JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

Sitting across from the city's most significant and imposing building, the colossal Palace of Parliament, this luxury hotel from the Marriott brand occupies an impressive building itself, one that also dates back to the Communist era. Opened as a Marriott property in 2000 and rebranded as JW Marriott in 2004, it's a large hotel with 402 rooms and an overwhelming number of features, with three restaurants (plus a seasonal terrace and two lounges), and also a casino, several luxury shops, and an immense gym with a spa and pool. It bills itself as a "city within a city," and indeed, offers a plethora of services, shops, and conveniences that make it a great base for visiting the city. 

Interiors are polished and refined, with splashes of marble, grand spiral stairs, and cavernous spaces like the luminous lobby and cupola-crowned steakhouse; it's what you would expect from a "grand" hotel. It's a traditional sort of look that's elegant but also a bit chainlike and dated. Guests are a mix of business travelers and leisure tourists, while competitive rates (especially for a luxury hotel) means that it attracts a wide demographic of travelers.

The hotel occupies a prime location, across from the Palace of Parliament, an immense, imposing, and controversial structure that's one of the city's top attractions (and is actually the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon). Though the palace is visible from the hotel, it's about a 12-minute walk to reach its entrance. It's about a 25-minute walk to the fringes of the Old Town, or 13 minutes by a bus that stops across the street from the hotel.

Another popular destination, the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, is a 20-minute drive away or about 45 minutes via public transportation. Other attractions include the National Opera House (17-minute walk) and the city's botanical garden (five-minute drive or 25 minutes via public transportation). The train station is about a 10-minute drive away. The Henri Coanda International Airport is around a half-hour drive (depending on traffic).

Rooms are spacious, with entry-level units starting at 376 square feet (35 square meters). They're divided between Standard and Executive categories, plus there's a number of different suites. Standard Rooms have a bit of a dated look, with traditional wooden furnishings paired with green patterned carpets and yellow curtains. Executive-level rooms are more contemporary in comparison, with sleek furniture and a more tasteful neutral color palette. All have work desks and some sort of sitting area -- armchairs in lower-category rooms and pull-out sofas in larger units.

Standard amenities include 47-inch flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, refrigerated minibars, electronic safes, and ironing facilities. Wi-Fi is free in Executive-level rooms and suites, but incurs a fee in Standard Rooms. Suites add separate living rooms and some have kitchenettes with microwaves, while the Presidential Suite has a full kitchen.

Marble bathrooms are large, with both soaking tubs and separate showers, but they're a bit dated in style and fixtures could use an update (no rainfall showerheads here). Large sink vanities offer plenty of storage space and there are illuminated magnifying mirrors. Aromatherapy Associated toiletries are supplied.

Executive rooms get access to the Executive Lounge, which offers free afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and late night snacks, as well as free business services and an honor bar.

This large hotel offers an array of features, ranging from luxury shopping to fine dining to excellent fitness facilities and even a casino.

Dining options include three restaurants and two lounges. There's an American steakhouse that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus Sunday brunch) and it has a bourbon bar and a smoking lounge. This is where the daily buffet breakfast is served, which incurs a fee. The hotel's Italian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and features live music in the evening (plus singing waiters). Offering a more casual dining option, there's a sports bar/restaurant. The seasonal summer terrace offers an alfresco spot for a drink or a bite to eat. There's also a Viennese-inspired cafe/lounge serving cakes, coffee, and tea accompanied by live piano music in the evenings, plus more live music in the lounge bar that serves cocktails.

Guest have free access to the  World Class Health Academy, large and impressive fitness facilities filled with modern equipment, and three fitness studios where a variety of classes are offered. It's also home to an indoor pool and a hot tub. Two squash courts offer an alternative form of workout. The facilities also include a spa that offers a variety of treatments.

The hotel offers a wealth of luxury shopping, comprising a kind of indoor luxury mall with retailers that include Rolex, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. Other features include a hair salon, a pharmacy, and 12 meeting rooms (including two ballrooms). Wi-Fi is free in the public areas.