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Exploring the Corinthia Bucharest: A Blend of History and Luxury

Corinthia Bucharest

All 30 luxurious suites of the Corinthia Bucharest offer breathtaking views of the city alongside refined amenities, including uniquely designed chandeliers. The hotel is strategically located at the intersection of Calea Victoriei and Elisabeta Boulevard, just a short five-minute walk from the vibrant Old Town. One of its most remarkable features is the transformed ballroom, Boulevard 73, which has been reimagined as a fine dining establishment celebrating a fusion of French and Romanian culinary traditions with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

“This hotel is filled with stories.”

During my four-day stay at the Corinthia Bucharest, freshly renovated and relaunched after seven years, I frequently heard this sentiment echoed by various staff members, from the concierge to servers reminiscing about their childhood visits.

Established in 1873, this architectural gem made its mark as the first hotel in Bucharest to feature electric lighting and an elevator. The venue was once a hub for art exhibitions and glamorous galas attended by Europe’s elite. However, its golden days were interrupted by World War II when it became a headquarters for German forces, later operating as the Palace of Culture during Romania’s communist era.

Restorative efforts took nearly a year just to clear the ballroom of years of dust, revealing the ballroom’s stunning gold-leaf columns and delicate Art Nouveau ceilings. Now Boulevard 73 exudes a sense of grandeur with its mirrored walls and a custom Murano glass chandelier. Interesting artifacts, including an old banquet menu celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday, were uncovered during renovations, with some traditional dishes being revisited for exclusive events.

The hotel retains many original features, such as its grand marble staircase and the restored glass-paneled wooden doors of Boulevard 73. Guests can admire life-sized sculptures that once adorned the hotel’s exterior, now housed within glass cases in the lobby. Modern Romanian artwork, including a striking tapestry by Jude Cassidy, adds a contemporary touch to the hotel’s rich heritage.

Prior to my visit, I had explored much of Romania’s neighboring regions but knew little beyond the famed tales of Dracula. As discussed over dinner, the hotel staff expressed a desire to shift perceptions and highlight Bucharest and Romania’s assets in a fresh narrative.

Here’s a glimpse into the experience of staying at the Corinthia Bucharest.

Rooms

The bedroom inside the Signature Suite.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

Following a similar approach to its recently launched hotel in Brussels, Corinthia Group collaborated with GA Design to seamlessly incorporate modern elements within the historic structure. Each of the 30 suites is designed to evoke a warm and welcoming residential atmosphere; my Grand Deluxe Suite, spanning 807 square feet, was so enchanting that departing for sightseeing felt like a challenge. The room’s decor draws inspiration from the poem The Blue Flower by renowned Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu.

The design strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, featuring soft beige tones accented with hand-painted gold canvases and sumptuous royal blue velvet. The sitting area invites relaxation, making it a perfect spot for room service with views of the outside. For those seeking more space, the expansive Signature Suite at 1,238 square feet includes a private library that can function as an office and a dining area for four.

Food and Drink

Boulevard 73 offers classic French and Romanian cuisine in the historic Art Nouveau ballroom.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

Romania’s unique geographical positioning is often described as the intersection of East and West. The Heritage Bar, adorned with rich, jewel-toned fabrics, pays homage to Bucharest’s diverse history. Guests can indulge in afternoon tea accompanied by a dessert cart featuring treats like pear tarte tatin and a modern take on Paris-Brest. The bar also provides an all-day menu offering light bites similar to that of the hotel’s round-the-clock dining option, including Caesar salads and club sandwiches.

The bar specializes in history-themed cocktails, such as the Pages from Paris, a Champagne-based drink inspired by a bookstore that once resided in the hotel. Bar manager Konstantinos Mourloukos aims to elevate Bucharest’s cocktail scene to match that of major cities like London and Barcelona, drawing guests into an extraordinary mixology experience.

“We’re exploring unique flavors that tell stories,” he reveals. “We’ve established a strong foundation for creating something truly remarkable.”

A cozy fireplace in the Heritage Bar lounge.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

As the evening unfolds, soft jazz fills the Heritage Bar while elegantly dressed guests enjoy cocktails, creating a lively atmosphere before heading to Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge, a hotspot that currently has a three-week waitlist for reservations.

Sass’ Café is no stranger to high society, having been a staple in Monaco for over three decades. The Bucharest location, created with the assistance of Green & Mingarelli Design, captures the essence of its predecessor featuring a baroque-style decor with opulent tones and rich materials that echo a glamorous 1920s Parisian aesthetic.

Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge offers a refined and creative fusion.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

Our meal included indulgent dishes such as duck foie gras, wagyu carpaccio paired with crispy artichokes, and calamari served with smoked olive tartar sauce. A duo of performers serenaded diners, and the ambiance shifted to that of a lounge for late-night guests, where the bar remains open for walk-ins after 11 p.m.

During my stay, the team was finalizing the menu for Boulevard 73, which promises an elegant experience with fresh ingredients from local suppliers.

Amenities and Experiences

The entrance and lobby to the Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

Floral displays are a signature element of distinguished hotels, and Corinthia Bucharest showcases beautiful arrangements by Nicu Bocancea of the luxury floral boutique Iris. This fresh floral elegance blends perfectly with Elysee, the hotel’s distinct scent crafted by local perfumer Cristina Balan.

Notably, the hotel collaborates with local artists and institutions, offering bespoke tours highlighting the city’s diverse architectural styles from the Belle Époque to the communist era. For wine enthusiasts, excursions to the Dealu Mare wine region, located north of Bucharest, can be organized. The hotel also facilitates unique tours to the island monastery on Lake Snagov, believed to be the burial site of Vlad the Impaler, the figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” For adventure seekers, helicopter tours to observe bears in the Carpathian Mountains are available.

The Spa

As part of the Corinthia Spa Bucharest, guests can enjoy expansive treatment rooms featuring body therapies using British brand Wildsmith Skin products and facials with 111Skin. The spa’s soothing atmosphere is accentuated by walls adorned with molds of wildflowers from Romania’s picturesque hills, aligning well with the natural essence of the utilized botanical products.

The wellness offerings include a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, showers, and an ice fountain for rejuvenation. Adjacent is a hair salon providing restorative treatments for hair and scalp. The fully equipped Technogym is accessible 24/7, ensuring ample space to exercise without the usual crowds.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Common areas, including Boulevard 73 and Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge on the ground floor, predominantly cater to accessibility needs; however, dedicated wheelchair ramps are absent. They do offer an accessible Deluxe Suite on the first floor, and the spa on the fourth floor can be accessed via elevator.

In line with the sustainability initiatives of Corinthia Hotels, this establishment actively minimizes waste—room cards are made compostable—and emphasizes sourcing its produce from local farms.

Location

The main hotel staircase.

Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest

The Corinthia Bucharest is situated approximately 10 miles from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), which is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Located conveniently near the city’s Old Town, guests can easily visit renowned establishments such as Caru’ cu bere (The Beer Wagon) and major landmarks like Revolution Square and the impressive marble-sheathed Palace of Parliament, which ranks as the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Although I found walking a great way to explore during my stay, the hotel offers car services, and ride-sharing options like Uber are also available for excursions to admire attractions such as the outdoor National Village Museum, featuring a collection of nearly 300 structures, including a homestead dating back to 1860.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

As a participant in the Global Hotel Alliance, Corinthia Bucharest invites guests to join the Discovery loyalty program. Membership offers benefits such as a 10 percent discount on rates and the ability to earn Discovery Dollars, which can be redeemed for spa services, dining, or applied to the hotel bill at checkout.

Nightly rates for a Junior Suite at the Corinthia Bucharest start at 460 euros (approximately $525 USD), and the Signature Suite is available from 1,800 euros (around $2,057 USD).

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.

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