To ask me to provide a guest experience of the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest is, in essence, to describe my experience of Bucharest itself. The two, in my opinion, are synonymous. This perspective might also be influenced by my experience as a first-time solo female traveller.

Upon my arrival in this vibrant city, I was quickly introduced to Bucharest’s rush-hour traffic and hospitality. After navigating security, passport control, and baggage claim, I found a taxi to take me to the hotel where I would spend the next six days. Stepping through the airport’s sliding doors, I was greeted by a line of yellow taxis ready to escort passengers around the city. I handed over my two large suitcases to the driver, along with my carry-on luggage, and got into the back seat holding my laptop bag. After placing my second suitcase on the front seat and settling in behind the wheel, the driver asked, “Are you moving to Romania?” It was a valid question given the amount of luggage I had, but I explained that I would be returning with them mostly empty after just a week’s visit.

As we weaved through Bucharest’s streets, honking horns and swerving between lanes, the driver shared tips on what to explore and how long it would take to reach certain destinations on foot. Coming from South Africa and traveling alone, I asked if it was safe to walk around the city. “Yes,” he exclaimed, “you could walk around with a handful of money like this”—he placed his hand next to his ear—“and no one would take it.” With those reassuring words, I felt ready to explore the city whenever I had free time.

When we arrived at the hotel, the rush-hour traffic was intense. We stopped in the middle of the street, luggage in hand, and hurriedly moved everything to the curb, where a doorman graciously helped me bring it inside. I was thankful for his assistance and his willingness to help unwrap my suitcases from the plastic wrap that had protected them during the flight. As I headed to reception to check in, the crowd of luggage in the hall made it clear that I wasn’t the only guest arriving. After a minor hiccup with my check-in that was quickly sorted out, I finally closed my door, exhaled, unpacked, and hopped into the shower after 22 hours of travel. The warm water under the magnificent waterfall showerhead was a much-needed welcome.

As someone who is very attuned to scents, it was at this moment I noticed the finer details of the hotel—specifically the luxurious aroma of the Byredo BAL D’AFRIQUE shower products. The fragrance filled the air with notes of Bergamot, African marigold, Black Amber, and Moroccan cedarwood. A scent well described by the brand as “A warm and romantic vetiver inspired by Paris in the late 1920s and its infatuation with African culture, art, music, and dance.”

My initial impression of both the city and hotel was filled with rush-hour chaos, renovations at the hotel, and the stress of traveling alone. But after a refreshing shower and checking that my luggage had arrived safely, my second impression was entirely different.

Feeling rested, I ventured out to explore. As my taxi driver had recommended a restaurant with “the best pizza in Bucharest,” that was my first stop. After dinner and a leisurely stroll through the streets, peeking into small shops, one where a cat slept in the window, I returned to the hotel.

For the first time, I truly took in the grandeur of this historic hotel. The colossal marble pillars, the magnificent light fixtures that were works of art, the paintings adorning the walls, and once again—the scent. A scent that has welcomed diplomats, royalty, businesspeople, and travellers alike.

Passing through Le Colonnade, chandeliers glittered romantically as I was surrounded by mirrors on the doors leading to the two gala halls—Le Diplomate to the left and Regina Maria to the right. The atmosphere was elegant, timeless, and despite the continuous flow of meetings, events, and weddings, somehow peaceful.

Walking past a wall chronicling the hotel’s 110-year history, it struck me how long this marvel of a building has stood and all the guests who have walked its halls. Having survived bombings during World War II, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in 1977 that severely damaged surrounding buildings, and the 1989 revolution, it became clear how grateful I was for the renovations being done to preserve this landmark.

The next morning, I set out to explore not only the city but the hotel’s amenities, starting with a workout at the gym to shake off the travel fatigue. Though small, the gym had everything needed for a good sweat. If you choose, your workout can be followed with a session in the steam room or sauna and you can enjoy cooling off with a dip in the pool. I noticed that expansions to the spa were planned, but in the meantime, guests could book a massage to relax.

After my workout, it was time for breakfast and my much-anticipated morning coffee. I had been warned that European cappuccinos might not compare to South African ones, but to my pleasant surprise, I ordered 1–2 cappuccinos every breakfast.

Breakfast at Roberto’s Restaurant, served from 6:30 to 10:30, was a delightful experience. I took my time enjoying the variety, and soon, the attentive staff had memorized my table and coffee preferences, often having my cappuccino ready as I approached my table.

During my stay, I explored nearby landmarks such as the Romanian Athenaeum, the streets of Old Town, and the colossal Palace of Parliament. After each excursion, stepping back into the hotel felt like a comforting retreat, the perfect home base for all my explorations.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, my sweet tooth led me to Café Athénée, which had recently reopened after renovations. There, you can indulge in artisanal pastries and signature cakes. While admiring the display case, I had the pleasure of meeting pastry chef Mihaela. After congratulating her on the extraordinary pastries, she humbly credited her team. I enjoyed a chocolate croissant and a salted caramel brownie, both of which were perfection on a plate.

As my stay at this remarkable hotel drew to a close, I prepared for the long journey home. Despite a few initial hiccups with email communication and an incorrect check-in date, the rest of my experience was nothing short of delightful. With my bags packed and ready, I paused for a moment, glancing back at what had been my 'home base' for the past week. The rushed, chaotic first impressions had transformed into feelings of peace and comfort. The InterContinental Athénée Palace, along with the captivating city it resides in, has truly left an imprint on my heart.

I leave with a deep eagerness to return to this place I’ve come to call home for a short space in time.