Overlooking Revolution Square, InterContinental Athénée Palace is one of Bucharest’s true grande dame hotels. Inside, the atmosphere blends historic elegance with modern comfort, while many rooms offer sweeping views across some of the city’s most important landmarks. Over the decades, royalty, diplomats, journalists and political figures have all passed through its doors, while stories of wartime espionage and clandestine meetings between international spies have become part of the hotel’s enduring legend. Despite its history and scale, the hotel still feels welcoming rather than intimidating, the sort of place where you can spend the morning sightseeing before retreating back for cocktails beneath glittering chandeliers in the evening.