This January was cold and gloomy, but when I visited the Cişmigiu Hotel earlier this month, the afternoon light was beautifully gilding the old buildings lining the Regina Elisabeta Boulevard. That was definitely a view to remember when it comes to a grey capital city such as Bucharest. It was the moment I entered the lobby through the heavy cast iron doors when I realized it was going to be a different kind of business meeting.

I personally love boutique hotels. There is something about that chic atmosphere with a taste of homelike coziness. The splendor of boutique hotels lies entirely in the details and at the Cişmigiu Hotel, there is a passion for finesse. I knew a lot of stories about the hotel (the former Palace Hotel), the historical building, the spirit of the interwar Cişmigiu area, I read the TripAdvisor reviews and I followed the hotel Facebook page. But nothing, absolutely nothing compared to the hic et nunc, 5 senses experience of the place.

I was given the chance to visit some of the suites and my first impression of an incredibly relaxing ambiance still lingers. In such a crowded location as the Cişmigiu area, the rooms are unexpectedly spacious – chapeau bas to the architect(s) – simply decorated, yet elegant, maintaining the harmony of something old and something new. However, the priceless detail would be the sun light. One of the suites I visited had a round central window which very much resembled the ship’s bull’s-eye, admitting the light of the winter sunset. There aren’t many words to describe the carefree state of mind while cuddling on the comfy couch facing the window.

Photo courtesy Hotel Cişmigiu

Yet this is not the icing on the cake, you’ll have to discover it for yourself in the minibar: the royal chocolate bars. Inspired by the Royal Family of Romania, a small company from Cisnădie created the signature chocolate which can only be found in Sibiu’s Brukenthal Museum, Peleş Museum and of course, in the minibars of the Cişmigiu Hotel. Dark chocolate with dried orange zest, milk chocolate with cream and feuillentine (crispy sugar biscuits), white chocolate with noisette pearls are for good reason the best-selling products of the minibar. In my humble opinion, they’re the perfect enhancement of an already high-end hotel.

Photo courtesy Hotel Cişmigiu

Cişmigiu, ranked as the 3rd best hotel in Bucharest*, accommodates not only travelers on their single night business trips, as well as those searching for a special moment in Bucharest as this is a place with so many untold stories. The famous Gambrinus Pub is now a fancy restaurant preserving the old times savor and the soon to be opened Roof Top restaurant already promises a smashing view of the city.

Every single review comments on the impeccable service and the friendly staff and I also had the opportunity to meet the hotel’s manager, Mrs Georgeta Grecu, which makes me think one doesn’t need to take the travelers’ word for it, but visit the hotel. It is worth much more than any written story.

*according to the TripAdvisor customer ranking. Travelers’ Choice®2015 Winner.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Cişmigiu.