Tucked away on a small street in the heart of the city, near the historical Cismigiu Park, the EPOQUE is the latest edition to the luxury hotels in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. The Cismigiu park and the area surrounding it is probably the most prestigious residential area, having been host to many famous writers and artists. The Cismigiu Park has been designated as being part of the national patrimony and every season important cultural events are held in its open air facilities – classic and choir concerts, folk concerts and in winter, the lake of the park becomes a large man made ice skating rink, the most popular in the capital city.
The hotel is within walking distance from all major tourist attractions as well as the most important office centres, making the hotel ideal for both leisure and corporate travellers. From the opening in December 2010, it has joined the deluxe selection of international hotels of the prestigious WORDHOTELS, being the only location of the chain in Romania.
The 45 all suite five star hotel is the first true luxury boutique in Bucharest, which provides the highest standard of personalized service, including butler service. Staff are not only very welcoming and warm but also provide a genuine and very attentive service. The ‘’can do’’ attitude can be felt in all the hotel’s divisions, from front office to SPA, room service and restaurant. The personalized service also translates in name recognition, whereas staff remember the name of the guest. Valet services is provided to all guests, the hotel ensuring 22 parking places, of which
Unlike most of the other five star hotels, which are situated on busy high-streets with intense traffic, EPOQUE is still located in the very heart of the city but in an extremely quiet area, surrounded by greenery. The small street on which EPOQUE is situated feels like a private street and provides a palatial feeling when approaching the hotel. It almost feels like checking into a private mansion. The hotel is a brand new building, yet the façade maintains a classic look, in the style of a chalet, the interiors abounding in wood and marble.
The suites of the hotel are the largest accommodation units in Bucharest, ranging from 35 sqm to 110 sqm. All have separate living area and bedroom and the bathrooms are impressive, not only in size but also in comfort and facilities: under-floor heating, luxury ETRO amenities including bath foam and bath salts, as well as separate enclosed shower and bathtub. The use of wood on floors and most decoration items, together with the views from the bow windows make one feel like a chalet in a mountain resorts. Some of the suites provide large balconies with stunning views of the nearby park and the Bucharest city centre. The king size beds are very comfortable with 300 thread cotton sheets. Each suite has two LCD screens, one in the living area and one in the bedroom and complimentary high speed wireless internet is provided. The most impressive suites are the Cismigiu Suite and the Epoque suite, each averaging 110 sqm, with large balconies. The two suites are among the most luxurious presidential suites in Bucharest. Mention should also be made that most of the deluxe suites feature a kitchenette, equipped with Nespresso coffee machines.
The SPA has been the most pleasant surprise, with a heated indoor pool with many whirlpool functions and an area which resembles a hammam. The dry sauna is large and features a bio setting and chromo therapy, while the generously sized steam room provides several mood settings with music and coloured lighting. There is an amazon shower with several aromatherapy and water pressure features. A selection of massages and facials is available at the SPA. After a busy and tiring day of either sightseeing or business meetings, the SPA is a true blessing.
No expense has been spared on the fittings, both technical, design and architectural. The best quality fixtures, showers as well as the best quality limestone marble and dark cherry marble were used throughout the hotel, in the bathrooms as well as the public spaces. The hotel can host small business or private events both in its lobby bar and restaurant.
From February, the Epoque restaurant will be run under the supervision of the 2 star Michelin Chef, Guy Martin, from Le Grand Vefour restaurant in Paris, becoming thus the only Bucharest restaurant establishment at such a high Michelin standard. The restaurant has a winter garden and a terrace which will be a major attraction during summers. The Epoque Bistro will mostly likely become an attraction not only for hotel guests but also for Romanian and expatriate gourmet connoisseurs who will become regular clients.
The hotel is managed by an experienced hospitality professional with decades of experience managing five star hotels in Europe. Middle East and Africa, while the best staff has been hired among local professionals.
As with all new properties, there is also room for improvement as far as the SPA menu of treatments as well as signage to direct guests to the exact location and the concierge services. I am sure these aspects will be dealt with in no time and will be implemented swiftly and efficiently.
Whether on a business trip or a leisure trip, the EPOQUE hotel is the ideal choice for travellers of all ages and nationalities, as it provides a standard of service of international level within state of the art facilities.
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