Where to stay in Oradea, Romania: a local’s top recs

Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Ioana

Oradea is a city in Bihor county, in the North-West of Romania, close to the Hungarian border. And it’s also my hometown. I was born and raised here, and my family still lives in Oradea. It’s a really special place to me. In this blog post I’ll share where to stay in Oradea to help you plan the perfect trip to this hidden gem city. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

A bit about Oradea

I think the city of Oradea is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe that is starting to be discovered for its breathtaking beauty and charm. You might think I’m biased since it’s my hometown, so don’t just rely on my opinion. Based on public vote, Oradea won 6th place in the 2022 competition of Best European Destinations, surpassing cities like London, Rome and Vienna.

I have mixed feelings about sharing Oradea with you. On one hand, I want the entire world to know about this incredible destination. On the other hand, I want to keep it all to myself. But I decided to write about it because one of my goals for this blog is to break down stereotypes about Romania.

Oradea is the Art Nouveau capital of Romania. It has stunning architecture that rivals more well-known cities in Western Europe. The city hall has recently renovated all Art Nouveau buildings and the city looks incredibly beautiful and colorful.

If you like destinations that are less touristy then you will love Oradea. 

General tips for choosing where to stay in Oradea

Oradea is a small city, so I recommend you choose a hotel in a central location. This way you can walk to most main attractions, except Baile Felix, our thermal water resort town. That’s going to be a short drive from the city center.

Other than that, attractions such as the Citadel of Oradea, the Moon Church or Aquapark Nymphaea will be a short walk away from a central hotel.

Because Oradea is a small city that started getting more tourists only in recent years, it doesn’t have ultra luxury hotels like Ritz Carlton. However, you can find great hotels and aparthotels that have all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Oradea is still an affordable destination for Europe, so you can book a 4-star hotel or cozy boutique hotel for affordable prices.

Here are some of my favorite hotels in Oradea. If you were to ask me what my top pick is I would say Astoria Grand Hotel.

Astoria Grand Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.4/10 (2,956 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Astoria Grand Hotel is a 4 star historic hotel located right in the heart of Oradea. You will have such an incredible view of the Unirii Square and the State Theatre of Oradea.

Besides the view, the location is great since you can walk to many cafes, restaurants and the beautiful main square and Republicii Avenue. 

Romanians love a good coffee shop and they love hanging out while sipping on coffee. Thus, you’ll find so many coffee shops options in Oradea. If you visit during the warm months, most of them have outdoor seating, so it’s really beautiful.

Fun fact: this is where local celebrities like the famous men fashion designer Catalin Botezatu stay when visiting Oradea.

Another fun fact: the owner’s daughter was my classmate in grades 1-8.

Their spacious rooms have a classic design with high ceilings, warm lighting and traditional furniture. It’s definitely an elegant hotel in a completely renovated historical building.

And of course, they also offer modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free wifi.

The hotel also has its own restaurant where you can try local Romanian dishes or enjoy a quiet dinner after a day of exploring.

If you want a charming, old world hotel in a central spot, then Astoria Grand Hotel is one of the top choices. 

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Oradea

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (2,414 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea is a modern 4 star hotel located along the Crisul Repede river, in a more peaceful area. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from there to the city center.

Here the air-conditioned rooms are spacious and comfortable, with Hilton’s signature bedding and a clean, contemporary style. Many rooms have river views, which is a nice bonus.

The hotel also has a wellness area with an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a spa. You can unwind easily after sightseeing and you can also order room service.

​It’s a very popular hotel option for business travelers, along with tourists who want the modern facilities and customer service of the Hilton brand.

If you prefer an international hotel with reliable service and great comfort, then DoubleTree is one of the best places to stay.

Continental Forum Oradea

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.1/10 (2,096 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Continental Forum Oradea is another central hotel located close to the river. This one is closer to the city compared to the Hilton hotel, but it’s only about a 3-minute walk to walk from one to the other.

The location is convenient since you can walk almost anywhere and you will also be across the street from I.C. Bratianu park, my favorite park in Oradea.

Their rooms are functional and comfortable, which works well for both short stays and business trips. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool that locals also frequent. 

The hotel also has a restaurant, a café and several event spaces. It is a good all around hotel if you want something practical and affordable in a central area.

Elite Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.1/10 (849 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Elite Hotel is a 4-star stylish hotel located in a quiet residential area of Oradea on the other side of the I.C. Bratianu park. So it’s across from Continental Forum Oradea, but on the other side of the park. It feels calm and boutique, yet you are still close to the city center.

The rooms here are elegant and warmly decorated, with comfortable beds, plenty of space and private bathrooms.

They also have a spa with a pool, sauna and treatment rooms. It is perfect if you want a relaxing stay.
If you prefer a smaller hotel with a boutique feel, Elite Hotel is a great choice.

Ramada Oradea Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.2/10 (1,543 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Ramada by Wyndham Oradea Hotel is a modern 4 star property located about 20 minutes from the city center on foot. It is a convenient location if you also want easy access by car.

Their rooms are bright and spacious, with a clean design and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The hotel also has a rooftop spa, a well rated restaurant and a fitness center. Locals love the rooftop terrace here too.

If you want a polished, international style hotel with good facilities, then Ramada is a strong option.

Stokker Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.2/10 (712 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Stokker Hotel is a charming family run hotel located near the city center. The area is peaceful and green, which gives the hotel a cozy vibe.

It’s very close to Oradea’s first department store called Crisul Shopping Center (yes, it has the same name as the river).

The rooms here are colorful, bright and well maintained. They feel homey in the best way.

There is also an on site restaurant with a lovely terrace. It is a great spot for breakfast or dinner on warm evenings.

If you want a warm, welcoming hotel with a personal touch, then Stokker Hotel is a great pick.

Aris Boutique Hotel & Spa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.9/10 (80 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Aris Boutique Hotel and Spa is a modern boutique hotel located close to Oradea’s main attractions.

Here the rooms come with a stylish, contemporary design and comfortable beds. Everything feels polished and well thought out.

The hotel also has a spa where you can book massages or relax in the wellness area. It is ideal if you want a bit of pampering. They also have a seasonal outdoor pool.

If you prefer a fresh, elegant boutique hotel with great service, then Aris is a lovely option.

Caro Boutique Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.0/10 (960 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Caro Boutique Hotel is a small, cozy hotel located a short walk from Oradea’s center. The location is convenient and quiet at the same time.

Their rooms are simply decorated, clean and welcoming. It feels like a comfortable home base for exploring the city.

The hotel also offers a restaurant and lounge area where you can relax after your day.

If you want a simple, friendly and budget friendly boutique hotel, then Caro Boutique is a solid choice.

Aparthotel Aria Boutique

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (291 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Aparthotel Aria Boutique is a modern aparthotel located close to the central area. The location works well if you want space and comfort.

Their apartments come with kitchenettes, living areas and plenty of room to spread out. It feels more like a small home than a hotel.

There is also an in house café and some units have balconies, which is great if you plan a longer stay.

If you want flexibility, privacy and a more residential style stay, then Aria Boutique is perfect.

FAQs about Oradea

Where is Oradea located?

Oradea is located in the North-West of Romania, close to the border with Hungary.

How can I get to Oradea from abroad?

You can take a direct flight to Oradea International Airport from Bucharest. There are 2-4 daily flights operated by TAROM, the Romanian airline and by HiSky, a Moldovan low-cost airline.

There is also a direct flight to Oradea Airport from Warsaw with LOT, a direct flight from London with HiSky and a direct flight from Munich with Lufthansa.

While the airport has free parking for Uber/Bolt pick ups, the paid parking here is very affordable. If you need to keep your rental car at the airport you only need to pay the equivalent of 20 euros for the entire week.

What language do people speak in Oradea?

Romanian is the official language. However, most people in Oradea speak English. And they also speak a little Spanish since we used to watch Latin-American soap operas in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

What is the weather like in Oradea?

Oradea has all 4 seasons. In the summer the temperatures are around 27-30+ degrees Celsius. In the winter temperatures are around -2 to 2 degrees Celsius. I would say temperature-wise Oradea is similar to New York City, but it’s not humid.

What currency do they have in Oradea?

The Romanian currency is the Romanian Leu. Romania has been part of the EU since 2007, but we are not in the eurozone, so our currency is not the euro.

How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?

The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from outside the EU is to buy an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.

I use Airalo. You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for. After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.

You can activate it on your phone and the process takes under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.

---

Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other articles.

Debunking myths about Romania

Florence 4 day itinerary: the best guide for solo travelers

Athens 4 day itinerary: ultimate guide for your first visit

Madrid in 5 days: the ultimate first visit itinerary

4 Day Dublin itinerary: everything you need to know

Solo travel in Milan: the best things to do

Solo travel to Toronto: the ultimate 2 day itinerary