10 independent reviews for Transylvania vacation accommodation
Reviews for Transylvania vacation accommodation
Janet Pitcher review 22 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having trips and experiences arranged each day with a guide to explain everything to you, was wonderful, especially as I was alone and did not have transport. Trekking up into the mountains, by car or pony and trap, observing local crafts and taking part myself, exploring Manors, Churches and restored buildings.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The daily trips are included in the 'All Inclusive' but you can join them (at an extra cost) giving 24 hrs notice. This is not like your usual hotel. Guests are not in one building, but in different restored houses in the village. The guests are a family and you all eat together around one table. There are no options for food but they will happily accommodate diets, given notice. The food is local and organic and based upon the menu of the area. The wine is lovely and not expensive.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most definitely. The buildings were prevented from falling down and restored for accommodation. This provides employment for many. The restoration work still continues, keeping alive the local crafts and skills.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. I had a wonderful time.Nehal Vora review 2 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The meals together with the guests, the morning tours and the set up of the room.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Must experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The room could have been better managed, the chimney steam had trash in it, the toilet flush wasn't working. The room became too hot.Ilana Trachtenberg review 5 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The locale was wonderful - very peaceful and a beautiful peek into a different way of life.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The guesthouse plans daily outings on a set schedule - check the schedule before you book to be sure not to miss out on specific activities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The guesthouse is located in a very rural area, and most if not all food is sourced locally from the residents in the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great!Clio Whittaker review 4 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peace and tranquillity of this beautiful valley was stunning. All the staff and guides - particularly Gabo - were friendly and knowledgeable, and did their utmost to make us feel comfortable and at home.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The bedrooms and dining rooms were kept at a very cosy level but outside it was so cold that the water pipes to one bedroom froze. Make sure to take warm clothing and boots for outdoors, as the temperature dropped to -20C one night!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt that we were enabling local people to find employment in a sustainable and direct way, by sharing their skills and knowledge.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just fantastic, we would like to return to appreciate this special place at another time of year, probably spring or autumn. A small disappointment was that we did not set eyes on wildlife such as bears and wolves, although we saw much evidence of their presence in the snow.Melanie Johnson review 17 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was the perfect 'get away from it all' trip where you really felt like you were stepping back in time. The location, nature and wildlife were stunning and I particularly enjoyed meeting many different people staying at both the guesthouses. It made for some interesting conversations at mealtimes.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are making your own way to either location from the airport to the station, make sure you use an authorised Taxi company. Some drivers are not adverse to turning the meter away from view and adding extras. Also, if you are joining the guided walks, make sure you bring good footwear , binoculars and a few snacks as there is a small village shop which may not be open when you return hungry!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation benefited local people in the remote villages as they could interact with tourists ; some locals were employed by the guesthouses and many made the effort to practice their English. Travelers also brought a small amount of trade to the village shops. The small museum which was set up in the village of Zalanpatak was of particular interest to travelers who were keen to learn more about the history and customs of local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As it was very remote, it was quite time consuming to reach the guesthouses but once you were there you could forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I travelled alone and this was not a problem as I was able to join the organised trips each day and meet new people. I would definitely recommend seeing the real Transylvania.Fiona D review 9 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We were impressed by the beauty of Romania. It was really opened up for us by the excellent guides at the guesthouse, who showed us places and things we would never have found on our own.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The thing we found most difficult was the heat at night as there was not air conditioning and our room in the eaves of an old house became very warm.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Tourism in Romania is an important source of revenue, in particular for restoration of heritage buildings. It helped us to gain a greater understanding of the Romanian people and culture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Despite a few mishaps with bad Romanian roads, we thoroughly enjoyed out vacation and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about this fascinating part of EuropeAnn Adamson-Eadie review 3 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many things that it is difficult to pick one! The people Edò, Renàta, Marika, Margit, Izolda, Piri and Csaba, the tours to Volcanic Crater Lake. On the summit of Mount Csomad, VISCRI (Deutschweisskirch, Szaszfeheregyhaza) we went to a fortified church which is on UNESCO'S World Heritage List, SIGHISOARAq (Schaessburg, Segesvar) the only Renaissance place to have been lived in continuously. BRAN (Toerzburg, Toercsvar) to see Castle Bran which was used in Bram Stokers Dracula story as his castle. Although this is totally untrue the castle was definitely worth seeing and very beautiful. RASNOV (Rosenburg, Rozsnyo) to see the fort. This was built by peasants as a place of retreat in times of invasion. BRASOV (Kronstadt, Brasso) Round the old parts of the city and saw the Church of Mary, (AKA The Black Madonna) also known as the Black Church. PREJMER ( Tartlau, Prazsmar) Here we visited the fortified fort and the Church within. The Land of the SZEKLERS (Székely). The eastern Carpathians is the traditional home of the Szekler people, closely related to the Magyars who speak a distinctive Hungarian accent and cherish a special historical identity. The GORGE and CAVE of the Pied Piper, The Almas cave in the gorge of the Vargyas river. All these tours and also visiting local crafts with our very knowledgeable guides Siri Istvàn Attilla Ernest The traditional food and estate wine, the quietness of Miklosvar, dinner with the other guests. Ideal.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The only tip would be check train times from Bucharest and use only official taxis3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As this was a UNESCO world heritage area we knew conservation area was paramount. We paid the local crafts people directly for their goods and the guesthouse brings employment to the village.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic would definitely recommend and hope to returnMarilyn Molyneux review 10 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This is difficult, as from the moment we were greeted at the airport every moment was memorable. Every day was filled with new experiences and sights. Walking through meadows filled with wild flowers long since gone from British fields, seeing farming practices from a by gone age, storks on the chimney pots, cows walking down the street on their way home from the meadows, and of course... the Bears! Just so amazing. The country side was spectacular as we travelled with our guide to see Saxon fortified churches, castles, and forts. The beautiful forests where we picked mushrooms to have for lunch, the mountains we drove through, the far reaching vistas of well cared for land truly awe inspiring. The wonderful guest house we stayed at where the staff could not have been more helpful. Meals taken under the vines or the candle lit cellar, were of local produce and regional dishes. Sharing experiences with other guests from all over the world was so interesting. Watching the evening procession of the cows returning from their meadows down the street in front of the guest house, they calmly walked off into their own barns their owners waiting for them was truly wonderful. This was such a brilliant experience in every way and I intend to return.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take advantage of the trips on offer and the suggestions of Renate the manager who is exceptional. Hiring a car would give you more independence, though the roads in the countryside are not all tarmac! Be warned! Get out and about and see as much as you can of the beautiful countryside and customs.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
When we met the count he told us how many people he was employing in the guest houses. They were locals from the village or neighbouring villages. So that has to be a positive outcome, also he is encouraging a revival of traditional crafts and skills to stock in his craft shop.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
In every way it exceeded my expectations, the beauty of the environment, the quality of the accommodation, the standard of service, the tremendous bio diversity of flora and fauna. To escape from the madness and chaos of post referendum UK to the beautiful peace and quiet of the estate was heaven! I shall definitely return. Thank you Responsible Travel for giving me the opportunity to have such a grand time.martin davis review 26 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sitting on the back of a horse drawn cart big taken higher up in the beautiful forest clad Hills surrounding Zalanpatak in Transylvania. The spring Alpine flowers were just beginning to come into bloom and it was a perfect opportunity for our guide to prepare an open fire BBQ picnic!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire a car. Once you have slowed down for your first horse drawn cart you will quickly immerse yourself into driving Romanian style. With so much to see from amazing volcanic lakes to Saxon fortified villages a car is essential to get the most out of your time there.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most certainly, all our food was locally sourced and prepared and the staff were all locally recruited. From providing a few impulsive lifts to local hitch hikers and having the privilege of visiting the amazing Ibbi who runs an orphanage in Targu Mures we felt our vacation made a small difference.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
With 4 sons and a large mountain dog usually in tow this was the first vacation for my wife and I, abroad, on our own for 32 years. We had an amazing time and will be returning. It was the perfect place to do more, see more and talk more. Hopefully won’t be 32 years until the next vacation together!Gerhard Loupal review 25 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The unspoiled nature (except for the large amount of litter especially in and around rivers), the poverty of the people, although they seem happy (a lesson we should learn in our consumer society).Although we did not see any large carnivores directly, we found lots of signs and tracks, something which is unimaginable in Central Europe.We saw a Lesser Spotted Eagle quite close, a memorable sight.And last but not least the superb dinners in the wine cellar with open fire and an excellent local red wine and pleasant discussions with interesting people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Best date for the vacation is May/June, then the meadows are full of wild flowers and wildlife is at point of culmination.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people are employed at the guest houses and one feels that the operator knows about the importance of high biodiversity and unspoiled nature for the success of tourism in this region.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An unforgettable vacation in a remote region of Europe, far away from mass tourism.Accommodation Reviews
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