Visitors are advised to book accommodation in advance, particularly for summertime visits to coastal resorts. Room prices in lower-end hotels are very reasonable compared to Western European prices, whereas 4- and 5-star hotels are comparable in both standards and price. Breakfast normally costs extra. Romania's first boutique hotels have opened in Transylvania. For further information, contact the Romanian Tourist Office or see Romanian Travel Guide online (website: www.rotravel.com). 

Grading: Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars.

To sample the real Romanian lifestyle, opt to stay in someone's home. A room costs from Lei20-80 per night, which often includes two meals. Rooms are clean but some do not have private bathrooms for guests. Hosts may not speak English.

Accommodation of this type (also called 'Pensiune') is plentiful in Romania and in smaller towns or villages may be the only options. Private rooms tend to be cheaper than hotel rooms and will be basic but comfortable. Bed and breakfast accommodation is classified from 1 to 3 daisies. For further information, contact the Romanian National Tourist Office or ANTREC (see Accommodation Information below), which has a good selection of rural guesthouses.

Provision is increasing, as foreigners purchase properties here. Addresses of private accommodation and self-catering establishments are available from local tourist offices.

There are around 150 campsites in Romania. Prepaid tourist coupons valid from May to September are available from specialised travel agencies.

Most hostels are open in July and August although some are open year-round.

Asociatia Nationala de Turism Rural, Ecologic si Cultural (ANTREC)
Stradǎ Maica Alexandra 7, Sector 1, 22259 Bucharest, Romania
Tel: (21) 223 7024.
Website: www.antrec.ro

Youth Hostel Romania
Casa de Cultura a Studentilor, P-ta Lucian Blaga no 1, First floor/AITASS, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Tel: (264) 586 616.
Website: www.hihostels-romania.ro