Reviewed 03 Nov 2010 by Jan Barden
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is difficult to single out any one event: the whole trip (though short) was memorable. Our stay was fabulous: the rooms were very beautiful as well as warm and cosy. The food was marvellous and plentiful, the staff were helpful and friendly, nothing seemed too much trouble for them. Riding with the countess on her stunning Shagya arab horses was a definitely a highlight. The horses were fun and the scenery was truly breathtaking, definitely the best way to look around!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't miss this place! Otherwise, home stays are the way forward in Romania. We found people to be warm and open, generous to a fault and our rooms great in lots of different ways. A hire car is a must as it allows you the flexibility to wander and to linger. We were glad we were able to drive by Bran castle just to have a quick look but were very grateful not to have to spend any time in what is a rather tacky tourist trap. But beware driving in/around Bucharest: the roads are still under construction, and unless you approach the airport from the direction of Brasov it is terribly difficult to get to (and very poorly signposted). Next time, we might consider other options for getting to Transylvania in order to avoid Bucharest and the huge and ugly industrial wastelands that sprawl for mile upon mile around it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we all felt that we were making a small contribution to the local economy. The enterprise clearly employs local people, keeping traditional skills alive and preserving the fabric and history of the area. A lot can be learned from their set-up by other tourist operations. We also went bear spotting with Dan Marin in Zarnesti and although we were unlucky not to see any we had a riveting excusion, which really brought home to us the good work being done in protecting the forest wildlife and habitat (and we dined hugely well on Luminita's fabulous cooking!) It might not be terribly eco to have a hire car but the distances involved really ruled out any other option for a short stay. Personally, I would love to go back and do a horse-riding trip with the countess as the best way to see Transylvania close up!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was absolutely wonderful! Can't wait to go back!
Reviewed 27 Oct 2010 by Liz Pritchard
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful colours of the trees.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have your own transport to be able to visit other parts of Romania - there was such variety, mountains, castles, grand buildings and small villages.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I would like to think so. The accommodation appeared to have employed plenty of local people and we ate locally produced food (as far as I could tell)
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved it. Romania was something of a revelation, so many people thought we were a bit crazy to go to a country that tends to have a bad press, but we came across no problems whatsoever, it was one of the smoothest holidays in terms of organisation we have had. We hope to return and maybe stay in one of the Saxon villages next time. All the staff at Miklosvar where very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
If I had to pick some particular moments, then they would have to be: watching the cows come home at 8pm (yes, they really do instinctively know their own way home), the warmth and friendliness of the staff and locals, beautiful wild flower meadows and the overall rustic charm.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Specific tips: although we were fortunate with the weather, I suggest packing layers for all weathers. A water bottle is also quite useful for days out. Other than that, just go with an open mind.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Certainly. Although it is not possible to source all staff with the required skills from the small local village, the large majority are local. Their work-patterns are arranged so that they can coordinate working at the guesthouse, with working on their own land. It seems that where possible, all food and other produce are sourced locally.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous. It was very interesting, we met some wonderful people and I came home feeling the most relaxed I had ever felt after a holiday. There is a small part of my heart left in Miklosvar and I will certainly return again one day.
