Located in the heart of Brasov, Romania, Radisson Blu Aurum Brasov occupies a historic site once home to the 1930s Palatul Telefoanelor (Palace of Phones), the city’s first telephone company building. After a careful three-year restoration costing $18.6 million, the property reopened as a modern hotel in late 2022, blending contemporary comfort with respect for local heritage.
The hotel features 110 well-appointed rooms and a team of about 70 staff, welcoming both business and leisure travelers from Romania and around the world. The design balances modern sophistication with local influences, creating a comfortable base for exploring Brasov’s Old Town and surrounding Carpathian scenery.
© Joanna Tricorache
Dining at the hotel includes Artis restaurant, which serves a mix of European and Asian dishes for lunch and dinner and features a sushi counter. The breakfast buffet is extensive, and Aurum Lobby Bar offers coffee, wine, beer, signature cocktails and light snacks throughout the day and into the evening. The Sky Bar, scheduled to open in summer, will introduce a rooftop swimming pool with views over Old Town and the picturesque Tâmpa Hill, complemented by light bites and beverages.
One of the hotel’s distinctive features is Ordo di Artis, a below-ground tasting room ideal for wine or coffee tastings and intimate themed dinners for up to 18 guests. The space incorporates part of Brasov’s 400-year-old stone fortress wall, visible beneath a large glass viewing window from the outdoor terrace. The executive lounge offers panoramic views of the city and the Carpathian Mountains, while meeting and event facilities accommodate gatherings of up to 170 people.
Radisson Blu Aurum Brasov is a family-owned and franchised project developed by local entrepreneurs Ramona and Răzvan Neamțu. Their vision was to create a hotel that contributes culturally and economically to the community. Around 80% of the initial investment was directed to Romanian contractors, suppliers and employees to ensure the project supported the local economy.
© Joanna Tricorache
“We wanted the hotel to reflect local character by incorporating historic photos and artifacts and by working with Romanian suppliers, so guests experience a property that is both well designed and deeply connected to Brasov,” said Răzvan Neamțu, co-owner.
Romona Neamțu, co-owner, explained the inspiration behind the hotel’s name and aesthetic: “The golden color scheme and architectural details draw from the towers of Brasov’s fortress. Many interior ornaments echo the work of 17th-century aurarii (goldsmiths), which inspired the ‘Aurum’ name. During construction we discovered an original section of the fortress wall and chose to highlight it with a large skylight and a publicly accessible outdoor patio.”
© Simion Alb
Brasov itself is rich in impressive architecture, especially in Old Town. Council Square is home to the monumental Black Church and a mix of Renaissance, Classic and Baroque façades. Republicii Street runs through the historic center, lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and restored buildings that house shops and eateries on their ground floors.
In winter, Poiana Brașov, located about eight miles from the hotel, is Romania’s premier ski resort, offering extensive slopes and facilities. The recent opening of Brasov-Ghimbav Airport is expected to attract additional investment to the region, stimulating growth across hospitality, residential and office markets for both multinational companies and local start-ups.
Room rates at Radisson Blu Aurum Brasov vary by season and room type; as a reference, an executive room with executive lounge access is typically around $225 per night. Discounted rates are available for Radisson Rewards members.