Where to Stay in Romania — Our Favorite Hotels, Cabins, and Guesthouses
Our awesome A-framed cabin in Magura
Romania surprised us — not with flashy resorts or five-star hotels, but with mountain cabins where the fog rolls in like a blanket, family-run guesthouses with woodsmoke and wildflower gardens, and city stays that still feel human.
We didn’t come here for luxury. We came for views, silence, stories. And these are the places we’d actually stay again — the kind that make you want to slow down, grab a coffee or a hot ciorba (soup), and watch the clouds drift past your window for hours.
So whether you’re headed for Dracula’s castle, bear country, or the cobblestone charm of Sibiu, we’ve got a stay to match.
And before you book your hotel, get a travel guide and travel insurance! Get 50 to 15% off with our partner HeyMondo
🇷🇴 Field Notes
Book early in the mountains. Cabins in Zărnești, Brasov, Măgura, and Cârțișoara book up fast during summer and autumn weekends.
Expect basic comfort with heart. These are not chain hotels. Most are small guesthouses or cabins run by locals, so service is warm but informal.
Cash still matters. Especially in rural areas — don’t rely on your card.
Wifi? Maybe. Don’t expect Netflix-level speeds in the mountains. Bring a book, not a business plan. We could still work a bit on the blog, but we mostly enjoyed the moment!
Zărnești & Măgura: Bear country & Carpathian quiet
Views from our cabin in Măgura
🛖 A-Frame Cabin in Măgura (A Way to Nature)
This is where we stayed — a sloped-roof dream perched above the valley in Piatra Craiului National Park. Cowbells in the distance, fog in the morning, a lovely dog, and just a handful of houses on the hills around you.
Vibe: Secluded, raw nature
Best for: Couples or solo travelers who want serious silence
🏡 Pensiunea Magura
A rustic gem nestled in the hills of Piatra Craiului National Park. This family-run guesthouse offers panoramic views, warm homemade meals, and the kind of peaceful silence that makes you forget your phone exists. It’s the perfect base for hikes, bear sanctuary visits, or just staring into the fog with a cup of tea.
Vibe: Quiet, traditional, nature-surrounded
Best for: Couples, hikers, bear sanctuary visitors
🏡 Alio Guest House
Modern but warm, with a garden, shared kitchen, and mountain views from the terrace. Slightly more polished, but still deeply connected to the local area.
Vibe: Clean, comfy, close to nature
Best for: Families, big groups, longer stays, a gentler mountain base
Did you know?
From village pups lounging outside guesthouses to mountain dogs trailing you on a morning hike, Romania’s canine companions are everywhere — especially in rural areas. Many accommodations have their own friendly dogs (and sometimes cats) on site, and it’s not unusual to be greeted by a wagging tail before the host. Just don’t be surprised if a local pup adopts you for a few hours — or the whole trip.
Cârțișoara & the Făgăraș Mountains
Cozy evening at our cabin after a rainy day!
🛖 Family Mountain Cottage
Our actual stay! A wooden cabin with lovely views of the Făgăraș range and a huge garden by a stream. Quiet mornings, fresh air, and a trout farm nearby if you fancy lunch with gills.
Vibe: Warm, slow, mountain chalet
Best for: Romantic hideaways, families, hikers, daydreamers
🏡 La Văru
Right by a small river and gardened up to the rafters. Friendly hosts and a peaceful location on the edge of Cârțișoara. One of the best-rated options in the region.
Vibe: Calm, leafy, welcoming
Best for: Large groups, families, slow travel
Penguin Trampoline tip:
If you're heading for remote cabins in the mountains — like those tucked away in Cârțișoara or near Zărnești — we highly recommend booking a rental car.. Public transport can only take you so far, and the last few kilometres are often the best (and bumpiest). That said, if you're staying in cities like Sibiu, Brașov, or Bucharest, many guesthouses are walkable from the train station or accessible by local bus or Bolt.
🏡 Pensiunea Flora
Solid and affordable mountain guesthouse offering traditional food, friendly service, and easy access to the Transfăgărășan (when it’s open!).
Vibe: Local, hearty, straightforward
Best for: Hikers, road-trippers, authentic experiences, travelers on a budget
Brasov, Bran (Dracula’s Castle) & surroundings
Don’t forget your garlic if you spend the night in Bran!
We didn’t sleep in Brașov, but we did explore its cobbled Old Town and the nearby hills of Bran. Whether you're into medieval towers or myth-laced mountains, this is one of Romania’s most atmospheric regions. Stay central, or go full Carpathian-cottage with a view of Dracula’s digs.
🏡 Vila Katharina (Brașov)
An elegant boutique guesthouse in the heart of the Old Town. Restored 18th-century building, chandelier vibes, and walking distance to basically everything.
Vibe: Romantic, historic, storybook
Best for: Couples, architecture lovers
🏡 Casa Moritz (Brașov)
A quiet, design-forward guesthouse tucked just a short walk from the Old Town. Modern comforts, personal touches, and a calm backyard garden make it feel like a hidden retreat.
Vibe: Relaxed, stylish, homey
Best for: Couples, remote workers, chill city explorers
🏡 Conacul Törzburg (Bran)
A charming boutique hotel directly across from Bran Castle, with castle views from the balcony and a gourmet restaurant on-site. It’s cozy, elegant, and just spooky enough to fit the vibe (imagine around Halloween!) — without sacrificing comfort.
Vibe: Classy Dracula-chic (yes, that’s a thing)
Best for: Couples, castle buffs, romantic getaways
Sibiu & surroundings
If you spend the night in Sibiu, make sure not to lie (read our Sibiu guide to know why)!
🏡 Maison Elysée
A beautiful guesthouse in the heart of Sibiu, in a heritage building. Wooden beams, stylish decor, and a great breakfast.
Vibe: Boutique charm, walkable
Best for: Couples, city explorers, design fans
🏡 Dumbrava Sibiului Guesthouses
Set in a leafy corner of the Astra Museum, this stay feels like a step back in time. Folk architecture, quiet trails, and the sound of birds in the morning.
Vibe: Cultural escape, woods-meet-history
Best for: Families, museum lovers, unique stays
🏡 Pensiunea Central Sibiu
Affordable and central (could you guess it from the name?), this one is for those who want a clean, comfy base in the heart of the old town without breaking the bank.
Vibe: Simple, functional, well-placed
Best for: Budget travellers, solo adventurers, overnight stops
Bucharest
The luxury Corinthia Hotel
Romania’s capital surprised us. Grand boulevards, hidden passageways, wild cafés, and stray Art Deco — it’s got its own energy. We stayed in the heart of it all, and if you’re passing through (or staying longer), here are three great picks. Prices were surprisingly high considering how affordable accommodation is everywhere else in the country, but Bucharest attracts a lot of events and business meetings.
🏨 Hotel Capitol Bucharest
Where we stayed. A bit faded, a bit fabulous. Right on Calea Victoriei, with creaky floors and a dash of old-world flair. Rooms are not that impressive but comfy, and the lobby and breakfast rooms are really stylish.
Vibe: Classic, central, slightly Wes Anderson
Best for: A first-timer’s base in the city
🏨 The Mansion Boutique Hotel
Tucked in the Old Town with themed rooms (each one different) and loads of personality.
Vibe: Playful luxury
Best for: Couples, stylish city breaks
🏨 Epoque Hotel
If you want to indulge after a week in the woods, this is your place. A 5-star stay near Cismigiu Park that somehow still feels personal. Suites, a spa, and a famous fine-dining restaurant.
Vibe: Upscale, understated, green
Best for: A splurge, honeymoon nights, or city resets
If you’re traveling on a budget, check out more affordable options on the map below. Just make sure you’re not far from the center, as traffic in Bucharest is chaotic and constantly jammed.
FAQ: Booking accommodation in Romania 🇷🇴
Do these places have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Some rural ones may be slower, but we were surprised to find Wi-Fi nearly everywhere. That being said, you won’t find phone coverage in mountain areas.
Are pets allowed?
Some yes, some no – check the description and ask hosts directly.
Can you cook there?
Most guesthouses have shared kitchens or offer half-board meals. Mountain cottages may be self-catering only.
Do I need to speak Romanian?
A few words are always appreciated and really go a long way, but basic English is usually fine with hosts.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer and October weekends: 2–3 months ahead if possible for popular options and private cabins. These places are small and fill up quickly.
Feel the Romanian vibe with this playlist:
Romania might not shout about its stays the way other countries do — but that’s part of the charm. You won’t find mega-resorts or cookie-cutter hotels in the places we loved most. Instead, you’ll find forest cabins with foggy morning views, family-run guesthouses where someone’s grandma is stirring your ciorba, and hosts who treat you like long-lost friends. At Penguin Trampoline, we always say that a good place to stay isn’t just where you sleep — it’s a key part of any travel experience!
Planning to visit Romania? Check out our guides:
🇷🇴 Romania Travel Guide: Castles, Carpathians & Wild Encounters — From Bucharest to the mountains, bears to baroque cities, Romania still feels wonderfully wild.
🐻 Piatra Craiului National Park: Magura & Zărnești — Fog, forests, and the friendliest village dogs.
🏰 Brasov, Bran & Beyond — Castles, cobblestones, and just enough Dracula.
⛰️ Sibiu & the Făgăraș Mountains — Rooftop stares, smoky cheese, and the road that vanished into the clouds.
🏙️ Bucharest — Beautiful chaos, creative energy, and endless coffee (coming soon).💡 What Surprised Us About Romania — 10 things we didn’t expect (including how good the food is) (coming soon).
