Bucharest had seen a huge development in the last 30 years (especially after the 1989 revolution). This meant plenty investors looked into the city and it’s real estate market. This created a very nice accommodation scene both for business and tourism.
The construction boom during the 1920s and 1930s (when Bucharest was often called “Little Paris” mainly due to the architecture) left plenty of valuable pieces of architecture that are now back in focus for real estate investors.
Most big hotel chains are present in Bucharest, some invested in historic buildings and turned them into something that resembles museums rather than a hotel.
We’ve made a short selection (probably first of the many) of places that definitely worth staying in (or at least having a coffee in the lobby if we’re speaking of hotels).
An absolutely spectacular building that used to be the biggest private bank in Romania during the 30s.
The building went through extensive restoring and opened back in 2021 as a hotel.
The good news is that you can still enjoy the grandeur without booking an accommodation. We love the bar built in the bank’s vault that still holds its original vault door (just turn right immediately you’re in through the main door). Also, the lobby is spectacular and always nicely decorated for holidays.
A real palace built in 1902 and restored in 2000 to an unique luxury boutique hotel. The building is spectacular and was fully decorated in line with the beginning of the 20th century aesthetics.
It’s located on a hill (one of the few in Bucharest) and offers amazing views to the central area of the city.
Definitely worth booking even for one night if you enjoy the belle epoque type of decorations and feeling.
Another spectacular building from the late 19th century transformed into a boutique hotel that will take you back in time.
It’s located in an area of the city center that’s often gets neglected by tours and that had been under heavy reshaping the last years (especially to make it very walkable). The villa is absolutely stunning and discreet at the same time.
Definitely worth a shot, especially if you like a quiet area in a very busy city.
Getting a bit out of the Belle Epoque side of Bucharest, this is a gem for any 60s architecture lover. It’s been part of the Intercontinental group for over 50 years, so many locals still refer to it as Intercontinental Hotel.
It’s one of the tallest buildings in the city (note that Bucharest doesn’t have too many due to the earthquake prone area) and the views are amazing.
Ask for a South-view room on one of the top floors to fully experience it. There’s also a spectacular pool area on the top floor.
We end this selection in style with one of the oldest hotels in Bucharest – Grand Hotel du Bulevard. It’s been there since 1871 and it’s the first hotel in Bucharest that had running water.
The building had different functions during the communist Romania and gone through an extensive 10 years restoration, set to open April 2025.
It’s an impressive building located on the main historic streets in Bucharest – Calea Victoriei.