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JW Marriott Bucharest, first in revenues and quality

Review 18 March 2009

The five-star unit JW Marriott, biggest five star hotel on the local market when talking about income, is also most appreciated in quality of services, even if the architecture of the building housing it is not spectacular when targeting customers. The hotel is one of the best units on the Eastern Europe market, having the largest number of rooms and highest level for quality of services according to a recent survey conducted by CPP Management Consultants.
On second place there’s Howard Johnson, ex Dorobanti Hotel, considered to be best for business by our surveys and also having the best location, including parking space. However, even if the location is excellent and the facilities that the unit offers for the business class are good, Howard Johnson Grand Plaza, currently owned by Wyndham hotel chain, is currently struggling with limitations inherited from the Dorobanti Hotel building, a three-star hotel. A strong point for the hotel is the magnificent view available from the top floors.
Athenee Palace Hilton, a unit that belongs to businessman George Copos, currently holds the third position, holding its ground with top level services and good food. The athenee palace has been, for over a century, not only an architectural but also social landmark for romanian citizens. The aditional building which has been renovated in 1997, has transformed the property into a large business hotel while still keeping the glamour of the 19th century.
Radisson SAS, the biggest unit on the five star market when talking about the number of rooms and probably the most expected hotel entry in the last five years, currently holds the 4th position in the top due to the fact that it has the best breakfast and is most suitable for families. Althought hailed as an architectural icon, the new Radisson SAS resembles too much the former Bucuresti Hotel which it replaced. The lack of attention to details and dubious quality of finishes establishes the Radisson Bucharest as a four-star hotel for the long term. It will be practically impossible for the quality of services to compensate the structural shortcommings. The most expected hotel entry on the market comes as a dissapointment, when at almost one year since the official opening the occupancy rate is around 20%, far below any hotel on this segment.
The hidden gem of the Bucharest five star hotels market, Carol Parc impresses in architecture and quality of services, yet it seems owners have set much too higher standards as far as services and gastronomy are concerned. „The hidden location” does indeed provide privacy and security, yet for many it is almost unreachable. Although in its second year of operation, owners have already made some compromises such as quality of staff, amenities and facilities. The intimate location does indeed offer a sense of privacy, the location being chosen by a lot of VIPs that visited our country, but still for most people it remains a completely inaccesible location.
Crowne Plaza, another unit owned by Copos, is currently on the 6th place. The location is very convenient for business, close to the Otopeni International Airport and the Romexpo area. Even though the function rooms have been renovated, most of the hotel is behind renovation schedule.
Last place is taken by Casa Capsa, former residence of royals, dignitaries and VIP’s. Casa Capsa boasts a spectacular downtown location on Calea Victoriei and the quality of renovations and restauration have been appreciated by all. However, the quality of rooms is below the 5 star rating which the hotel is so proud of. Capsa does not live up to expectations both on facilities and services. Efficient management could bring this hotel back on track, and restory its former glory.

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