Hotel Basarab

This hotel is primarily recognized for its exceptional location near the main train station, making it a highly convenient choice for transit travelers and those seeking easy access to public transport. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and the overall value for money as significant advantages. While many appreciate the hotel's cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, some experiences vary, with concerns raised about noise levels and certain room conditions. The hotel is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, and couples looking for a practical base. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise and to specifically request a non-smoking room if cigarette odors are a concern.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including a refrigerator in the rooms, which many guests find convenient. The air conditioning system is generally reported to work effectively, and central heating ensures warmth, though some guests noted it could be excessively warm with no individual control. Free Wi-Fi is available, allowing guests to stay connected. An elevator is on-site, which is helpful for guests with luggage. However, some guests noted the absence of certain in-room conveniences such as a hair dryer, kettle, or complimentary coffee. While a bar and restaurant are mentioned, their availability and quality receive mixed feedback, with some reporting the restaurant to be closed or noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests describe their rooms as clean and appreciate the comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as the pervasive smell of smoke in rooms, even in designated non-smoking areas. Some guests reported encountering bugs, including cockroaches, and noted dirty bedsheets or old, holed linens. Rooms are often described as small, and the furniture can appear old or broken. A recurring complaint is the thin walls, leading to considerable noise from the hallway, adjacent rooms, and even the hotel's own restaurant, impacting sleep quality. Additionally, the bathrooms often lack a shower curtain, causing the floor to become wet, and some mention a lack of hooks for towels.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features a restaurant located in the basement, which some guests have praised for offering good menus and tasty food. There is also a bar available, providing options for coffee and other beverages. However, feedback regarding dining is inconsistent; some guests noted that breakfast was not offered, or that the restaurant was closed during their stay. A few isolated comments mentioned dissatisfaction with specific food items, such as a salad. Overall, while dining options exist on-site, their availability and quality can vary.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, particularly its close proximity to Gara de Nord, the main train station, which is just a five-minute walk away. This makes it ideal for travelers arriving or departing by train. It is also conveniently located near metro stations (Gara de Nord and Basarab) and various bus stops, providing excellent access to the city center and other areas. A Kaufland supermarket is situated very close by, offering convenience for groceries. While the location is highly praised for accessibility, parking can be challenging, with some guests resorting to nearby supermarket parking. The area can also be noisy due to its urban setting and proximity to the train station.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and polite. Many guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, including changing rooms or arranging late check-outs. The receptionists are noted for being available 24/7 and for speaking good English, facilitating smooth communication. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. However, some guests experienced miscommunication regarding late check-out arrangements, and a few noted a lack of apologies when issues were brought to the staff's attention. There were also isolated complaints about cleaning staff being noisy early in the morning.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that despite some rooms being designated non-smoking, a strong cigarette smell can be pervasive throughout the hotel, including in rooms, and people frequently smoke directly outside the main entrance. Noise is a significant recurring issue, stemming not only from the thin walls but also from the hotel's own restaurant, the hallway, and street activity, which can disrupt sleep. The hotel is generally described as basic and somewhat old, with many areas appearing to be in need of renovation. It is widely considered suitable for short stays or as a convenient transit point rather than a luxury destination.