Hotel Belmont

We spent Christmas Eve here and had a wonderful time. There was a gym, pool and spa, and our spacious room came with a balcony and amazing views, plus a minibar, robes, slippers and other amenities. They had traditional Romanian dancers for the occasion, and dinner featured traditional Romanian food. Breakfast had loads of choices and was great. We loved every minute.

The restaurant food was tasty, though some details were off: the pasta arrived a little cold, and the fries tasted like they had been cooked in oil used for fish. The grilled sweet potatoes also had a meaty taste, probably because they were grilled after meat without the grill being cleaned properly. The hotel itself is very nice and high-tech, with great views if you book the right room. There was also a constant noise from the fish water installation, which was inconvenient.

We couldn't sleep well because of unexplained noises in the rooms at night. Even the handyman couldn't work out what caused them or fix the problem, and it added to the creepy, poorly maintained feel. Meals were another letdown: dinner had very few choices, and when we politely asked about a simple omelet, the staff responded with cold faces. The coffee was cold too, and dining there felt embarrassing, as if nobody wanted to make even a minimal effort. The worst part was a 200 Euro charge for a small chip on the door frame outside our room. We were accused of causing it, but no evidence was shown and the charge was imposed without approval or discussion. The only possible way it could have happened was through our disabled friend's wheelchair. When we asked to see camera footage or any other proof, they refused. The owner's treatment of us was horrendous, shady and unprofessional, the sort of behavior you'd expect from a 1-star dump, not a place pretending to be decent. One receptionist was kind and welcoming, but that small bright spot couldn't make up for the rest. The person running the hotel seems extremely cheap, and it clearly comes from the owner. We'll never return. Save your money and sanity and stay far away.

We only stopped for lunch while exploring the area, after coming across the Belmont. We didn't stay at the hotel, but the meal was outstanding, and we'd happily eat here again when we visit Romania. The drinks were fabulous, and the food was full of fresh ingredients and clearly prepared with care. The decor was beautiful, with lovely fall decorations. Staff were professional, though not especially friendly, which felt typical for such an upscale place. Since the area is beautiful, we might stay here next time too.