Where to Stay in Constanța: A Boutique Hotel in the Old Town

Where to stay in Constanța, Romania? I have visited Constanța many times, but I have only recently realised how important the location of accommodation is in Constanța.

Constanța is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Romania. For many Romanians, it’s closely tied to childhood memories of summer by the Black Sea.

Before international travel was a thing, most Romanian families would spend their summer holidays by the Black Sea coastline. And Constanța was always the gateway to that coastline.

Constanța is unlike any other place in Romania. While many refer to it as a melting pot (which it is), I see it as a strong symbol of how different cultures have coexisted here for centuries.

Why location matters when choosing a hotel

Choosing the right hotel can completely change your experience of a city.

A good location allows for a more comfortable stay and lets me focus on the places I want to explore, without the stress of time or logistics.

And that’s something I value more and more — especially when I’m travelling to relax, not to rush from one place to another.

Staying in a central area makes everything easier and more enjoyable.

Best area to stay: Old Town of Constanța

The best area to stay in Constanța is the Old Town, especially around Ovidiu Square (Piața Ovidiu).

From Piata Ovidiu, you’re walking distance from all attractions in Constanța, including the touristic harbour where all the fish restaurants are, the gorgeous houses which are classified as historical monuments and the most important archaeological museums in the entire Dobrogea area of Romania.

Sadly, some of these monuments and museums still await renovation. 

But renovation has started on most of them, and you will still be able to enjoy many interesting corners of Constanța.

I have to say that it isn’t until you actually stay in the old centre of Constanța that you realise how rich the local culture is, the multitude of secret corners you have to discover, and all within a relatively small space. 

Honestly, I think Constanța is one of the few places in the EU that offer a taste of Turkish culture. And that’s just one of the many influences you’ll see around.  

Parking in the old town of Constanța

If you’re travelling by car, parking in the Old Town can be a concern.

While many travellers choose to visit Constanța from Bucharest using the train connection (easy, fast, stress-free), many still enjoy a road trip (such as myself). 

So I will share this small but useful tip to make your parking experience easy. 

Public parking is possible right next to the hotel, or on adjacent streets, in the marked spots. Payment is done through an app (ConstanțaParking). 

You just find a spot to park, and then on the app you can choose how long you want to stay (1h and up to 24h). Of course, you can later extend your parking through the app. It’s that easy. 

Casa Hrisicos experience

I stayed at Casa Hrisicos in Constanța’s old town. 

This boutique hotel has a rich and long history, making it one of the important historic buildings that has been part of Constanța for over a century.

But let me give you a bit of context about Casa Hrisicos and how it became the hotel you see today.

The building was originally constructed in 1903 by the French architect Louis Givert, at a time when Constanța was rapidly developing as a seaside destination. 

It was commissioned by Gheorghe Hrisicos, a local wine merchant who quickly rose to prominence, and was designed as a luxurious space for travellers arriving from Bucharest and across Europe.

Due to its location, which is right in Piața Ovidiu, the heart of the old town, Casa Hrisicos became one of the most important meeting places in the city. 

Romanian writers and political figures such as Ion Luca Caragiale and Take Ionescu were known to spend time here, giving the building a strong cultural significance.

Architecturally, the hotel stands out for its eclectic style, combining neoclassical elements with early Art Nouveau details. Even today, it remains one of the most distinctive and well-preserved buildings in the historic centre.

Like much of Constanța, the building went through multiple transformations over the years. It went from a luxury hotel to a bank headquarters, later a restaurant during the communist period, and eventually fell into decline after the 1990s.

After an extensive restoration, Casa Hrisicos has been brought back to life as a boutique hotel, blending its historical character with modern design and technology. 

I feel that staying inside a piece of its history, such as Casa Hrisicos, gives a round experience, as you’re not just visiting the city, but you are part of it. 

Room and design

One of the most interesting aspects of staying at Casa Hrisicos is the way the design blends the building’s historical character with modern comfort. And that’s exactly what I love about boutique hotels. 

The hotel has just 23 rooms, which keeps the atmosphere quiet and more personal compared to larger hotels. 

I stayed in room 12, which offers the best view over Piata Ovidiu. Or, if you want the same view, but with a balcony, ask for room 22. 

The rooms’ interiors follow the same eclectic style as the building itself, with subtle references to its early 20th-century origins, combined with clean, modern finishes.

As for the modern features, I loved the fully digitalised system that allows you to manage your stay through a mobile app. 

A building with over 100 years of history that now functions as a fully digitalised hotel is something I really appreciate as a frequent traveller.

Some may not need it, but it does add a layer of convenience that contrasts nicely with the historic setting.

Breakfast

The breakfast is included, and it is served in the restaurant located on the ground floor. 

The elevator connects the hotel to the restaurant. Or you can use the main entrance that takes you directly into the restaurant, which is right next to the hotel’s entrance. 

There are 4 breakfast options, and each individual can make a choice at breakfast. 

I chose the Royal breakfast option, which gave me enough energy to explore the nearby attractions until lunchtime.

Who the hotel is perfect for

This boutique hotel is a great choice if you want to stay in the heart of Constanța’s Old Town and explore the city on foot.

I think couples and families would appreciate the space and location. Also, Casa Hrisicos is a great option for business travellers, as it has a wonderful lounge that can serve as a relaxing or short-term work space. 

Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Constanța on foot.

Casa Hrisicos has a welcoming environment, and it’s a comfortable stay for new or returning travellers in Constanța. 

Things to do nearby

I told you that the location of Casa Hrisicos is the best. 

Most of Constanța’s main attractions are concentrated in the Old Town, making it one of the best areas to stay in the city.

As it is located in Piata Ovidiu, from here you have an easy, on foot, access to the top attractions in Constanța. 

I created a map with all the attractions, museums, historical houses and restaurants to check out in Constanța. 

What to visit in Constanța?

• Constanța Casino (was fully renovated and reopened to the public after 20 years)
• The Seafront Promenade (Faleza Cazinoului)
• Ovidiu Square (Piața Ovidiu)
• Museum of National History and Archaeology (closed, under renovation)
• The Roman Mosaic Edifice (well-preserved 4th-century Roman mosaic)
• The Roman Thermae
• Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral
• Carol I Mosque (Great Mahmudiye Mosque)
• St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
• The Genoese Lighthouse
• Historic Houses in the Old Town
• Constanța Beaches & Mamaia (Plaja Modern is the closest one to the old town). Check out this guide for the best beaches on the Black Sea coastline for more awesome beaches. 

If you’re planning a short visit, I’ve put together a detailed guide on how to spend one day in Constanța, including a walking route and the main sights.

A Hidden Gem: Rafia Concept Store

Right next to Casa Hrisicos, I discovered a small but beautiful shop called Rafia (Instagram: @rafia.studio), and it quickly became one of my favourite spots in the area.

The store features a curated collection of handmade items created by Romanian artisans. Here you will find anything from jewellery and ceramics to silk scarves, hand-knitted pieces, and small home decor objects. Many of them are unique, which makes it a great place if you’re looking for something different to take home.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside. The space itself is colorful, cozy, and you can easily spend time just browsing and admiring the craftsmanship.

It’s the kind of place you’ll only notice when staying right in the Old Town (another small detail that makes the location even more special).

Restaurants nearby

One of the advantages of staying in the Old Town is that you’re within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in Constanța. 

The area has a mix of traditional, Turkish-influenced, and modern spots, with plenty of seafood options.

• Nikos Greek Taverna – Mediterranean food, generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere
• Zig Zag Pub – One of the most popular restaurants in the Old Town, known for its creative dishes and good cocktails.
• Byblos (Tomis Marina) – Lebanese cuisine with many vegetarian options and a nice terrace overlooking the marina.
• Suada – A Turkish restaurant that reflects the multicultural history of the city, with traditional dishes and a cosy setting.
• Pizzico Restaurant – One of the few places in the Old Town where locals regularly go for dinner. 
• Hyperbare, on top of the On Plonge restaurant (some are confused about the location), offers the best view of the city over the marina and the Black Sea. I loved the food I had for dinner, and the service was great.

Best for Seafood

• Bacaro (Port area) – Decent prices, good and fresh fish, great service. 
• The Boat (Port area) – I had mussels here and loved it. Lovely service, good seafood, nice atmosphere. 

 Worth the Trip (Outside Old Town)

• Reyna – One of the most well-known seafood restaurants in Constanța, located slightly outside the Old Town, but worth the trip for the sea views. (There’s a smaller version of this restaurant in the port area. I’ve been here years ago, and everyone in Constanța praises it as one of the best restaurants in the city. 
• Marco Polo – Consistently offers good food. I have visited a few times over the years.
• Cherhanaua Tasaul – In Navodari, not Constanța, but make a stop if you have a car, if you want to experience a traditional fish restaurant experience, local dishes and fresh ingredients.

Most of these are within walking distance if you stay in the Old Town, which makes Casa Hrisicos a very convenient base for exploring both the city and its food scene.

Is Casa Hrisicos Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Constanța that combines location, history, and a more intimate atmosphere, Casa Hrisicos is one of the most interesting options in the city.

As an experienced traveller, I know how important location is when choosing my hotel. 

A good hotel with a great location can save me a lot of energy and time, which is exactly what I am looking for, especially when staying for a shorter time or when my priority is sightseeing. 

What makes Casa Hrisicos special is the architecture, the history and the way it paves the way to naturally discovering some of Constanța’s old secrets. 

And that’s only possible when you’re right in the centre of it all, where you can feel the atmosphere and watch the city change with each hour of the day.

The more I travel, the more I realise that travelling isn’t about experiencing all at once, but more about taking my time to focus on things and places that spark my interest, and make my soul feel alive.