Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»The top end (four and five stars) is usually a guarantee of Western European levels of
comfort and luxury. Expect in-room refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, climate control and
key-card door locks. Five-stars will usually have a pool or sauna. A double in a four- or
five-star hotel will run anywhere from 300 to 500 lei (higher in Bucharest).
»Three-star hotels hit the sweet spot between comfort and price. While three-star proper-
ties may not have pools or fancy fitness rooms, you can expect a well-managed property,
with well-proportioned, clean rooms, air-conditioning, en suite baths and in-room wi-fi. A
three-star double typically costs around 200 to 250 lei per night outside of the capital; 300
to 400 lei in Bucharest.
»Two-star and lower properties are usually only acceptable if saving money is the main
criterion. In many cases, these are unreconstructed holdovers from former communist
times. Furnishings and carpets are likely to appear frayed; beds will be uncomfortable and
appear worn. A double room at a two-star property runs anywhere from 140 to 200 lei per
night, depending on the location.
PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to a double room with a bathroom, including breakfast (Bucharest prices tend to
be higher):
Budget $
Under 150 lei for a double
Midrange $$
150 to 300 lei for a double
Top End $$$
Over 300 lei for a double
Pensions & Private Rooms
»A pension (
pensiune
) is a small, privately run guesthouse where you'll normally get a
clean, comfortable room and breakfast. Occasionally, you'll have the option to take half-
or full board (one or both main meals). These are usually good value and represent a more
atmospheric alternative to staying in two- or three-star hotels. Singles/doubles typically
run around 100 to 120 lei per room.
»One rung down from a pension is a room (
cazare
) in a private home. Many families rent
spare rooms in their homes as a way of supplementing income. You can spot these places
by a
'cazare'
sign in the window or by the homeowner holding a sign at the side of the
road or at the train station. While stays here can lend great insights into the lives of ordin-
