We were due to stay at the Fullton Inn in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca. After eventually managing to check in, and before we had chance to unpack, our guide suggested seeking alternative accommodation: if you read the review of the Fullton you’ll see why. Whilst it may have been fine for one night, we were staying in the city for three nights.
We moved to the four-star Hotel Beyfin a short drive away. As it was a last-minute booking, the helpful receptionist offered us a choice of rooms: 201 on the second floor and at the front of the hotel with two single beds pushed together, or a third-floor room, at the hotel’s rear, which had a double bed. Having viewed both, we opted for what appeared to be the larger 201, hoping that the traffic noise wouldn’t be a problem.
The bed had only one pillow each, so a spare duvet was retrieved from the cupboard and folded up for extra support. The bedside tables had lights and charging points, whilst the wardrobe had plenty of hanging space, slippers, robes, and a safe. It was also equipped with two easy chairs and a coffee table, a desk with tea and coffee making facilities and a TV. The mini bar was well stocked with beers, wine and miniatures, soft drinks and snacks. The complimentary WiFi and AC were both good.
The reasonably sized bathroom had a shower over the bath which wasn’t the easiest to get in and out of, but the water was hot and powerful. There was plenty of space for our toiletries, sufficient towel hooks, a heated towel rail ideal for drying washing, and a wall mounted hairdryer.
Double doors opened onto a small balcony, with standing room only. Across the road and directly in front, was a park with fountains, statues and the beautiful ‘Dormition of the Mother of God’ Metropolitan Cathedral. Fortunately, the effective double glazing blocked out both traffic noise and the Cathedral’s bells.
The hotel had a restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch (served until 3pm), but the rooftop terrace was being refurbished, so there was no bar.
Breakfast, available from 7am to 10pm, was the best of our four-week trip. Juices and the fruit selection changed daily, there were various flavoured waters, plain and fruit yoghurt, and cereals which included muesli, with lots of other seeds and nuts to add. As well as cold meats, cheeses and salads there were the usual hot dishes. This included fried and scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, grilled mushrooms with cheese. Best of all was smoked salmon with gherkins, capers and horseradish. There was also, a good selection of jams, pates and spreads to go with rolls and toast.
The hotel was centrally located and within a short walk of the city’s sights, shops and restaurants and so the absence of an evening restaurant wasn’t an issue.
There was a small underground car park with just eight very tight spaces, and we were pleased it was our guide who had to negotiate getting in and out.
The overall result was the Fullton Inn’s loss, and our gain, as the Beyfin was a much better option.
