On arrival in Bucharest, we decided that it would be lovely to book into a hotel for just one night and relax. After a couple of weeks roughing it, we felt we could justify the expense of staying in The Astoria. It was close to the station and, so we thought, part of a reliable and good chain. We went into the plush reception area (accessible only through a car park and side door) and waited 15 minutes as no one was at the desk. Eventually a receptionist emerged and pointed to the price list - 160 lei for a double - steep, even by london standards! She informed us that payment would only be accepted in cash, only romanian money. We duly paid up before seeing the room and despite requests got no receipt. This was a mistake as it contained 2 broken single beds and a layer of filth. It looked like a refugee camp and was worse than any of the Romanian hostels!! The second room we were given after complaining was equally bad. I think the reason that the beds were broken is because the... more