I booked the Howard Johnson Grand Plaza for a business trip. This hotel is classified on some website as a 5* hotel. It is more a normal 4* hotel. On the plus side it is located very centrally. Excellent views from the rooms. The public areas like reception and restaurants are ok for Romanian standards but not great. Rooms are clean. On the negative side the rooms are small with cheap furniture. Low quality towels in the bathroom.

Do not judge this Howard Johnson with the majority offered in the United States. This is a new tower block hotel situated just off the Piata Romana one of Bucharests popular areas. Like most companies, hotel chains are seeking the opportunity to establish themselves in Eastern Europe now the communist regimes have fallen and most countries are joining the European community. This hotel is modern in a city made up of older interesting buildings. The rooms have all amenities associated with 4 to 5 star hotels. Even so it is always best to try outside restaurants to pick up on the local delicacies. The hotel bar is small and reasonably priced, but be warned smoking is still permitted in bars and restaurants in Rumania. The staff were friendly and most spaek English. Bucharest itself is still trying to free itself from old regimes. There is still no tourist industry as such and we had to hire our own guide and mini bus to see the city. The city is known as mini Paris and there a number of reasons for this, as it consists of wide tree lined boulevards. It even has its own Arc De Triomphe. There are old palaces and museums and the local people are proud of their city. It is still growing into the general European way of life and has some catching up to do say to Prague, although it does have a seedy side after dark. I am sure that hotels like the Howard Johnson will add to the tourist industry but don't use this hotel if you are seeking the true Rumania, beacause it is just like visiting a Western run hotel anywhere in the world.

I stayed in the Howard Johnson for approx a week on Business trip. This hotel is pretty much in the centre of Bucharest which is really good. The hotel is very clean and tidy and has 2 great restaurants that server quite nice food, although it can be a little steep. I stayed in one of the Office type rooms. The bed here is really comfortable and a decent size. The only downside about this room is that the windows are sealed shut, so it can get a little warm. The gym is quite good with a few multi-gyms, loose weights and a range of cardio equipment. Overall a good hotel, but can be a little expensive.

I arrived at the hotel in the middle of a Thai festival organised in one of their restaurant and I can tell you it was a beautiful experience. There were many Thai decorations all over the place and even two Thai dancers who performed both in the lobby and in the restaurant. Plus great food!

I staid at the Howard Johnson at the beggining of August. It was great. For the room I had the best room rate in town, I staid right in the center of bucharest and had a wonderfull view. Also, the staff was very nice. Yes, I am sure I will be back.