Hotel Bella Muzica

Hotel Bella Muzica occupies a historic building at 19 Council Square, dating from 1616 and Baroque in style, so you step out of the door onto the main square of the old town. It is rated three-star and offers free buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant serving international dishes, a bar and lounge, a garden and a terrace. Rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, an in-room safe, a desk and a flat-screen television, with a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. There is no spa, pool or gym, and the building has no elevator. Pets are not allowed, and airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge.

The location is hard to beat. The Black Church is about three minutes away on foot, Rope Street five, and the Tampa cable car around thirteen minutes. You can have breakfast, walk out and be in the middle of the square. The trade-off is noise, because Council Square is lively into the evening, so ask for a room facing the inner side if you like quiet. There is little parking nearby, so arrive by taxi or leave the car in a public garage.

Rooms are modest, with the basic double at around 15 square metres, and a junior suite for more space. Staff and cleanliness score highly with guests, and the free breakfast is a good start to the day. Check-in starts early afternoon and checkout is at noon, with late checkout available for a small fee. The lack of an elevator means guests with heavy bags or limited mobility should ask about a lower-floor room before booking.

Bella Muzica suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who wants to be in the centre without paying luxury prices. It is less suited to families who need a lot of space, or to guests who want a pool or gym. Reserve early for weekends and holiday periods, because the building has few rooms. Combined with a day trip or two to Bran, Rasnov and Peles, it makes a charming, central base for a short stay.