind you of the building's pedigree. Mattresses are on the thin
side, and bathrooms aren't exactly enormous; if you want the tasteful ambience, but
also value your space, opt for one of the apartments, or—even better—try getting a
suite at Casa Rozelor (reviewed below). Note that there's no elevator, but there are
rooms on the ground level if you'd prefer not to deal with stairs; the upstairs doubles
are also smaller than those on the lower floor.
Pia$a Sfantului 19, Bra@ov. & 0268/47-7956. www.bellamuzica.ro. 22 units. L270 ($97/£52) double; L440-L540
($158-$194/£84-£104) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; breakfast room; room
service; laundry. In room:A/C (suites only), TV, Internet, minibar, safe, Jacuzzi (suites only).
Casa Rozelor Book now to stay in one of the three beautifully idiosyn-
cratic, design-conscious apartments that have been fashioned from the hull of a 15th-
century national monument, just a few steps from the center of the city. You'll not
only enjoy absolute comfort, surrounded by a glorious collection of antiques, art-
works, and bric-a-brac, but have a great deal of fun discovering the details of the in-
terior design, executed by the artist-designer Mihai Alexadru. Incredibly spacious, yet
made to feel like home, these apartments all have their own kitchen, dining area,
lounge, and bedroom; each of the spaces—including the fabulous bathrooms—is
unique and refreshingly original, an artful blend of classic or Deco elements with
modern artworks and contemporary details (wonderful bathroom fittings, flatscreen
TVs). They also have parquet flooring and exposed wood beam ceilings; suite no. 6 is
an upstairs-downstairs unit with its own spiral staircase leading to the bedroom where
there's also a private terrace, while suite no. 5 is a massive second-floor open-plan
space with another lovely balcony. Only opened in January 2006, Rozelor remains a
well-kept secret, but word is sure to get out, so don't dally with that reservation.
Str. Michael Weiss 20, Bra@ov. & 0268/47-5212 or 0747/49-0727. Fax [phone]. www.casarozelor.ro. 3 units.
100

Finds

($125) double. Rates include breakfast and all taxes. MC, V. Amenities: Room service; breakfast served in
room; laundry room. In room:TV, kitchenette, hair dryer.

€

Residence Hirscher As if concealing its identity, this alternative to the tra-
ditional hotel is identified by nothing other than a single brass sign at the entrance of
a stately late-19th-century Austro-Hungarian building; it's on Apollonia Hirscher
Street, just a short stroll from the historic center of town, but feels far away from it
all. Opened in late 2005, the sober neoclassical facade conceals modern interiors; with
just 12 large apartments, each with a lounge, bedroom, kitchen, and dining area, it
really is a “residence” rather than a hotel. With parquet flooring, decent furniture, and
relaxed, neutral tones, this is a great option for anyone who values space, peace, and
quiet. There are no hotel amenities, just a friendly full-time reception; apartments are
serviced daily.
Re@edin$a Hirscher, Str. Apollonia Hirscher 14, Bra@ov. & 0368/40-1212 or 0726/74-6402. Fax [phone].
www.residence-hirscher.com. 12 units. 80

Finds

€ ($100) double; 90 € ($113) double with 1 or 2 extra persons. DC, MC, V.

In room:TV, Internet, kitchen, tea- and coffeemaking facilities.

WHERE TO DINE
Bella Muzica MEXICAN/HUNGARIAN/ECLECTIC With a menu stretch-
ing the gamut of the globe—from fajitas and burritos to Romanian pork dishes—
you'll be excused from initial confusion. Added to the dilemma of trying to figure out