Review: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
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The JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel was built in the 1980s, and it’s clear that this majestic, imposing building features eclectic architecture. A Romanian truth. In front of the building, a monument dating from 1901 pays tribute to the heroic firefighters.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Location
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.
The nearest metro station is an 18-minute walk away, but you can also take the bus or use the Bolt service, which is very economical. If you’re an avid walker, Old Bucharest is about a 20-minute walk away.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Reservation
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 BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* Card. I also used a suite upgrade.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
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.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Hotel details
Here is some information about the hotel:
| Restaurants | Yes | USB sockets in the room | No |
| Accepts animals | Yes, for an additional fee. | Smart TV | Yes |
| Mobile card | Yes | Shower/Bath | Both |
| Balcony | No | Accessible for people with reduced mobility | |
| Parking | Yes ($30/day) | Executive Lounge | Yes |
| Gym | Yes | Breakfast included | No (yes for Platinum members and above) |
| Pools and Spas | Yes | Room with kitchenette | No |
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Check-in
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 BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* 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.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Lobby
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.
The lobby features a café (Vienna Lounge) and a bar (Pavillon Lounge). This is also where we access “The Grand Avenue”: two large passageways where luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana and many others can be found.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Room
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.
The large bathroom is attached to the bedroom. Made of marble, it has a large bath, a large countertop with a large mirror, and a (small) corner shower.
The suite isn’t huge, but the space is well used. It’s a great place to relax after a day of historical sightseeing in Bucharest. I’d say the suite is pleasant and coquettish.
Note that the Deluxe rooms, considered to be standard rooms, are said to be the largest in Bucharest!
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Restaurants and Executive Lounge
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.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Services
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.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – General impression
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.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.