Continental Forum Sibiu

Continental Forum Sibiu is a four-star hotel at 10 Unirii Square, in the centre of Sibiu and about a ten-minute walk from Piata Mare. It is a larger, modern property with a restaurant called Balkan Bistro, a bar and lounge, a coffee shop, a terrace, a business centre and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms range from standard singles, doubles and twins to deluxe doubles and twins with city or mountain views, family rooms and suites, and a presidential apartment. It is a sensible mid-range base for visitors who want a conventional hotel with parking.

The hotel's position suits walkers and drivers alike. From Unirii Square the walk to the Large Square takes about ten minutes, so you get easy access to the old town without paying for a room directly on the square, and the bus and taxi connections are simple. On-site parking is available for a daily charge, which is a rarity for centrally located hotels in Sibiu, and wheelchair-accessible and van parking is also available.

The area is livelier during the day and calmer at night, but as always it is worth asking for a room away from the street if you sleep lightly.

Rooms are standard in layout, with deluxe rooms offering city or mountain views and family rooms with sofa beds for households. Suites and a presidential apartment cater to those who want more space. Check-in starts at three in the afternoon and check-out is at noon, with early arrival and late departure subject to availability and an extra fee.

Breakfast is a buffet, available at an extra charge for adults and a reduced charge for children, with weekday hours that start early and weekend hours a little later. That makes it convenient if you are leaving on an early day trip to Biertan, Sighisoara or the mountains.

There is no pool or spa, so this is not the choice for a wellness break, but it has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, laundry facilities, concierge services, an elevator and meeting rooms, plus pets allowed for a fee. It suits business travellers, families who want a conventional hotel with parking and couples on a mid-range budget.

During the Christmas market the property fills up on weekends, so book early. If you want to be closer to the Large Square, consider the old town hotels, but if parking and a larger hotel matter more, this is a solid, reliable choice. Rates are generally in the mid range and change with season.