Originally planned to stay at Manuc's Inn but two fax messages went unanswered and the hotel's website got rediredcted to a Romanian IT company ! No easier trying to book Carpati. Sent three e-mails. Got an automated response each time stating the reservations department would be in contact which they didn't.

So in effect turned up late in the eveing not sure whether we had a room booked or not. Receptionist helpful and apologised for problems with internet. They hadn't got a reservation for us but did have a twin room available. Room was on sixth floor which meant antiquated lift to fifth and then a walk up another flight. Room was tiny - the wash basin seemed to take up most of the space ! Not ensuite but shared toilet and shower rooms next to ours and I wasn't aware of anyone else staying on the same floor. However in view of the fact that we were only going to get a few hours sleep after trying out the bars in the old town we weren't too bothered especially in view of the reasonable cost(for Bucharest at least). Being down a side street meant that it was very quiet at night.

Breakfast was four variations on chesse/meat combo but waiter friendly and spoke English reasonably well. Don't even bother with the croissants !

Hotel is very close to Cismigiu Gardens which is very pleasant for a lakeside drink with the locals. Also only 10 minutes walk from old town. Lots of building work going on at present and many side streets not particularly well lit so you do need to watch your step especially after a few Black Russians !!

Went to Manuc's for drink. Bar/restaurant very nice overlooking courtyard. However hotel part of it seemed in darkness and we never did establish whether it was open or not. Also went to other main tourist restaurant (popular with locals too) - Carul cu Bere, Str. Stavropoleos 3. Fantastic old beer hall. Incredibly busy. Long wait for tables at weekends but you can get a beer at the bar if you are lucky (the bar staff do their utmost to avoid eye contact). Food nothing special and service erratic, e.g. you wait ages for a course and then the same waiter is snatching the plate from under you as you put the last fork full to your mouth. Lots of bars in old town for cheap cocktails if gasiness of beer gets too much.

Bucharest is interesting but not particularly beautiful. However it acts as good start and finish point for the Brasov, Sigishoara, Sibiu circuit which is what we did. Trains good cheap way of seeing country. Used Carpati for first and last night's stay (given same room !!)

If you are getting bus into town from Baneasa airport cross the road outside and buy a ticket from the kiosk . They probably won't have change for the 100 lei note you have just got out of the ATM so you may have to buy something in the little shop next door. Bus 783 stops on main road (i.e. does not pull into the parking bays) but all buses clearly display numbers and destinations.

Only slight annoyance was arranging a taxi from the hotel to the airport for return leg with the hotel owner for 15 lei. He took us himself only for the price to become 50 on arrival ( Lost in translation!!). As we only had 45 left that's all he got. Would advise you to get price written down. Be warned airport has got no facilities after security apart from small duty free shop, soft drinks machine, filthy toilets and not enough seats for one planeload of people.