Located a little way from old Bucharest, this five-star hotel is nevertheless well placed for visiting some of the city’s attractions.

It is located directly opposite the neo-Byzantine Catedrala Mantuirii Neamului (Cathedral of the Salvation of the Romanian Nation). A few minutes’ walk will take you to the Palace of Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For a night at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, a total of 33,000 Marriott points were required, compared with 833 lei (248 CAD) in refundable rates. So I chose to pay with my Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD* Card. I also used a suite upgrade.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations.

And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) as well as 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Check-in at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel was simple, fast and carried out by very competent staff. From the very first meeting, you feel unique and valued as a customer.

After being handed my passport and Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD* Card – for payment and potential expenses – I was kindly advised of the hotel’s services, only to be told that the Senator Suite was ready to receive me.

The JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel has eight floors and no fewer than 402 rooms, including 23 suites. With such an imposing building, you’d expect the lobby to be as harmonious and grandiose as the exterior. Indeed, we’re not disappointed!

As soon as we arrived, the magic began: we were fascinated by the sumptuousness of the premises. The hall is made of white marble, and you’ll quickly notice its huge chandeliers and two spiral staircases, also in marble.

These are located on either side of the reception area, which has five counters. The advantage is that there’s little waiting, even at arrival and departure times.

Thanks to my SNA (Suite Night Award), I was entitled to an upgrade, and not just any upgrade: the Senator Suite, located on the 3rd floor with a view of the city.

The suite includes a closed bedroom with king bed, a lounge with sofa bed, a large office area, a shower room and a full bathroom.

As soon as you enter, you notice the workspace: a large desk, three chairs and everything super-functional (several USB and electrical sockets, an HDMI socket and even a Bose speaker).

The shower room is just to the right of the workspace.

In front of this space, we discover the treats area: a Nespresso coffee maker, chocolates, nuts, small bottles of wine and champagne, and bottles of Evian water. Everything’s for a fee, except the coffee.

This is also where you’ll find the mini-fridge, as well as a console where I was – so kindly – presented with a small bottle of wine and some small hors d’oeuvres that were truly succulent.

In the lounge, in addition to the sofa bed, there’s a coffee table, two armchairs and a TV. The advantage of this room is that it has large windows overlooking the city.

The suite is located in a turret and its windows follow the shape of the building.

Finally, the room isn’t very large and, above all, windowless. However, it’s perfect for a good night’s sleep. Like the rest of the room, it’s simply decorated, with a chest of drawers, TV and cupboard.

The bed is topped by a headboard. At its feet is a leather bed bench, soft and comfortable. Unfortunately, there is no USB socket in the room.

As I was only here for one night, I didn’t have the pleasure of trying out the six restaurants at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, including the one located on a terrace, The Garden. The JW Steakhouse is apparently a must, even for non-residents of the hotel.

In addition to the Vienna Lounge and Pavillon Lounge, there’s an Italian restaurant, Cucina – The Italian Kitchen, and a sports restaurant, Champions – The American Sports Bar & Restaurant. On the catering front, there’s something for everyone.

The executive lounge is not flashy: sober, it is decorated with care and the space is well used. As with most lounges, lunch is free for Platinum and Superior members. You’ll find pastries, juices, coffee and hot and cold dishes.

Eggs, pancakes and more were also available. In the evening, hors d’oeuvres were offered, as well as beer, wine and even champagne.

Again, being here only one night, I didn’t have time to try out all the hotel’s services including a full gym, heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa. All under the name “World Class București at The Grand”.

But that’s not all! There’s also a casino (Grand Casino Bucharest), a pharmacy, a hairdressing and nail salon, a bank, vending machines, not to mention the luxury boutiques on Grand Avenue.

I loved my short stay at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Of course, a single night is not enough to take advantage of all our services.

My favorite part was the staff, who took such good care of me and all the customers. As for the suite, comfortable and unforgettable, it’s also one of my favorites. I would recommend this hotel for your next stay in Bucharest. By way of comparison, you can also read my review of The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection.