Overview
You know what? The Barn completely caught me off guard. I mean, when you’re driving through Şirnea on Principala street – which honestly feels like you’re heading into the middle of nowhere – suddenly there’s this beautifully converted barn that looks like someone took a Pinterest board and actually made it work in real life.
The thing about this place is that it gets the rustic-luxury balance just right. I’ve stayed in plenty of “charming countryside hotels” that either try too hard with fake weathered wood or go so minimal you feel like you’re camping indoors. The Barn actually feels lived-in and comfortable. The original stone walls are still there (you can feel the history in those thick stones), but they’ve added these massive windows that flood everything with light during the day. At night, when they dim the lights, it gets this cozy glow that makes you want to curl up with a book. The rooms – well, they’re what you’d expect from a 4-star place but with character. Thick wooden beams overhead, heated floors (trust me, you’ll appreciate this if you visit during shoulder season), and honestly some of the most comfortable beds I’ve encountered in Romania.
What really sold me on this place though is how it sits in Şirnea village. Most people don’t realize this area is actually part of the Bucegi Mountains region, so you’re getting these incredible views without the crowds you’d find closer to Braşov. The owners clearly know the area – they’ll point you toward hiking trails that aren’t overrun with tourists, and there’s this little local restaurant about ten minutes down the road that serves the best ciorbă de burtă I’ve had outside Bucharest. Parking is easy (which, let’s be honest, matters when you’re road-tripping through the mountains), and the whole setup feels intentionally peaceful. I stayed during late spring and could hear birds in the morning instead of traffic – something that’s getting harder to find these days. The check-in process was refreshingly personal too; no corporate scripts, just genuine recommendations about what to do in the area. If you’re looking for a base to explore this part of Prahova County without dealing with resort crowds, or if you just want to disconnect somewhere that doesn’t feel like every other countryside hotel, The Barn delivers on that promise.
Guest reviews
Location in a very remote valley with peace and quiet and beautiful scenery. Great hiking, a bear sanctuary and Bran castle nearby. There was plenty of kindling and logs for the fire but the chalet was warm and cosy without the fire as it has underfloor heating.
Probably the most idyllic and luckily (for us) still not fully explored area in the Romanian mountains at cca 1200 m. The cabin is fully equipped with everything you might imagine, and they greet you with home made bread and liquour, as well as with an abundant and tasty breakfast. The fireplace and vinyl player make it all so much cozier. Whatever need or problem you might have, they are answering immediately and are helping out. If you want to enjoy a remote, yet full of soul and vibrant mountain experience - this is the place. Alex is also providing you with useful information on where to take walks, what to visit etc. looking forward to coming back in the summer for trying a horse ride and some more of the great food that Silvia has been so nice to cook and bring to the cabin. 🥰
One of the most beautiful holiday locations (if not the most beautiful) in the middle of nature, surrounded by hills, at the foot of Piatra Craiului. Tasteful architecture and design... Extremely pleasant and friendly hosts. Wonderful food with local products.
I highly recommend !
A rare and tranquil find! I never knew a place could be so peaceful ………. just sitting there sipping a coffee in the warmth of the morning sun, looking across the tiered valley to the mountains beyond, the silence broken only by the occasionally bee ……… truly magical!
The Barn itself is full of character, lovingly planned with many cosy corners, but also with all the creature comforts and facilities you might need. It’s the kind of log barn where I imagine getting snowed in, in the depths of winter, so we’ll have to come back! The hosts were so hospitable, we felt like friends after a few days, but completely on our terms. Their breakfast and dinners were deliciously simple and authentic, made from local produce, a true taste of Transylvania!
The host waited for us even though we arrived late, and provided us with a lovely meal on arrival.
It was above and beyond and recommend this place highly!!!
We had a great experience at The Barn! The view is amazing, the location is one of the most beautiful I've been at, and the host is really nice and actually makes the experience even more wonderful!
Everything. Breakfast, the Barn, the view, the tranquility, the friendliness and courtesy of the hosts, Alex and Irina. They go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
The owners are a pleasure to interact with, anything you need, they will provide. Breakfast was over the top! The Istrate family are the best for caring your food needs and prepare the needed wood for the fireplace. If you want to go somewhere to rest and refresh your mind, this is the place! The views, the peace and serenity this place offers is truly priceless! Highly recommend to check it out!
Everything was fabulous and you guys are rare extraordinary people.👏👏👏👏
Nestled high up on a hillside at an altitude of 1,244m, The Barn in Şirnea promises panoramic and breathtaking views of quaint houses sprinkled across the landscape, all framed by the majestic Piatra Craiului Mountains on one side and the Bucegi Mountains on the other.
This enchanting spot, located in the remote area of Şirnea, is a magical place. Şirnea gained fame in the late 1960s, becoming the first tourist village in Romania. Today, it stands as a testament to the authentic beauty of Romanian life mesmerising visitors with its raw beauty and charm.
Our stay in early September was a truly stunning experience. It was a joy waking up to expansive views of the mountains and rolling hills through the eight glass panels in the lounge.
The terrace, with its cozy table and chairs, quickly became our favourite place during the day. Here, we bathed in the sun, enjoyed the crisp mountain breeze, and lost ourselves in the splendour of the sun-drenched landscape.
With Alex and Irina, it's not just about a place to stay; it's about an experience, a connection. Their hospitality isn't just service; it's friendship in its purest form. As someone who usually cherishes solitude during holidays, my time with them felt refreshingly different. Their warmth and kindness, touched both my wife and I, and added a sweet depth to our experience at The Barn.
Just a short walk from The Barn, we found gastronomic joy in their restaurant. With everything locally sourced and freshly prepared, the food here is a testament to sustainability and authenticity. The warmth of fresh milk in the morning, the food tailored to our needs – it's a food lover's paradise. And let's not forget the backdrop – the sun-kissed mountains, grazing sheep, and the distant calls of traditional shepherds. It's like a hidden paradise - I exaggerate not!
Part of us hesitates to share this gem with the world, fearing it'll become everyone's favourite escape.
