Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Just 6km north of Gheorgheni on the road to Topliţa is the tiny village of Lăzarea (Gy-
ergyószárhegy in Hungarian). Dating from 1235, the predominantly Hungarian village is
dominated by its 16th-century
castle
(adult/child 13/10 lei; 9am-5pm Tue-Sat)
, on the
rim of green forested hills. It was to Lăzarea Castle that Gábor Bethlen, later to become
prince of Transylvania (r 1613-29), came seeking solace following the death of his son in
1590. There's a small museum and views of the area and the neighbouring monastery
from the bastions.
Sleeping & Eating
Lázár Panzió $
( 0730-118 703, 0266-364 446;
www.lazarpanzio.ro
; Str Fürdö 3; s/d 78/98 lei; )
Just 30m west of Piaţa Libertăţii, these 15 citrus-yellow rooms have plenty of space, cable
TV, reading lights and fresh en suites. There's also a restaurant downstairs and cafe-bar
(try the gypsy steak). Central and great value.
HOTEL
Rubin Hotel $
( 0266-365 554;
www.rubinhotel.ro
;
Str Gâbor Áron 1; s/d incl breakfast 100/120 lei;
)
Rubin has high ceilings and 18 colourful rooms in an early-19th-century building.
There's internet in the reception, a welcoming restaurant and you can even get a massage
here (30 lei per half-hour) after using its gym.
HOTEL
Astoria $
( 0266-362 333;
www.astoria-hotel.ro
;
Str Două Poduri 2; s/d 80/100 lei; )
Two
hundred metres down a crumbling one-way street from the church on Str Márton Áron,
Astoria boasts contemporary rooms with slick en suites, fresh white linen and cream
walls. Ask for a double room in the turret for the best views. There's also a swanky res-
taurant ( 10am to late) with a wood-fire oven.
HOTEL
Cafeteria Marzipán $
(Piaţa Libertăţii 15; mains 5-10 lei; 8am-10pm)
Secreted in a courtyard next to Rubin
Hotel, this is a pleasant spot for an alfresco cappuccino and slice of cake or pastry.
CAFE
