Cabana Baraj Apuseni Mountains

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of mountain places, but Cabana Baraj Apuseni Mountains hits different – and honestly, that 9.7 rating isn’t just inflated review nonsense. This place sits right on Strada Principala in Mihoeşti, which sounds fancy but is actually just the main drag through this tiny Romanian village tucked into the Apuseni Mountains. You know what though? That’s exactly what makes it perfect.

The thing about this cabana is that it feels like someone’s really thoughtful relative decided to open their mountain retreat to guests. I mean, it’s got that 4-star polish – the rooms are genuinely nice, not just “nice for the mountains” – but without any of that sterile hotel vibe you get in bigger cities. The owners actually live nearby and you’ll probably end up chatting with them about hiking trails or where to get the best local cheese (trust me on this one). What really got me was the attention to small stuff: proper reading lights, windows that actually open wide for that crisp mountain air, and – this might sound weird but hear me out – the water pressure is surprisingly excellent for being way up here in the hills.

The location is honestly perfect if you’re trying to explore the Apuseni properly without dealing with crowds. Mihoeşti isn’t some tourist trap; it’s where actual Romanians come to decompress. You’re close enough to the major cave systems and hiking trails that you’re not spending half your day driving, but far enough from the busier spots that you’ll have trails mostly to yourself, especially if you head out early. Parking is never an issue – there’s plenty of space right there, which anyone who’s tried to park near mountain attractions will appreciate. The village gets pretty quiet after dinner, so if you’re someone who needs white noise to sleep, maybe pack earplugs, though honestly the silence up there is kind of amazing.

One thing to know: this isn’t a place where you’ll be entertained 24/7. There’s no spa or fancy restaurant scene – you’re here for the mountains, the genuinely clean air, and that feeling of being somewhere real. The breakfast is solid (local stuff, not continental hotel nonsense), and they’ll pack you lunch if you’re heading out for a full day hike. I’d definitely go back, especially in shoulder season when the weather’s still good but the few tourists that do make it this far have mostly cleared out.