Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ary people, they often also mean sharing a bathroom with the family and having little pri-
vacy.
»Private rooms, in our experience, work best in a rural or farm setting, where the homes
are decorated in traditional rural style and where the stays can include hearty meals and
authentic extras like visits with shepherds, hikes or horseback rides.
»Several organisations operate throughout Romania to promote agritourism schemes.
We've listed the websites of the best ones here (see boxed text, this page). Expect to pay
50 to 80 lei per person per night, not including meals.
Hostels
Hostels in Romania are not as well developed as in other European countries. Large cities,
like Bucharest and Braşov, do have several, good-quality private hostels. These typically
have group kitchens, laundry facilities, computers or wi-fi, and engaged, English-speaking
staff to answer questions. We're big fans of these places and have listed the best of them
as per destination.
Outside a handful of big cities, though, the concept of a youth hostel means something
quite different. These hostels are often open only from June to August and are located in
university dormitories or other institutional spaces that have been repurposed as seasonal
lodgings. Don't expect kitchens, internet connections or English-speaking receptionists.
What you'll usually get is a student dorm with a shower down the hall, and that's about it.
We've included the best of these in this guide. Local tourist information offices will also
be able to provide information.
Camping & Mountain Huts
»Camping grounds (
popas turistic
) run the gamut between a handful of nicely maintained
properties in scenic areas to grungy affairs, with wooden huts packed unattractively side-
by-side like sardines. Bare mattresses are generally provided and sometimes you have to
bring your own sleeping bag. We've listed the best of these, but have omitted properties
that don't meet basic standards.
»Often a better bet is camping rough. Wild camping is technically prohibited in parks and
legally protected zones, but outside these areas you will rarely be disturbed, provided you
exercise discretion, stay quiet and leave the area pristine when you leave. Wild camping
can be great along the Black Sea coast, particularly in places like Sfântu Gheorghe or
Vama Veche that attract a younger crowd looking to escape the big resorts.
»In most mountain areas there's a network of cabins or chalets (cabanas) with dormitories
and occasionally restaurants. Prices are lower than those of hotels (about 30 to 40 lei for a
