LULU Apartment

You know what surprised me most about LULU Apartment? It’s tucked away on Strada Doamna Stanca in this residential block that honestly doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once you’re inside apartment 10 on the third floor, it’s actually pretty impressive. I mean, for a 3-star place in Şelimbăr, they’ve really nailed the whole “home away from home” vibe without trying too hard. The building itself is typical Romanian architecture – nothing fancy, but solid – and you’ll probably walk past it twice before realizing you’re at the right address (the signage could be better, let’s be honest).

What really gets me is how well they’ve thought through the little stuff that matters when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. The apartment has this warm, lived-in feel that most hotels just can’t pull off, and I’m guessing that’s part of why it’s sitting at a 9.3 rating. The kitchen actually works – like, really works, not just some sad corner with a mini-fridge and a broken coffee maker. I ended up cooking a couple of meals there because, well, Romanian groceries are amazing and way cheaper than eating out every night. Plus, being in a residential area means you’re getting a real sense of how locals live, which is sort of refreshing after staying in cookie-cutter hotel districts.

Location-wise, Şelimbăr is one of those spots that’s close enough to Sibiu to matter but far enough out that you’re not dealing with tourist crowds at 7 AM. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the old town, and parking here is actually manageable – something you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever tried to find a spot near Piaţa Mare during peak season. The neighborhood is quiet, especially in the evenings, though you’ll hear some kids playing in the courtyard during the day (honestly, it’s kind of nice). There’s a decent grocery store within walking distance, and the local bus connections aren’t terrible if you don’t have a car, though I’d recommend having your own wheels if possible.

The whole setup feels more like staying at a friend’s place who happens to be really good at hosting. Check-in was straightforward – none of that awkward lobby hovering while they figure out your reservation – and the place was spotless without smelling like industrial cleaning products. I particularly liked how they’ve managed to make a small space feel bigger with smart furniture choices and decent lighting. The WiFi actually works (shocking, I know), and the bathroom has proper water pressure, which you can’t always count on in this part of Romania. It’s not luxury by any stretch, but it’s thoughtful and comfortable in ways that matter more than fancy amenities you’ll never use.