Unbelievable Ramada Plaza Craiova: Your Romanian Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… well, let's be honest here, sometimes bewildering, but always intriguing world of the Ramada Plaza Craiova! "Your Romanian Dream Getaway Awaits!" they say. Dream, huh? Let's see if it's a nightmare… of fun!
First Impressions: The Big Picture (and Maybe a Headache)
Right off the bat, the Ramada Plaza Craiova is trying hard. Like, really hard. It’s got that certain Ramada sheen, you know? Stately architecture, a lobby that’s probably seen a million business suits, and a sense of… well, aspirational grandeur. But let's be real, sometimes aspirational grandeur feels a little… stiff.
Accessibility: Trying Their Best (and Mostly Succeeding!)
Okay, HUGE props here. Accessibility is a big deal, and the Ramada seems to have taken it seriously. Wheelchair accessible? Check! They've got elevators (thank GOD), and I saw ramps everywhere. Nice. They’ve thought about the details, which is reassuring. Now, I haven’t personally tested every single nook and cranny (and I'm not about to start, let's be real) but from what I saw, they’re making a genuine effort.
Rooms: Comfy…with a Few Quirks. Like a Surprise Shower.
Let's talk rooms. My room? It was… okay. Clean! Always a win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Thank the internet gods! Important these days. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable. Honestly, I sank right into it after a long day of trying to decipher Romanian road signs (wish me luck!). Air conditioning? Check! A LIFESAVER in the Romanian summer. Blackout curtains? Also check! This is crucial for avoiding that 6 AM sunrise alarm.
There were the usual suspects: Minibar, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer. The essentials. But then… well, there was my shower. It was… let's say eccentric. The water pressure varied from "gentle drizzle" to "almost hurricane force" with zero warning. One minute you're contemplating your existential dread, the next you're getting a full-body hydro massage you didn't ask for. It was like playing Russian roulette with the showerhead. Am I going to flood the bathroom again? Probably.
But! They also had: Bathrobes, slippers, a safe box, and even… wait for it… Complimentary tea! (score!)
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Germaphobes, Rejoice! (Mostly…)
Okay, here's where the Ramada REALLY shines. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. The staff were constantly wiping down surfaces, and it was genuinely reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. They're taking this seriously. And I appreciate it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe With Some Questionable Choices)
Alright, food! This is where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet was… a thing. It had everything! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, International cuisine, you name it! There was bacon (good bacon!), eggs, pastries, yogurt, fruit… a veritable mountain of food. BUT… here’s the thing. The hot food was… sometimes lukewarm. And the coffee? Let's just say it wasn't award-winning. But hey, there was Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, so options!
The restaurant itself? It's a grand space. Lots of chandeliers, lots of… well, lots of stuff. The bar had a decent selection of drinks, although the cocktails were… okay. The Poolside bar, though? Now that was a vibe.
I'm going to dedicate a whole paragraph to this: the "Soup in restaurant". I ordered a soup. My expectations? Low. Romanian soup? Probably hearty. The soup arrived. It was… well, it was a soup. It was fine. But it was a huge portion, and the bread that came with it was so soft, it felt like I was eating a cloud. It wasn't spectacular, but there was something… comforting about it. Like a hug in a bowl. That's something, right?
Also, kudos for the Vegetarian restaurant and offering Alternative meal arrangement!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day is a Must (If You Can Find It!)
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Spa/sauna, Spa, Swimming pool [outdoor] (and indoor!), There's a Fitness center, and, best of all, a Massage! I’m calling it right now – book a massage. Just do it. I spent a glorious hour melting into the massage table, and it was pure bliss.
Finding the Spa, however, felt like an Indiana Jones adventure. Signs weren't always clear, and I walked a bit. But once you’re there, it's worth it. Body scrub, Body wrap – the works!
Services and Conveniences: Convenience Meets Confusion.
Concierge? Yes, they are helpful and eager to help. They found me a taxi (which is its own adventure in Craiova, I’m telling you!). Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Laundry service? Excellent. Cash withdrawal? Convenient!
But then there are things like… the elevator. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it's "out of service". The front desk had to apologize to a friend because of this.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly (with a little patience required)
They've got the basics: Babysitting service, (I didn't use this, but it's a good option), and they're generally family/child friendly. Kids meals are an option, and from what I could see, it was great for kids.
Getting Around: The Quest for a Taxi (and Maybe a Prayer)
Airport transfer? Yes, available. Car park [free of charge]? Yep! Taxi service? The key is to ask at the front desk. Finding a taxi on your own is…an experience. Let's just say the Romanian taxi system is a little… informal.
Now for the hard sell… or, well, a very human attempt at it:
ARE YOU CRAVING ADVENTURE? (Or, you know, a really good massage?)
Tired of the same old, same old? Do you need a break from the ordinary? Then, come to the Unbelievable Ramada Plaza Craiova: Your Romanian Dream Getaway Awaits!
Here’s the deal:
- Stay for 3 nights, get a free massage! That's right, melt away your stress with a top-rated spa treatment.
- Free Wi-Fi across the whole place - Stay connected to your people
- A truly unique dining experience - Experience some truly original cuisine and enjoy some drinks!
- Prime location, amazing deals…
Why should you book? Because, frankly, life's too short for boring hotels. The Ramada Plaza Craiova has its quirks, yes, it does. But it's got charm, it's got a heart, and it’s got some seriously amazing things on offer. It's a slice of Romanian life, with all its delightful imperfections included.
Don't wait! Book your Romanian Dream Getaway NOW! (Even with the slightly unpredictable shower situation, it's an adventure you won't forget!) Trust me, book now!
Manek: India's Oceanfront Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Craiova, Romania, Ramada Plaza escapade. Forget perfectly polished – we're going for delightfully disheveled. And yes, there will be coffee. Lots of coffee.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Apprehension (Mostly Apprehension)
14:00 – Arrival & Initial Panic: Okay, so the flight was delayed. Again. Honestly, the airlines owe me a therapist. Anyway, I've finally limped into Craiova Airport. The guy at customs looked… intense. Made me question all my life choices. Found the Ramada Plaza (thank God for that, the taxi driver looked like he'd been driving through the apocalypse). Checked in. Room is… fine. Standard hotel room vibes. But the light switch situation? Don't even get me started. It's like they hired a sadist architect.
15:00 – Reconnaissance Mission (and Coffee): Needed sustenance (and to calm the impending doom of jet lag). Found a little cafe near the hotel (thank GOD). The coffee? STRONG. Like, "I can taste colors" strong. Ordered a pâinea cu unt și gem (bread with butter and jam). Basic, but comforting. Wandered around the area, getting my bearings. Craiova feels…quiet. In a good way? Possibly. I’m leaning towards "intrigued."
17:00 – The City Center – A First Impression: Brave the city center. Wow. The architecture is… eclectic. Like, seriously. One building is all neoclassical columns, the next is Brutalist concrete, and the one after that looks like it was designed by a committee of drunken gnomes. But… there's a certain charm. A raw, unpolished beauty. I actually like it. Spotted a huge park, Parcul Nicolae Romanescu. Note to self: explore that tomorrow. Definitely tomorrow.
19:00 – Dinner Disaster (and Redemption): Restaurant recommendation in the hotel: Casa Veche. Went for some fancy Romanian food. Ordered something I thought was "safe" (it involved meat and potatoes). Turns out it was… interesting. The portions were HUGE. I felt like I'd run a marathon. Felt like I'd aged 20 years by the end of the meal. Left feeling bloated and utterly defeated. Then, I stumbled upon a tiny bakery on the way back to the hotel. Freshly baked pastries. Oh, the sweet, sugary, glorious redemption! Ate one in my room hiding under the covers. Don't judge me.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Coffee, and a Whole Lotta Standing Around
08:00 – Wake Up, Question Life, and Coffee: The light switch still mocks me. The coffee machine in the hotel room is… well, let's just say it's attempting to provide coffee. Managed to get a lukewarm, slightly brown liquid. Drank it anyway. Necessity.
09:00 – Muzeul de Artă Craiova (Art Museum) – An Unexpected Delight: The exterior looks unassuming, but inside? Wow. The paintings are stunning, and they have works from some famous Romanian artists. I'm definitely not an art snob but this place was fantastic because they had a surprisingly large collection of Romanian art showcasing different periods. I spent a decent amount of time lingering in front of the older pieces. The colors! The emotion! I nearly choked up. I was actually moved by some of the stuff. Totally unexpected. And they let you take pictures. Bonus points!
12:00 – Lunch – Another Food Adventure: Found a little restaurant that offered a set lunch menu. The woman serving spoke limited English, but somehow, through a combination of hand gestures, broken Romanian, and sheer luck, I ordered. This time, the food was incredible. Hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously cheap. I swear, I could eat Romanian food every day for a month.
14:00 – Parcul Nicolae Romanescu – The Grandest Park: Remember that park I mentioned? I finally made it. This place is huge, absolutely enormous. Spent A LOT of time aimlessly walking around. Saw a few geese and ducks. The sun was lovely. I sat on a bench overlooking a pond. Just breathed. Amazing. It reminded me how much I love green space and how rarely I truly take the time to appreciate it.
17:00 – The Search for… a Souvenir? Wandering again. Trying to find a souvenir. Finding absolutely nothing that doesn’t scream "tourist trap." The pressure is on. I'm determined to buy a fridge magnet.
19:00 – Dinner at Restaurantul Conac Found this restaurant that was a bit fancier. Ordering food is such a gamble. Ate a very savory bean stew, which was surprisingly comforting. The service was a little slow, but I was too full to care.
Day 3: Shopping Spree, Goodbyes, and the Long, Long Road Home (with a Fridge Magnet!)
08:00 – Last-Minute Scramble: The light switch finally succumbed to my will. Coffee, coffee, coffee. Packing – a messy, stressful art form I’ve somehow mastered.
09:00 – Fridge Magnet Acquisition! Success. Found a tiny shop with some actually-nice souvenirs. The fridge magnet is the perfect cheesy, slightly ridiculous thing to remind me of this trip.
10:00 – Craiova Market – Sensory Overload: The market was an absolute whirlwind of colors, smells, and noise. Tried some cheese. It was… potent. Bought some dried fruit. Bargained for it like a pro (or, at least, I felt like a pro).
12:00 – One Last Romanian Meal (and a Tear): Back to that bakery for a final pastry. And then, it was over.
14:00 – Goodbye Craiova: Back to the airport, more delays (!), the dreaded customs guy. Overall though…I'm so happy I came. craiova you were a wonderful trip, and I'm so going to miss you.
18:00 – Sitting in the airport: Delayed flight. Again. I am so tired. This flight better be worth it.
20:00 – Finally on the Plane/Home: Exhausted, a little overwhelmed, and slightly in love with Romanian food. Craiova: you surprised me. You challenged me. And you gave me a darn good story to tell. Now to unpack, drink a gallon of water, and start planning my next adventure. Maybe. After a nap, definitely.
Unbelievable Ramada Plaza Craiova: Your Romanian Dream Getaway... Maybe? Let's Get Real.
Okay, so *is* this place actually "unbelievable?" Or is the brochure lying? I'm sensing a bit of hype...
Alright, alright, settle down! "Unbelievable" is probably stretching it a bit. Think... unexpectedly pleasant. Look, I've been to Ramada Plazas that felt like they were plucked out of the 1980s (and not in a retro, cool way). This one? It's... pretty good. Clean, modern-ish. The lobby actually *looks* like the pictures, which is a win in itself! I remember one time, I stayed at a "luxury" hotel in... let's just say, a country known for its gyros... and the lobby smelled faintly of cabbage and regret. This Ramada? No cabbage, thank God. Just a faint hint of, I think, freshly brewed Romanian coffee. Score!
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they comfy? Because I *need* a comfy bed. My back is a drama queen.
Okay, the beds. This is crucial. The beds are... decent. Not *cloud nine* level. More like, "Ah, this is a bed, thank goodness." They're definitely above the "mystery springs poking you in the butt" level. I actually slept pretty well. Now, I'm not a princess (or a drama queen, back-wise), but I appreciate a good night's sleep. The pillows... well, they're pillows. You might want to bring your own if you're super pillow-sensitive. I, however, am not. I once slept on a pile of rocks in a national park because I was too cheap to rent a tent, so, take my pillow evaluation with a grain of salt.
Let's talk food. Is the restaurant any good? Because hotel restaurants can be... hit or miss. (Mostly miss, am I right?)
Oh, the restaurant! This is where things get interesting. They try *really* hard. I'll give them that. Breakfast buffet: a solid B+. Lots of options, good coffee (that Romanian coffee I mentioned? It's the real deal!). Dinner... depends. There's a lovely Romanian stew. *Delicious*. But sometimes... sometimes the pasta feels like it's been sitting out since the Cretaceous period. Okay, maybe not *that* long. But I had a particularly… *firm* plate of spaghetti carbonara one night. Lesson learned: stick to the local specialties and you’ll be golden. The waitstaff? Bless their hearts, they’re trying. Service can be a little… leisurely. You know, Romanian time. Embrace it. Order another glass of wine (the local ones are generally pretty good), and just enjoy the ambiance. Don't be in a hurry. Just relax and enjoy your meal.
What about the location? Is it... you know... convenient? Close to things?
Convenient-ish. It's not *smack-dab* in the middle of everything, but it's a manageable walk, or a cheap taxi ride, to the main areas of Craiova. There's a park nearby - the "Nicolae Romanescu" Park. Go there. It's beautiful, especially in the spring. I spent a whole afternoon getting gloriously lost wandering around, taking photos, and just generally soaking up the atmosphere. I even saw a couple of old ladies playing chess, which felt very... Romanian. Public transport is available too, it's easy to get around by bus, although I have to admit, I'm not the best at figuring out public transportation in foreign countries. I once got on the wrong bus in Rome and ended up in some random industrial wasteland. So, yeah, the location is alright. Not perfect. But certainly not bad.
Any tips for navigating the hotel, the city, or just life in general while I'm there? Spill the tea!
Okay, deep breaths! Craiova is a lovely city, but here's the lowdown from a seasoned traveler (me):
- **Learn a few basic Romanian phrases.** "Bună ziua" (Good day), "Mulțumesc" (Thank you), and "O bere, vă rog" (A beer, please) go a long way. The locals *appreciate* the effort.
- **Embrace the slower pace of life.** Things don't always run on the same schedule as back home. Chill out. You're on vacation!
- **Currency**: Romanian Leu (RON). Exchange money at the hotel or a bank, but compare rates – they can vary. Avoid street vendors offering high rates.
- **Taxis:** Use official taxis (look for the taxi sign on the roof) and make sure the meter is running. And yes, tip! A small amount is customary.
- **Explore!** Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Craiova has some real gems hidden away, like the Art Museum – it's fantastic. Get lost, get confused, then find your way back. That's the fun of traveling.
Is there a gym? Because I need to work off all those delicious Romanian pastries. Specifically, the Covrigi!
Yes, there's a gym. And it's... adequate. I'm not a gym rat, but I took a peek. It has the basic equipment. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. It's clean-ish. Air conditioning is probably working... (I don't particularly remember it not working) But the real workout is trying to figure out the machines in a language you don't speak! Ah, the joys of international fitness! But let's be honest, you'll be walking around exploring, and the pastries are far more important. Covrigi forever!
Anything *really* annoying that I should be prepared for? Like, the stuff the brochure *doesn't* tell you?
Okay, real talk time. A few things.
- **The internet can be a crapshoot.** Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Be prepared to embrace the digital detox (or tether to your phone, which, let's be honest, we all do anyway).
- **The noise.** Depending on your room, you might hear street noise. It's a city, after all. Ask for a room on a higher floor.
- **The elevators.** They're... slow. It's a minor inconvenience, but be prepared to wait. Especially during peak hours.
- **The billing process.** Double-check your bill. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you shouldn't be responsible with your finances 😉
Would you go back? Actually, be honest.
Yeah, I would. Absolutely. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice. The staff were genuinely friendly andHotel Safari
