Hanul lui Manuc

Originally a 19th-century merchants' inn (caravanserai), this hotel has a colourful guest list, including prostitutes, criminals, rogues, merchants and Lonely Planet authors. Sculpted wooden balconies overlook the courtyard (filled with some open-air seats for the wine cellar, plus a few Coke machines and parked cars). Considering its location it's a steal, but the 22 rooms (wood-beam ceilings, brown carpets, TV, old bathroom tiles) could be better maintained.