Six unusual hotels in Romania

Romania might bring unusual experiences for many expats and travelers, even when they don't necessarily seek them. These six hotels in Romania are however sure-fire ways of finding the unusual in a country of contrasts. (pictures at the end of the article)

• The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel at Balea Lake is a unique attraction in Romania and Eastern Europe. Although the winter is over, the hotel is still open and it might be a good choice for winter fans. Located in the Fagaras Mountains, the hotel is built every year from huge blocks of ice and snow. The 2014/2015 season started on December 20. There are still rooms available at the hotel, you can check the availability here. It features 12 rooms, named after the 12 signs of the zodiac, and three separate igloos. The price for a normal room is RON 440 a night (some EUR 100) while an Igloo room costs RON 660 (some EUR 140). There is a discount of 50% for children aged between 6 and 15, while those aged under 6 can stay there for free. However, the prices don’t include breakfast.

• The train-hotel Carpatia Express

Carpatia Express offers an unique experience to visitors and might be the perfect accommodation place for train enthusiasts. The train is located next to the CFF railway station in Viseu de Sus, Northern Romania. There are 20 sleeping cabins with 2 beds each, which can accommodate a total of 40 guests. It also features a dining car which is also open for guests without accommodation in the hotel train. A free car parking is also available on site. The price for a cabin varies between RON 43 (some EUR 10) and RON 64 (some EUR 14) per person, including breakfast, but there are also special packages. More information here.

• La Butoaie Guesthouse

This guesthouse located in Pietroasele town, about 35 km from Buzau, is one unique place in Romania. It looks like a camping except that the usual cottages were replaced with big barrels (butoaie in Romanian - this is where the guesthouse’s name comes from). So if you want to spend your holiday sleeping in a barrel, here’s your chance. The price is RON 60 (some EUR 13) to stay in a barrel per night. The guesthouse also offers double rooms for RON 110 (EUR 22) per night. This might an interesting place for wine lovers, as a small winery is also located nearby. More information