Manuc's Inn (Hanul lui Manuc), Bucharest

Advantages: Relatively cheap for capital city, looks nice from outside, interesting history
Disadvantages: Poor service, grubby rooms, needs updating

When you are traveling for a longer period of time without any concrete plans, arriving in a capital city without any pre-booked accommodation can be a daunting prospect. A few days before we were due to travel to Bucharest we met Unrest (actually Ernest, a charming Swiss) traveling in the opposite direction to us who recommended we try Hanul Lui Manuc. We recognized the name having seen it as particularly recommended in our Lonely Planet and we ...
...this function appeared not to be available. When we arrived in Bucharest we headed straight for Hanul Lui Manuc and found it quite easily, tucked away behind Piata Unirii, not far from the Palace of Parliament. It is less than a minute from a Metro station and close to a shopping plaza. We were instantly charmed; the timbered building forms a quadrant with a wide archway as the entrance. It is instantly recognizable as a former coaching inn. Inside ... Read review

Advantages: restaurant, hotel, great place for important events
Disadvantages: not any disadvantages

...the middle of the XIX century it became a huge center that had 15 places for deposit, 23 stores, 107 hotel rooms and desks and 2 salones for recieving guests. Nowadays, having almost 3000 m cubes, Manuc's Inn can have parties or events that can get up to 1000 guests. ... Read review