Mystery, vampire stories, and medieval castles add to the allure of Transylvania, Romania. Transylvania is most famous for being the home of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend. The association of Dracula and vampires has never left Transylvania, and Dracula tours are wildly popular. Vampires aside, Transylvania is full of cultural history, architecture and museums, and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing in the mountains.
Located in the heart of the Transylvania region, Casa Wagner is set in a 400 year old citadel, or fortress town known as Sighisoara that is on th UNESCO World Heritage sites list. This Gothic-style hotel has 32 rooms and suites a restaurant, and a large wine cellar that doubles as a dining room. Medieval history surrounds the Casa Wagner and the small town of Sighisoara. Much of its medieval architecture is intact in the quaint homes, towers and cobblestone streets. Be sure to visit the birthplace of Count Vlad Dracula, the inspiration for the infamous vampire story, as well as the 500 year old Church on the Hill. Nearby dining options include Pizzeria Perla, and the popular restaurant in the Casa cu Cerb hotel, serving Romanian cuisine.
The Balea Lac Ice Hotel is located high in the Fagaras Mountains, and accessible only by cable car. This hotel is made completely of ice and rebuilt every year in the winter -- a must try for the adventurous traveler. The hotel has 10 rooms with ice beds covered in reindeer fur and special sleeping bags to keep you warm all night. Bathroom facilities are nearby in the Balea Lake Chalet. The Ice bar serves drinks in ice glasses. The hotel also offers an elegant dining experience that must be booked in advance of your visit, with items such as smoked salmon egg cream and beef medallions with mashed potatoes. Activities on the mountain include snowmobiling, ice skating, skiing and ice-sculpting lessons.
Located in the historic town of Sibiu, the Casa Luxemburg hotel is a picturesque 13th-century castle-like building that has 10 rooms with hardwood floors and contemporary furnishings. Amenities include a lounge, a tourist information center and live piano entertainment in the evenings. Take a guided tour of Sibiu to see all the well-preserved medieval buildings such as the Evangelic Cathedral and the Apafi Palace. Also close by is Bran Castle, also know as "Dracula's Castle," a can't-miss for vampire fans. Nearby restaurants include Hermania, which serves traditional Saxon meals, with servers dressed in traditional costumes. Also nearby is Crama Sibiul Vechi, one of the oldest restaurants in Sibiu.
