The Best Hotels to Book in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Platinia is part of the first mixed-use real-estate project in the city, housing a small, contemporary brick-and-glass mall. For hotel guests, the accommodation is in funkily furnished apartments (bare floors and cubic-chic sofas and chairs) in a variety of sizes right up to the 11th-storey penthouse. After dinner – choose between delicious Italian and Asian restaurant options – enjoy a jar or two at the well-known Ursus Brewery just across the street.

Here’s a modest but agreeable base, on the banks of the Someșul Mic river, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and, as its name suggests, a short walk from Central Park. Rooms (single, double and twin rooms are available, as well as apartments) are comfortable and smart and painted in unobtrusive shades. Peace and quiet reigns here, save for the occasional creaking of polished parquet underfoot as you venture out to explore the central markets around the corner from the hotel; go in the morning to see the city’s full seductive appeal.

Wandering through Cluj-Napoca is always a pleasure, with friendly passers-by ever ready to greet you, and some characterful architecture to photograph, from gothic to Renaissance to razor-sharp contemporary. In among it all are some fine quirky hotels, and this is one of them: a historical mansion in the residential part of town, all vases and looking glasses, with a lush garden and a swimming pool in front.

This Hilton sub-brand suggests airbrushed international accommodation, rather than local individuality, but sometimes you just need reliable and familiar, such as the trademark DoubleTree chocolate-chip cookie offered on check-in. The location is among the best of all hotels in Cluj-Napoca, just five minutes from the old town. The rooms are clean and minimalist, and the top-floor pool is a relief in hot weather, with its cool water and shimmering city views. You can chill late into the evening over speciality cognacs, armagnacs and rums at the bustling Syndicate Bar. And breakfast next morning is a special occasion indeed, under the brilliant turquoise chandelier of the Marco Polo restaurant.

After an evening spent wandering through the atmospheric, dimly lit alleys of Cluj’s historic centre, ducking in for last orders at buzzy bars, the red neon sign of Hotel Alexis shines like a beacon in the dark, beckoning you home. It’s only minutes away from Unirii Square and the Palace of Justice, but it feels like another world, with a smiling receptionist to hand you your key. Given the great value of the rooms, we recommend booking the spacious junior suite which (like the smaller double and single option), is decorated in a warm palette of red, brown and beige. Rise in good time for breakfast, a feast of local meats, cheeses, juices and omelettes.

Want the comfort of one of the best hotels in Cluj-Napoca with the freedom of your own home? This aparthotel is the answer, as you get your own kitchen as well as access to hotel catering. Designed with business travellers in mind, it’s also a great solution for families, and the colourful modern rooms are decorated with bright murals that are appealing to youngsters. Meanwhile, the location’s a dream ticket for culture vultures: just a stone’s throw away from the National Theatre, the Botanical Garden and the magnificent St Michael’s Church.

We’d happily come here just to dine, for the heart-warming shades of rich burgundy and dark mahogany surrounding us as we enjoy the view of the cityscape from the restaurant. The menu offers international dishes, from well-cooked veal to home-made pasta. If you’re also a guest at the hotel, though, you’ll be able to slip upstairs to one of the comfy rooms, shower off the last sightseeing dust and slide between the crisply ironed sheets for a long, deep sleep and tomorrow, wake refreshed to visit the nearby Astronomical Observatory.