Casa Martin

First Impressions

When I pulled up to Casa Martin in Porumbacu de Sus, honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this small Romanian village. But you know what? Sometimes the best discoveries happen in places you’ve never heard of. This four-star guesthouse sits right on the main road (number 237, if you’re looking), and there’s something immediately welcoming about its traditional Romanian architecture mixed with modern touches. The fact that there’s parking right on-site was already a win in my book — and it’s free, which is always nice.

Location & What’s Around

Here’s the thing about Porumbacu de Sus — it’s perfectly positioned if you’re into outdoor adventures. I mean, you’re basically in the heart of the Carpathians here, with skiing opportunities that locals have been raving about for years. The bicycle rental they offer actually makes sense because there are some gorgeous trails winding through the surrounding hills. What surprised me most was how couples seem to gravitate toward this place — and after spending a few days here, I totally get why. There’s something romantic about being tucked away in the mountains, away from the usual tourist crowds.

The Room Experience

My room was honestly better than I expected for a village guesthouse. Clean lines, comfortable bedding, and — this might sound small but it matters — really good water pressure in the shower. The windows frame the mountain views perfectly, and in the morning, you wake up to this incredible silence that you just don’t get in cities. The heating worked well too, which is crucial when you’re up in the mountains during cooler months. Everything felt thoughtfully arranged rather than just thrown together.

Food & Dining

The restaurant here serves traditional Romanian dishes that actually taste like someone’s grandmother made them. I’m talking about proper ciorbă de burtă and mici that have that perfect char on the outside. What I appreciated was that they source a lot of ingredients locally — you can taste the difference in the cheese and meat. Breakfast was hearty enough to fuel a day of hiking or skiing, and the staff seemed genuinely interested in recommending dishes based on what you were planning to do that day.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Casa Martin isn’t trying to be something it’s not — it’s a solid, well-run guesthouse in a spectacular natural setting. The recent guests who rated the location a perfect 10 weren’t exaggerating; when you’re surrounded by the Carpathian peaks and have easy access to outdoor activities, location really is everything. The owners clearly understand what travelers need — reliable wifi, comfortable beds, good food, and that personal touch that makes you feel like you’re staying with friends rather than just checking into another hotel. If you’re looking for a base to explore this part of Romania, especially as a couple, this place delivers without any pretense.