Dracula's REAL Castle? Spooky Hotel Transylvania in Alba Iulia!
Dracula's REAL Castle? Spooky Hotel Transylvania in Alba Iulia!
Dracula's REAL Castle? Hold on to Your Garlic! (A Spooktacularly Honest Review of Hotel Transylvania, Alba Iulia)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the blood (and probably some cappuccino) on my experience at what's supposed to be Dracula's Castle. Or, well, at least the spooky Hotel Transylvania in Alba Iulia. Let's be honest, it's not the castle Vlad the Impaler actually lived in. But the marketing?! Oh, the marketing… they've got you hook, line, and sinker, promising a vampire-themed getaway! And, well, I was completely sold. Here's the raw, unvarnished truth:
Arrival & First Impressions (and a slight existential crisis)
Finding the hotel was a breeze. Alba Iulia is charming, and the castle itself is… imposingly grand. Think imposing stone walls, looming gates, and a general vibe of "I wouldn't want to be caught out here after dark." The car park [free of charge] was a godsend, especially after a long drive. (And yeah, there's even car power charging station for the electric vampires among us!)
Walking in felt… underwhelming, honestly. No cobwebs. No bats fluttering down. It was all very… clean. Overly clean, if I'm being brutally honest. Almost felt like they were trying too hard to prove how sanitary everything was. The front desk [24-hour] was efficient, but the staff were… polite, but not necessarily enthusiastic about the whole "Dracula's castle" thing. I mean, where's the blood red lipstick and the dramatically arched eyebrows?! Just a friendly smile, which, while appreciated, felt a bit… normal.
Accessibility (Because Everyone Deserves a Spooky Vacation!)
Now, this is actually pretty impressive. The hotel gets a big thumbs up for accessibility. The elevator was a lifesaver, especially for those with mobility issues (or carrying a mountain of luggage, a la myself). They have facilities for disabled guests, and I noticed ramps and accessible rooms. Bravo! Making everyone feel welcome earns serious points in my book. I didn't delve deep into the exact details of the accessible rooms, but the general impression was positive.
Staying Safe (Because Even Vampires Gotta Follow the Rules!)
The hotel is obsessed with hygiene, which, considering the whole pandemic thing, is a good thing. They've clearly got a whole arsenal of Anti-viral cleaning products and protocols in place. There are Hand sanitizers everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. It felt a little clinical at times, but hey, better safe than sorry, right? They also have a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. You can even opt-out of room sanitization if you're feeling brave and/or trust your own cleaning abilities. There's a First aid kit, and they even use professional-grade sanitizing services. Plus, they have plenty of CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property for extra security.
The Room (My Coffin, Kind Of)
My room? Decent. Not exactly blood-soaked luxury, but clean, comfortable, and functional. I got a non-smoking room, thankfully. (As if a vampire would smoke… eye roll). The Air conditioning worked perfectly, a godsend during the Romanian summer heat. I had Air conditioning in public areas meaning keeping cool was never a problem. The bed was extra long, which I appreciated. They offered Free bottled water, a nice touch. The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly (essential for Instagramming your spooky adventure!).
Here’s how the room looked in a messy way:
I had a desk, which was nice, but I didn't really use it (I was on vacation, dammit!). They had a refrigerator which was great, a coffee/tea maker, a mirror, a hair dryer (thank goodness!), a scale. It had a private bathroom with a bathtub and a separate shower/bathtub. The slippers were a nice touch. Also a closet, and the desk, complimentary tea. It had a seating area, and a sofa, pretty comfortable. And the ironing facilities came in handy. I would also like to mention, that it contains blackout curtains!
Things that were available: desk, complimentary tea, internet access – wireless, linens, mini bar, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, satellite/cable channels, shower, smoke detector, socket near the bed, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake-up service, and window that opens.
They even have room sanitization opt-out available!
And here’s the downside in the room. I thought the Alarm clock was not the best, I’m never using one, for the entire life.
Dining (Where's the Garlic?!)
Okay, the food… this is where things got a little… meh. The main restaurant offers a buffet in restaurant with Breakfast [buffet] and a Western breakfast. The food was… okay. It was clean, and there were options, but nothing really screamed "vampire feast." They do have an a la carte in restaurant, which I didn't try, but maybe next time. There's a coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Happy hour (which I missed, unfortunately) offers a hint of the "spooky theme". There is also a poolside bar and a snack bar.
However, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was a surprise! 🤯
The Spa & Relaxation (Because Even Vampires Get Stressed)
This is where the hotel redeems itself. The spa is gorgeous! The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with a Pool with view (definitely Instagram-worthy). They have a sauna, a steamroom, and a gym/fitness. I opted for a massage, and it was heavenly. Seriously. Pure bliss. The Body scrub and Body wrap options tempted me, but I'm a sucker for a good old-fashioned massage. The Foot bath was also divine. If you need to unwind from the stresses of, you know, NOT being a vampire, then the spa is your haven.
Things to Do (Beyond Staring at Your Reflection in a Coffin, Obviously)
The hotel is located in the Alba Iulia citadel, which is AMAZING. You can explore the fortress walls, visit historical sites, and soak up the atmosphere. The hotel offers Airport transfer and Taxi service. They also provide Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge]. You can even visit the Shrine. The gift/souvenir shop is a bit pricey, but they have some cool stuff. The hotel provides luggage storage. There's a terrace, perfect for enjoying a drink.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect… Ever!)
- The Theme: While they try to lean into the vampire theme, it's more subtle than spectacular. More blood-red drapes and maybe some strategically placed fake bats would have been nice.
- The Vibe: The staff could be more… vampire-y. A wink, a knowing glance, something to play into the fantasy!
- The Marketing: While the marketing promises Dracula, what you get is more like… "Inspired by Dracula."
- The Prices: It's not cheap. But you are, essentially, paying for a unique experience.
For the Kids (Little Vampires Welcome!)
They are family/child friendly, which is great. The babysitting service is available but I don't need the option.
The Little Things (The Details That Make a Difference)
- Daily housekeeping.
- Cashless payment service.
Overall: Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with a few caveats. If you're expecting a full-blown vampire experience, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped hotel in an amazing location with a truly fantastic spa, then this is a great choice. It's a perfect base for exploring Alba Iulia, and the hotel offers a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
- Perfect For: History buffs, spa lovers.
The Offer (Because You Deserve a Spooky Escape!)
Ready to sink your teeth into a Transylvanian adventure?
Book your stay at Dracula's REAL Castle? Spooky Hotel Transylvania in Alba Iulia! and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of Transylvanian wine upon arrival.
- A 15% discount on all spa treatments.
- Free breakfast for two!
- Guaranteed upgrade to room with the citadel view.
- Promo code: BATTY2024
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the unfiltered, probably-too-candid, definitely-not-sponsored tour of my Romanian escapade to Hotel Transilvania Alba Iulia. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real, slightly-chaotic deal.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Quest for Caffeine)
- 6:00 AM: Ugh. The alarm. The sheer audacity! Crawling out of bed for a flight is a crime against humanity, but Romanian adventures await. My pre-flight ritual? Panic check of the passport (twice), followed by a silent plea to the travel gods for no delayed flights. Spoiler alert: we were good.
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown in Cluj-Napoca! The air hits you - crisp, a tiny bit damp, smelling faintly of… something. Can't quite place it. Adventure! Now. But first… COFFEE. The airport café was a disappointment. Weak, lukewarm brown water. Rant alert: Europe, you're generally fabulous, but your airport coffee game needs serious work.
- 11:00 AM: Rental car acquired. My driving skills in a foreign country? Let's just say I'm a "defensive driver," which basically translates to “terrified-of-everything-else-on-the-road driver.” Navigating out of Cluj was a minor heart attack. Road signs are a suggestion, apparently.
- 1:30 PM: Finally, Alba Iulia! The drive was stunning though. Rolling hills, the occasional castle-ish-looking thing. My inner history nerd was doing a happy dance, while my outer, perpetually-stressed-out driver, gripped the wheel for dear life.
- 2:00 PM: Hotel Transilvania. Okay, here we go. The front desk guy? Super friendly, but also a little bit confused by my arrival. He seemed to be expecting a vampire convention and was clearly disappointed by just us. Check-in went smoothly, though. Room is decent. It has a balcony. Win. (And the bathroom wasn't as terrifying as the last hotel I stayed at, huge plus!)
- 2:30 PM: The inevitable unpacking. Why do I always overpack? Seriously, who needs five pairs of shoes for a three-day trip? The answer: me. I, apparently, need five pairs of shoes. I'm already regretting the boots.
- 3:30 PM: Exploring the hotel and surrounding area. The hotel, itself, feels like a movie set! It's this grand old building, beautifully restored, with vaulted ceilings and dark wood everywhere. I even saw a portrait of some seriously stern-looking ancestors. I'd probably get the side-eye if I showed up at lunch in a t-shirt… (note to self: pack at least one button-down shirt tomorrow)
- 5:00 PM: Dinner time! I'm starving. The hotel restaurant, Casa Transilvania, is doing a roaring trade. Ordered the local dishes. The mici (grilled ground meat rolls) were fantastic, seriously. The other dishes? More to be desired. I'm definitely going to eat more mici. Probably every day.
- 7:00 PM: Relax on the balcony, while some of the church bells ring. It's eerily beautiful, and I'm already in love with the atmosphere of this place.
Day 2: Alba Iulia Citadel & the Vampire Within (Maybe?)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet spread was…well, let's just say I ate my weight in pastries. No regrets. Fuel for the day!
- 10:00 AM: Citadel time! Alba Iulia Fortress is massive. Seriously, ginormous. Walking around the ramparts, I felt like I’d stepped into a history textbook. The architecture is stunning, a mix of star-shaped fortifications and elegant Baroque buildings. I tried to imagine what it was like here when there were actual battles and sieges.
- 12:00 PM: The Citadel. Saw the Union Hall. Got the chills. (History nerd, remember?) Also, the amazing changing of the guard ceremony. The soldiers were so stoic, and the whole thing was incredibly impressive. Really enjoyed a traditional changing of the guard.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a little restaurant outside the Citadel walls. My Romanian is limited to "mulțumesc" (thank you), "bere" (beer), and "unde este baia?" (where is the bathroom?). Thankfully, the waitress was patient. The food was okay-ish. The beer was cold (and delicious).
- 3:00 PM: Back in the hotel. I decide to get some relaxation time. My feet feel like they are going to drop off after all that walking, so I sit by the pool. The relaxation was much needed, and I got to enjoy the sunshine.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at the Casa Transilvania. Going to stick to the mici.
- 7:00 PM: Long walk around Alba Iulia. The town is filled with stunning architecture. A nice ending to the day.
Day 3: Departure (and the Post-Trip Blues)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. One last pastry assault. I'm going to need a juice cleanse when I get home.
- 10:00 AM: A last wander around the hotel. Took some photos. Said goodbye to the friendly staff.
- 11:00 AM: The drive to the airport. This time, I’m more confident. Or maybe I’m just numb from the sheer amount of driving. (I'm still a terrible driver, let's be honest, I'm just better at masking it.)
- 1:30 PM: Airport. The same weak coffee, the same panic that I've forgotten something. But also? A twinge of sadness.
- 3:30 PM: Home. Unpacking AGAIN. Starting to plan my next trip to Alba Iulia!
Final Thoughts:
Romania, you unexpectedly stole a piece of my heart. Hotel Transilvania, you were charming, quirky, and a little bit spooky, in the best way possible. Alba Iulia, you proved that history can be fascinating and that (mostly) everyone is friendly. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I ever stop overpacking? Probably not. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go nap. I'll probably dream of mici.
Escape to Paradise: Wilde Room's Unforgettable Siargao Getaway (Room for 2)
Wait, Dracula's Castle... in ALBA IULIA?! Is this some kind of tourist trap con?
Okay, so initially, YES. I thought exactly that. My brain screamed, "SCAM!" when I saw the ads. "Real Dracula Castle?! In... Alba Iulia? The Transylvanian countryside? Yeah, right." But I'm here to tell you... It's complicated. It’s not quite the legendary Bran Castle, the one *everyone* associates with Dracula (which is a whole other story, trust me, I went there too, and… well…). This is actually a *themed* hotel, built within a historical fortress. Think of it as… a very lavish, very over-the-top, but undeniably FUN, Dracula-themed experience, smack-dab in the middle of one of Romania's oldest and coolest citadels.
And by “coolest citadels,” I mean one where history is LITERALLY built into the walls. I spent an afternoon just wandering around those ramparts, and my imagination was going WILD. Roman legions! Medieval sieges! Vlad the Impaler (the REAL Dracula inspiration) possibly stomping around these very stones. So, it's a con in the sense that it's not *THE* castle. But a con in the sense that you'll absolutely love it, and never be the same?
Is it actually spooky? Like, am I going to be screaming in the middle of the night?
Okay, here's the deal. "Spooky" is subjective. I'm a massive scaredy-cat. I jump at shadows and I avoid horror movies like the plague. So, from my perspective? YES. It was spooky! But not in a way that was relentlessly terrifying. More like… a delicious, unsettling atmosphere. The lighting is low, the decor is all velvet and heavy drapes and antique furniture. There are portraits of suspiciously stern-looking people everywhere. And the staff? They play the part. They're all very… theatrical. They definitely know how to set the mood. I swear, the bellboys gave me the creeps in the best possible way.
But, the actual rooms? You're safe. No genuine hauntings were observed. Maybe that's just me, or maybe I was too busy admiring the ridiculously opulent bathroom to notice any paranormal activity. (Seriously, the bathrooms are amazing.) But I did keep the lights on the first night. Just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?
What's the hotel *actually* like? Is it a complete cheese-fest?
Alright, the cheese-factor is… present. Let's be honest. But it's a *good* cheese-fest. It’s done with a healthy dose of ironic self-awareness. They *know* they're making this place a bit OTT, and they lean into it. My room? Gothic luxury. Think: four-poster bed, heavy curtains, ornate mirrors, and enough red velvet to clothe a small army. The furniture was antique-y and I'm pretty sure I didn't touch half of it because I'm pretty sure it was REALLY expensive.
The common areas are just as theatrical. The restaurant feels like you've stepped into a Victorian novel. Candlelight, heavy silverware, and waiters who look like they're auditioning for a vampire movie. It's all meticulously themed. Is it "authentic" historical living? Nope. Is it a really fun and immersive experience? Absolutely. You have to be prepared to go along with the fun. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, you might have a problem with it. But me? I was having a blast.
The Food! Is there... blood? And are the restaurants… you know… good besides the theatrics?
Okay, the most important question. *Blood*… thankfully no. I was half expecting to be offered a cocktail made of… whatever. But the food is generally delicious. The restaurant has a very impressive menu, catering to various dietary requirements. They have "themed" dishes, of course. I remember a "Dracula's Feast" or something along those lines (which I predictably ordered). It was a multi-course meal of Romanian specialties – stews, grilled meats, polenta, and all those carbs that you crave after a long day of exploring. It was all served up with flair, but the food absolutely held its own. The quality was surprisingly high. You aren't just paying for the ambiance. Which is a win.
And the breakfast buffet? Amazing. So much cheese. So much bacon. So many pastries. Prepare to loosen your belt. Trust me on this one. Fuel up, because Alba Iulia has a lot to explore. Also, they had excellent coffee. I needed it after the… spooky dreams.
What's the best thing about the hotel? And what’s the worst?
Okay! Best thing? The immersion. The attention to detail is remarkable. From the staff's commitment to character to the decor, it's a completely immersive experience. It transports you. I was completely captivated.
Worst thing? This is a hard one. Maybe the sheer *busyness* I can’t lie, though, this historical site attracts a LOT of visitors during peak season, so you can’t escape it. Finding a place to sit and soak it all in was tricky, and it felt a little bit rushed. Also, maybe the sheer volume of red velvet. It’s very… intense. But hey, it's part of the charm, right?
Is it worth the trip? Should I actually go?
Absolutely. 100%. Go. Just go. If you're looking for a unique, memorable, and slightly spooky travel experience, then yes, the Dracula Hotel in Alba Iulia is worth the trip. It’s not just a hotel, it's an experience. It’s a theatrical adventure, a fun escape, and a great base for exploring a fascinating part of Romania.
But, and this is important: Go in with the right expectations. Don’t expect historical accuracy. Don't expect a *real* castle. Expect a wonderfully cheesy, incredibly fun, and meticulously themed hotel that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. And book ahead! It's popular for a reason.
What's the best thing to do in Alba Iulia besides the hotel?
Okay, so this is easy. The ALBA IULIA CITADEL. Seriously. Spend a whole day (or two!) exploring the star-shaped fortress. Wander the stone streets, admire the architecture, and feel the history seeping into your bones. The Unification Museum is also a must-see. I'm not usually a museum person, but this one was unexpectedly interesting. It really gives you context for the whole region, the peopleHotelish
Post a Comment for "Dracula's REAL Castle? Spooky Hotel Transylvania in Alba Iulia!"