Grand Hotel Sofianu

It is a beautiful restauration of an old building, generous spaces, has all the modern amenities, almost an art museum, very well administrated as a hotel

After driving the Transfăgărășan this is the perfect end to the day. It's a little off course if you're heading back to Bucharest, but well worth the extra 30 mins drive. I was a little skeptical as we drove there - the roads are a little bumpy, the "towns" a little sketchy, and it feels like you're driving into nowhere's land, but then you make it to the city and are pleasantly surprised (aka relieved). The hotel sides onto a park, the staff was great, room was big as was the bathroom. We had dinner downstairs on the patio which was wonderful (ask for a local wine call Stirbey - white was phenomenal, rose not so much). Breakfast was nothing to rave about, but what you'd expect from a buffet. They also have a pool and saunas - we checked it out, but didn't use it., looked clean though. I don't usually leave Expedia reviews, but felt the need to share my experience at this little gem.

I am forever charmed by this hotel. To think that I made the booking by mistake and I ended up in paradise, is just the cherry on top of the cake. So beautiful, so well situated, surrounded by nature, in all its splendor. The staff is extremely sweet and knowledgeable, a trait specific to all Romanian hosts. Mihaela, from the breakfast buffet tried extra hard to heal my migraine and succeeded! We were given all the attention in the world, by all staff members. The previous night, one of the waiters offered to get me some medicine from a pharmacy. I was just overwhelmed with this kind of treatment and kindness. Everybody spoke highly of the owners, which is so rare and admirable! The pool is excellent and the rooms and corridors have an old charm, that only big palaces used to exhibit. All in all, I am absolutely enchanted!

Better than expected