Peakture Hotel Review: Room for improvement
At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to stay at Peakture Hotel in Bucharest, Romania. While I was looking forward to experiencing this 4-star-rated hotel, my stay was unfortunately a mixed bag. Below, I share my Peakture Hotel review in detail, from the first impressions to my final thoughts.
First Impressions
I liked the look of the hotel from the outside, and the lobby’s décor was modern and inviting. However, the check-in experience was less than ideal. Arriving half an hour early, I wasn’t surprised when we were asked to return later, which was fine as it gave us a chance to explore the nearby area.
What wasn’t fine, however, was that when we returned approximately 40 minutes after check-in time, we were told that our room still wasn’t ready. This wasn’t the best start, as we were hoping to settle in and drop off our bags before properly exploring Bucharest. Instead, we were asked to wait in the lobby, where there was nothing to keep us occupied. Had we known how long the wait would be, we’d have gone off to explore further.
After waiting another 45 minutes in the lobby, the staff finally provided us with our room details. By this point, it was over an hour and a half past the designated check-in time. Not the best first impression, but I was eager to get to the room and relax before heading out to enjoy the city.
The Room
Unfortunately, the room didn’t provide the relaxing environment I had been looking forward to. It was shockingly unclean. Hair grips were scattered around, and worst of all, there was dried blood on the toilet. Naturally, I was horrified and immediately called reception to address the issue.
Housekeeping arrived promptly, which I appreciated, but their initial response was less than reassuring. They didn’t seem to notice the mess until I pointed it out, including the unhygienic state of the toilet. Once they realised the gravity of the issue, their demeanour shifted, and they awkwardly laughed off the situation, which didn’t sit well with me. Despite my disappointment, I decided to move past it and focus on enjoying my trip to Bucharest.
Another major letdown was the balcony. I had specifically chosen a room with a balcony based on the photos on the website, which showed a spacious area with enough room for two people to sit comfortably at a table. What we got was a tiny space that could barely fit one person standing, let alone accommodate a table and chairs. This was a significant misrepresentation and another aspect of the hotel that fell far short of expectations.
Breakfast
Breakfast was, without a doubt, the highlight of my stay. The selection of hot and cold food was excellent, and everything was genuinely delicious. Although the options didn’t change much during my stay, there was plenty to choose from, including juices, smoothies, and even prosecco, which added a touch of luxury to the morning. It was clear that effort had been put into this part of the guest experience, and it’s one of the few areas where the hotel truly shone.
Location
The location of Peakture Hotel is undeniably one of its best features. Nestled in the heart of Bucharest, the hotel is perfectly positioned for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. It’s within easy walking distance of the iconic Old Town, where you can wander through cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, bustling cafes, and lively bars. The Old Town is a hub of activity, offering everything from traditional Romanian restaurants to vibrant nightlife spots, making it a must-visit area during your stay.
Additionally, many of Bucharest’s main attractions are conveniently nearby. The stunning Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, is a short journey away and an absolute must-see. For those interested in art and history, the National Museum of Romanian History and the Romanian Athenaeum are easily accessible and provide fascinating insights into the country’s past and culture.
Despite its central location, the area around the hotel felt relatively calm and safe, which is an added bonus for those wanting a peaceful night’s rest after a day of sightseeing. If location is a top priority for your trip, Peakture Hotel is a convenient choice, even if the accommodation itself left much to be desired.
Final Thoughts
Peakture Hotel has a long way to go before it lives up to its 4-star rating. While the location and breakfast were standout features, the poor cleanliness, disappointing balcony, and frustrating check-in experience left much to be desired.
Would I recommend it? Not really, unless you’re looking for a convenient base and don’t plan to spend much time in the hotel. Personally, I’d rate it 2 stars, with the location and breakfast being the only factors saving it from a lower score.
If Peakture Hotel can address these key issues, it has the potential to be a much better option for visitors to Bucharest. Until then, I’d suggest looking elsewhere for a more reliable and enjoyable stay.
