WHAT’S IT LIKE? Opened last spring, after five years of building work, the Radisson SAS Hotel Bucharest – which is set to be rebranded as Radisson Blu in the next couple of years, along with the chain’s other properties in the EMEA region (see businesstraveller.com/tags/radisson+blu) – is the largest five-star hotel in Romania and marks Rezidor’s first foray into the country. You enter through a stone and glass façade into the lobby, which has eye-catching pot plants. This opens on to a lounge with an ice-cube inspired cocktail bar, at the bottom of a huge light-filled atrium that reaches to the top of the hotel.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is roughly a 40-minute drive – made unpredictable by the astonishing amount of traffic on the roads – from Henri Coanda International airport. It is situated on the main drag for resident fashionistas, alongside top names in couture clothing, and is within walking distance of the historic centre.

ROOM FACILITIES Rooms are arranged around the central atrium and are decorated in orange and chocolate tones with dark wood furniture. As with all Radisson SAS hotels, there is free in-room wifi access, as well as an LCD flatscreen TV, kettle, iron and ironing board, laptop safe, hairdryer, and Anne Sémonin toiletries. I stayed in a Business Class room, which also had a Nespresso machine, turn-down service, free breakfast and access to the top-floor Business Class lounge included. Standard rooms have a combined bath and shower, while my room had a separate bath and rain shower. Bathrobes and slippers are provided in Superior rooms and above.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS With four restaurants and three bars, there’s plenty to choose from. Dacia Felix is the largest and is where breakfast is served (6.30-10.30am weekdays; 7-11am weekends). Prime Steaks and Seafood is an intimate fine-dining restaurant serving succulent steaks and grilled fish – I tried both and they were delicious. It has a walk-in wine cellar so guests can pick their own tipple. Caffè Città (11.30am-11.30pm) is a bright, light, Italian restaurant, and the Pool Side Grill is open in the summer months from noon to 10pm. Bars include the Bla Lounge Bar, a stylish spot to relax with a cocktail, and Dark Bla Bar, which serves whisky and cigars. In summer, the outdoor Light Bla Bar opens from noon to 2am.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The hotel hosts a high percentage of business travellers and has the facilities to match – there are 11 meeting rooms and a 540 sqm ballroom that can host up to 500 people or be split into two smaller venues. All rooms have natural daylight, while the ballroom has direct access to an outdoor terrace. For Business Class guests, the Business Class lounge is accessible around the clock for breakfast, soft drinks, tea and coffee. In the evenings (5-7.30pm) a free self-service bar opens, serving beers, wines and hors d’oeuvres.

LEISURE FACILITIES The World Class Health Academy has a 22-metre indoor swimming pool and cardiovascular exercise machines, while an outdoor swimming pool and heated spa bath are located in an inner courtyard. Bali Spa offers a selection of massages.

VERDICT With extensive meeting facilities, a dedicated business lounge and free wifi, this centrally located hotel is well-suited for conferences and corporate events, while individual business travellers will find it a welcoming, stylish place to stay.

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HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 424 bedrooms, including 111 Standard (20 sqm), 200 Superior (20 sqm) and 74 Business Class (30 sqm). The 39 suites (37-50 sqm) include the “King Ferdinand and Queen Marie” Royal suite, which has a separate kitchen, guest bathroom and a dining area for up to 12 people.

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The Nespresso machine is great for a quick pick-me-up and the rain shower is a simple pleasure. The free wifi access is also a bonus.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from 760 lei (£170) for a Standard room, or 1,060 lei (£240) for a Business Class room.

CONTACT Radisson SAS Hotel Bucharest, Calea Victoriei Street 63-81; tel +40 213 119 000; bucharest.radissonsas.com

Sara Turner