InterContinental

Towering over 80 metres tall over Piata Universitatii, this 14 floor behemoth has been a favourite of high-rolling head honchos and news hacks since its completion in 1970. An indelible landmark in the Bucharest landscape, it was from here that the foreign press looked down upon the Romanian Revolution as the last dogfights took place between the dogged communist regime and its opponents. Recently renovated and with a bling-factor of 5, the InterContinental features a health and fitness centre, spa facilities, a full-on business centre, complimentary daily "dinner snacks" and daily cocktail hour and lord knows what else; what, you think we stay there?

Its a bit scruffier than the Intercontinental Hotels I have stayed at in other countries (the company I work for has some sort of deal with the chain so we stay in them pretty much all the time while travelling) But then the whole city feels a bit unloved.

A wonderful hotel. Compliments to the staff.

need to hop online and make sure all's well back at the office? Use the InterContinental's PC for an initial fee of only Ä45! Oh, but you have your laptop! Just use their wireless internet for an initial fee of only Ä15! When did hostels eclipse 5 star hotels in the free amenities department? (And we have no idea how expensive a room here is; it's not listed).