Grand Hotel Italia

The walk to the old town is a bit much, but taxis are cheap and the ride takes only 8-10 minutes. We had a great balcony view, and breakfast was good. The place was spacious and very clean, with a huge gym. We also had an amazing couples massage, just remember to book ahead. Had a really good time here.

We skipped the pool and spa, sadly, but loved our two nights here with my partner and would happily return. The staff were polite and so helpful, the bar drinks were lovely, and breakfast was great. Our spacious room had a beautiful bathroom and a very comfortable bed, while the lobby felt fabulous and luxurious. The whole hotel is gorgeous and romantic. We couldn't have asked for a better stay, and I'd absolutely recommend it.

Getting from the parking garage to the reception or our floor was easy, since the lift goes straight up. The car park is large, both inside and out. The tricky part is driving into the indoor one: the slope is steep and our bumper scraped the ground at the rain drain almost every time. Going very slowly and diagonally over the gutter helped, but that entrance needs fixing. A car is really useful in Cluj Napoca. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a hamam and a salt wall room. It wasn't very busy over Easter, though the bar closed early or was shut on some days. The staff were polite and helpful, and breakfast was good. The decor felt a bit kitsch, and the room furniture was old-fashioned. We've stayed in better five-star hotels, but this was still a good experience. And do try the local brandy.

At breakfast, don't miss the chocolate cake. The hotel has an elegant, old-fashioned feel, with timeless charm and a calm atmosphere. Its location is perfect, and the panoramic view across Cluj-Napoca is stunning, especially after dark. The service was attentive, professional and high quality, which made the stay comfortable and refined. A lovely pick if you're after elegance, peace and a beautiful city view.