Hotel Epoque Is the First Romanian Hotel Included in the Condé Nast Johansens Collection, the Reference Guide for the Luxury Hotel Industry

Epoque, a boutique hotel in the centre of Bucharest, is the best urban hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean Region, according to Condé Nast Johansens, the reference guide for the luxury hotel industry and independent travellers. This is the first time that a hotel in Romania has been included in the Condé Nast Johansens collection.

The Condé Nast Johansens Awards of Excellence recognises, rewards and honours luxury hospitality from a carefully chosen collection of properties in the UK, Europe and the Mediterranean Region, North America (USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean), Central and South America; Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. The selection is based on online votes, guest feedback and local expert reports for hotels featured on www.johansens.com and in the Condé Nast Johansens 2024 International Luxury Hotel Guide, available now.

Epoque Hotel is the only hotel in Romania included in the Conde Nast Johansen collection

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“We are delighted that the Epoque Hotel’s strengths are internationally recognised by one of the leading brands in the industry, Conde Nast Johansen. ‘L’art de vivre’ is an integral part of the Epoque philosophy and we always strive to offer our guests an exceptional experience”, says Ioana Petrescu, General Manager Hotel Epoque.

Epoque is a boutique hotel with a unique concept on the local market, combining all the attributes of the luxury hotel industry: spacious accommodation, fine dining restaurant, spa with multiple relaxation facilities and a premium events centre.

The architecture of the Epoque facade, designed in classic French style, proposes a tribute to the Little Paris era, while the interiors reveal a contemporary interpretation of the Neo-Romanesque style typical of the first half of the 20th century, relying on national and authentic attributes.

A new global trend, “bleisure”, business trips extended for relaxation

More than 75% of Epoque Relais & Chateaux clients are foreigners visiting the capital for business, but there is also an important category of foreign clients who come to Bucharest to relax. They are interested in discovering local history, architecture and gastronomy. Romanian clients generally come for business, while those on holiday are attracted by the gastronomic experiences, shopping or cultural events taking place in Bucharest.

Weekend tourism complements weekday business tourism and a new global trend, “bleisure”, which represents business trips extended for personal interest, is taking shape in the local market.

In terms of occupancy, in 2023 Hotel Epoque is in line with the 5-star hotel market, with an annual average of around 60%.

Seasonality for the hotel industry in Bucharest has been maintained in recent years, with the company’s management estimating the same trend in the following years, i.e. January-February low occupancy, with an upward curve until May and downward until August and the first half of September, a pattern that is repeated in the second half of the year, peaking in October and gradually decreasing towards the end of the year.

Currently, Romania is heavily promoted by international publications as a “hidden treasure”, being a very safe and cheap destination, say Epoque representatives. However, 2024 is shaping up to be a difficult year, with operational costs rising and global travel declining as the recession is already being felt, adds the company’s management.