Here’s the scoop and a quick tip on lodging to get everyone off and running…
When most of us come in to Bucharest as a transient, we’re 9 times out of 10 going to be booking a hotel. I myself have used booking.com as a tool to get some great deals on hotel rooms, but of course, have been shocked by the reality of an establishment once I’ve “arrived”. Be careful to not book last minute via a walk-in to the hotels around here, as the published prices on the placards behind the desks often indicate the highest prices possible, and lo-and-behold, that is what you are charged. Quite often the “affordable” rooms are “occupied” as well. So be careful, book ahead, and print your receipt for presentation. We don’t get paid for recommending booking.com, it is simply the engine that has worked the best for us many times over. If anyone hears of one that works better or provides better deals then comment on this post. We’d love to have all that information available to us.
If you’re really in a pickle for getting reservations, or need a quick update on your choice for lodging, drop me a line at trevor@bucharestexpat.com and I’ll help you out.
We will be posting a great resource (classifieds & Sub-contractors) here for short term rental properties, so keep your eyes peeled for that later on. Short term rentals are a great option for the longer stay, or even the expat who has yet to lay down some roots. But be weary here, as you will need a local contact to meander your way through the paperwork jungle of Bucharest paperwork if you are serious about renting (sometimes apartments don’t just come with a “simple” contract).
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Best bets for the business traveler is going to be the following:
If you need to be close to either Baneasa or Otepeni Airports, go for the Phoenicia Grand Hotel. You can’t miss it, next to the OMV petrol station the first left after Baneasa coming into town. Staying here is great bang for your buck, and you’re right about the posted room rates vs. the real rates. Book online here for good rates and print the reservation to show the desk clerks. The rooms are nice and they function well. The bathroom has decent towels and comes equipped. This is not ultra-luxury, but you will feel as though you get what you pay for when proximity to the airport is a must. Restaurants okay, but not wowing, and the espresso in the lobby bar isnt that bad either. They have three wi-fi routers downstairs in the lobby for excellent signal. No wifi that works worth a crap in the rooms though.. must plug in.
Now if staying in the city is your thing, then stay clear of the ever-hyped Mariott and Intercontinental. They suck in my opinion. The Intercon is outdated and geared towards foreigners (clearly) and the Mariott is a complete waste. it’s only for the who’s who (or who thinks they are) to park their cars out front in the car park for display. The room rates are ridiculous for the services offered, the staff is ungodly rude, the rooms are decent, but again… NOT WORTH THE MONEY!! Yes, everyone knows the Hotel and where it is (behind the Palace, but consider yourself good enough to not need the image boost. Oh, the Lebanese restaurant downstairs is great though for a night out for dinner…lol.
So where is the best place to stay in town? The two hotels on Victoriei. The Novotel and the Radisson. Novotel has great modernistic rooms, with an excellent spa, sauna, and lap pool. The bar in the lobby has some excellent cocktails that won’t hurt your pocketbook. The Radisson, also on Victoriei, offers more sumptuous rooms, with out of this world beds, a well appointed bathroom, the wifi works, the staff is friendly and helpful, the restaurants are great and everything is well worth the price.
Novotel:
37B Victoriei Str., Bucure?ti, 010061, Romania
+40 21 308 8888
Radisson:
Calea Victoriei 63 – 81, Bucure?ti, 010065, Romania
+40 21 311 9000
Again.. be sure to book in advance or get reservations… BuchExp is right,, they will get you in the pocket on a walk-in!