Zara Chalet

The spa, with its jacuzzi and sauna, was the one letdown for me. It was very expensive, and I think it should either be included for guests or offered for a modest fee. The rooms were cozy, clean, and pleasant. Breakfast had a good variety, and I really appreciated that most ingredients were homemade and locally sourced. Parking was included in the price, though the lot is small.

We always found a parking spot in the lot, despite what another review said. My favorite part was the lovely balcony view of Castle Bran from our deluxe room. It made my birthday unforgettable. My husband and I had a great stay. The breakfast was lovely, and the staff were such sweethearts.

Bran worked really well as a base for hiking. There are lots of mountains nearby, and some trails go right through the village. The hotel is also close to Bran Castle and local restaurants. We bought a bottle of wine there too, and they had a nice selection of Romanian wines. We spent five wonderful days at the Zara Chalet in Bran. The staff were so friendly, and our room was perfect, with a lovely balcony and a view. There are beautiful shared spaces both in the garden and indoors. Breakfast was included and outstanding, with plenty of sweet and savory choices and good coffee. We didn’t get to try the hotel spa because we were out exploring most of the time, but we will next time!

The view upgrade wasn’t worth paying extra for, since the view was only partial. Parking in the courtyard is limited, and street parking nearby is crowded and costs extra. You also need to give advance notice to use the spa. The rooms are very clean, have everything you need, and are decorated in a charming traditional style with local touches. Breakfast is generous and varied. It’s conveniently located near the castle.