Have you been wondering which hotels in Cluj-Napoca are really worth booking — ones that feel comfortable, well-located, and just right, especially for a first trip? I’ve got you covered!
I spent three years living in Cluj during my university studies and I still return every year to visit my family.
I’ve tried hotels big and small, walked miles to find hidden cafés, and learned which areas feel magical and which ones you’ll avoid because of noise or lack of charm.
I know the struggle: you want somewhere beautiful, convenient, safe — but you also want something that feels personal, authentic, maybe even cozy.
So here are the hotels I genuinely recommend as if a friend asked me, plus what’s around them so you can imagine what your stay might feel like.
- Grab Your Cluj City Starter Pack!
- Cluj-Napoca neighborhoods and map
- My Top 3 Picks for Cluj hotels
- 1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj
- 2. Platinia Hotel
- 3. Grand Hotel Italia
- 4. Campeador Inn (Mid-Range Pick)
- 5. Retro Hostel (Budget Pick)
- 6. ZEN Central Apartments (Family Pick)
- FAQs About Cluj-Napoca Hotels
- Final Thoughts
Grab Your Cluj City Starter Pack!
Want a printable checklist of attractions, best hotels, foods to try and public transportation? 🎁 Download my Free Cluj Starter Pack! Perfect for first-time visitors!
[mailerlite_form form_id=1]Cluj-Napoca neighborhoods and map
Cluj-Napoca is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and set of attractions for first-time visitors. Choosing the right area to stay in is key to enjoying the city’s highlights, whether you want to learn more about local history and culture, relax in green spaces, or experience local culture and nightlife. Below, I break down the main neighborhoods recommended for first-time travelers, with insights on why each is a great choice and what you can discover nearby.
Here is a map of the 6 main neighborhoods where I recommend booking a hotel as a first-time visitor.
Here is a quick summary of the neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay:
- Centru (Old Town): Best for history, nightlife, and being in the heart of it all.
- Andrei Mureșanu: Quiet, upscale, and close to the center.
- Gheorgheni: Green, residential, and ideal for families and nature lovers.
- Mărăști: Affordable, convenient, and well-connected.
- Grigorescu: Scenic, tranquil, and great for riverside walks and Central Park.
- Zorilor: Modern, family-friendly, and close to the Botanical Garden.
My Top 3 Picks for Cluj hotels
#1 Top Pick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj
✅ Elegant 5-star amenities & wellness spa
✅ A location where you can walk to many sights
✅ Rooms spacious enough for relaxing after long days of exploring
#2 Pick
Platinia Hotel
✅ Modern suites with thoughtful extras (hello, complimentary wine & cheese)
✅ Very high guest ratings and strong service
✅ Great value for how central and easy everything is
#3 Pick
Grand Hotel Italia
✅ Italian-style elegance in interiors and ambiance
✅ Gorgeous views over the city
✅ Breakfasts people rave about + rooms that feel luminous and peaceful
1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: ~1.2 km from Cluj Old Town | ✅ Book it!
If I had to pick one hotel for someone’s first stay in Cluj, Radisson Blu would be it.
It strikes that rare balance: luxurious amenities like a spa, gym, and modern décor, and just enough distance from the busiest streets so you can sleep well, but still walk to cafés, shops, and museums without stressing about transport.
I remember arriving here after a late flight in mid-March, dragging my suitcase through the snowy streets, and being so grateful that my room was quiet, warm, and had a bathtub.
Top 3 Benefits:
- Incredible central spot so you can leave your hotel and start exploring right away, with minimal transit.
- The wellness/spa facilities — after touring all day, you’ll want that to relax your tired feet and brain.
- Consistent high service: welcome, helpful front desk, clean rooms, all the little touches.
Attractions Nearby:
- Central Park (Parcul Central) — a peaceful green escape, perfect for morning runs or evening strolls.
- Cluj Arena & Polyvalent Hall — handy if there’s a concert or football match.
- The heart of Old Town: St. Michael’s Church, Piața Unirii, the narrow streets full of cafés, just a 15-minute walk.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Radisson Blu Hotel!
2. Platinia Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Very Central, near Cluj City Center | ✅ Book it!
Platinia feels like staying somewhere stylish but warm; the kind of hotel where the architecture and interior design catch your eye, and then the small touches — like being greeted with cheese & wine, having a big comfortable bed, enjoying a generous breakfast — make you feel welcome. I stayed here on a chilly autumn trip when things were wet outside, and coming back to a room that smelled clean and had fluffy towels felt like a balm.
Pros:
- Beautiful suites with space to breathe.
- Free breakfast that really sets you up for the day.
- Great staff — warm, responsive, helpful.
Cons:
- Because it’s so nice and central, prices are higher than modest hotels.
- Parking might be harder / more expensive if you have a car, but for me walking or taking taxis was fine.
Attractions Nearby:
- Polus Center Mall — when you need shopping, cinema, or modern food courts.
- Central Park & Cluj Arena — both walkable, which is nice for evening relaxation.
- Old Town’s attractions are just a short walk — museums, restaurants, ambient streets.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Platinia!
3. Grand Hotel Italia
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Slightly removed, peaceful area but easy access to center | ✅ Book it!
Grand Hotel Italia is for those of us who like to feel a little pampered without being in the center of noise — where you can enjoy a roomy balcony, have breakfast that feels like a treat, and sit with a view over rooftops as dusk falls.
I once stayed here during the winter; waking up early into soft light over the chimneys and hearing distant church bells made the cold almost poetic.
Top 3 Benefits:
- Elegant interiors and atmosphere that elevates your stay, makes you feel like you’re somewhere special.
- Breakfast is more than just routine; people talk about it afterward.
- It’s calm, which means better rest; for some exploring, but also unwinding.
Attractions Nearby:
- The Botanical Garden — lovely for morning walks, plant lovers, or a quiet afternoon.
- Andrei Mureșanu / Grigorescu neighborhoods — beautiful streets, good cafés, local life.
- Quick and easy access to Piața Unirii and Old Town via taxi or a longer walk, giving you both calm and convenience.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Grand Hotal Italia!
4. Campeador Inn (Mid-Range Pick)
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: ~3.4 km from City Center | ✅ Book it!
If you want to balance cost and comfort, this was my go-to option when I didn’t want to compromise on amenities but also wasn’t looking for luxury.
Clean rooms, a terrace to sit out, decent restaurant on site, and helpful staff who can direct you to good local spots.
It doesn’t feel fancy, but it feels honest and welcoming — like a place you could spend several nights without wanting out.
Pros:
- Very good value for what you get.
- Rooms well designed and comfortable.
- Proximity to the airport and good if you have early flights or long layovers.
Cons:
- A bit away from the center, so expect a short ride or bus journey.
- Doesn’t have the luxury spa or glam, but you still get solid amenities.
Attractions Nearby:
- Iulius Mall — great for shopping, food, and catching a movie or just hanging out.
- Avram Iancu International Airport — really handy if you have early/late flights.
- Expo Transilvania — if there’s a fair or event, you’re well placed.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Campeador Inn!
5. Retro Hostel (Budget Pick)
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Cluj Old Town | ✅ Book it!
When you’re travelling light, maybe solo or with friends, and mostly want somewhere that has character and good vibes, Retro Hostel feels like staying with new friends rather than in a faceless room.
It has cozy lounges, music playing sometimes, people sharing stories, and really friendly staff who’ll show you where to eat, where to walk, what hidden gems to check.
As a university student coming to Cluj for the first time, I spent some nights in a dorm here while searching for a long-term accommodation in the city.
The room was clean, I had a good book, and I ended up chatting on the rooftop terrace with other students and travelers from three different continents.
Top 3 Benefits:
- Location cannot be beat — Old Town, so you’re in the middle of what makes Cluj feel alive.
- Affordable with extras: free bike use, coffee/tea, common spaces.
- Social atmosphere, great for solo travellers, those who enjoy meeting others.
Attractions Nearby:
- Museum Square (Piața Muzeului) — quaint cafés, terraces, good for people-watching.
- St. Michael’s Church & Piața Unirii — the heart of Cluj’s historic, buzzy center.
- Nightlife options literally at your doorstep; restaurants and bars walking distance.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Retro Hostel!
6. ZEN Central Apartments (Family Pick)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Central Cluj, close to Piața Unirii | ✅ Book it!
If you’re traveling with kids or simply want a bit more independence and space, I can’t recommend ZEN Central Apartments enough.
We stayed here as a family and honestly loved how easy it was to spread out — the apartments are large, modern, and designed for comfort, which means you don’t feel crammed into a small hotel room.
Having a kitchen was such a plus, because sometimes when you travel with children, you just need to prepare something simple like pasta without going out again.
Parking on site was another lifesaver; Cluj can get busy, and knowing we had a guaranteed spot gave us peace of mind.
The apartments feel fresh, bright, and are right in the middle of things, but you still get that cozy “coming home” atmosphere at the end of the day.
We really enjoyed coming back here after a long day of sightseeing and recharge.
Top 3 Benefits:
- Spacious apartments that feel like a home, not just a room.
- On-site parking — invaluable if you’re renting a car to explore Transylvania.
- Kitchen facilities, making it a great choice for families or long-stay visitors.
Attractions Nearby:
- Piața Unirii with St. Michael’s Church is just a short walk, making sightseeing super easy.
- Museum Square (Piața Muzeului) with charming cafés and terraces is right around the corner.
- Central Park is nearby, perfect for kids to run around and unwind after sightseeing.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for ZEN Central Apartments!
FAQs About Cluj-Napoca Hotels
Where should first-time visitors stay in Cluj?
If I were you, I’d aim for somewhere near Old Town (Centru) or a short walk from it. That way you’re close to cafés, museums, good restaurants, and transport. If that’s too busy or expensive, neighborhoods like Grigorescu or Andrei Mureșanu are still lovely, calmer but well connected.
Are hotels in Cluj expensive?
Not nearly as much as you might expect. Luxury hotels run around €80-€150+ per night depending on season, mid-range are usually €50-€80, and smaller hostels or budget places can drop into €20-€35 for dorm beds or very simple private rooms.
Is it safe to stay in Cluj everywhere?
For the most part yes — Cluj is pretty safe. But I always double-check recent reviews for noise, safety (especially if arriving late), and proximity to transport. If you’re arriving at night, staying close to major roads or well-lit areas is worth the peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me where to stay in Cluj, I’d recommend choosing a hotel that gives you space to breathe, puts you close to what you want to see, and feels more like you’re staying in a home-away-from-home than just a place to sleep.
If it were me, I’d go with Radisson Blu for that first-trip wow factor — location, comfort, amenities — it just sets the tone. But if your budget is less, Platinia or Grand Hotel Italia are gorgeous picks, and Retro Hostel is perfect if you want connection, stories, and to be in the heart of things.
👉 Check out my Cluj blog posts below to plan your perfect trip:
Cluj-Napoca City – Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
Why you should visit Cluj-Napoca in Romania
Best Cluj-Napoca restaurants, coffee spots and bars guide
Car rental in Cluj-Napoca: Everything you need to know
