Luxury brand Sofitel, part of Accor hotel group, returns to Romania in the historic center of Bucharest. The new Sofitel Bucharest property has received authorization to renovate former Oscar Maugsch Palace (BCR Palace) in University Square by former Mayor of Bucharest and now Romania’s President Nicușor Dan.

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BCR Palace was built during the late 19th century and early 20th century, and consists of two wings, spanning 4 acres. The hotel will have 203 rooms and 15 suites, located on the first, second, third and attic floors. On the ground floor, the inner courtyard between Buildings A and B will be covered with a glass skylight and transformed into the hotel’s lobby. This floor will also include dining spaces and an events hall, with the basement containing a large spa area. Embracing Sofitel’s mantra of l’Art de Vivre (The Art of Living), interior design practice Ran & Morris focused on developing a design proposal to position the luxury hotel as an expression of French luxury viewed through the history of Bucharest, once known as macula Paris (Little Paris).

In a vibrant capital city defined by a mix of Soviet-era architecture and numerous historic and cultural sites, Bucharest was known for its early French architectural, cultural and social influences. Harnessing this background while remaining focused on the refined French luxury exuded by the Sofitel brand, the designers applied their story-catching methodology to selecting design elements from multiple layers of influence.

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In collaboration with Cumulus, a leading Romanian architectural firm, Ran & Morris laid out plans to join two buildings, the first built in the late 19^th century and the second as an extension in the early 20^th century.

A rear servicing courtyard will be the entry way for the new hotel, and a passageway between the two buildings will be enclosed under a spectacular 150-foot-high skylight. Under the skylight, a stunning lobby will be created. An exterior patio is also incorporated into the interior design, enclosing it to create an extension to the hotel’s main restaurant.

The hotel aims to capture an atmosphere similar to taking a stroll down a Parisian street, with a traditional French-style café, comfortable seating and a vibe that feels like being part of a neighborhood.

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The new property is also seeking ways to further blend historic, cultural and luxury influences, using soft curves, sculptural silhouettes and warm classical tones. Culturally rooted interiors are infused with the polish of contemporary luxury and French elegance.

Spacious guestrooms feature vaulted, 12-foot ceilings with marble flooring in some, and parquet flooring in others. Embraced in the elegant design, French furniture provides luxurious comfort, as befits the hotel’s 5-star rating.

Ideally located in the heart of the Bucharest Business Community, within the World Trade Center complex, the hotel is just five minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from the airport.

Naturally, the hotel will feature fine French dining, Mediterranean specialties, and a large choice of Romanian and Mediterranean wines at the two restaurants. For business events or social gatherings, there are 13 meeting rooms for up to 300 people, and a fully equipped wellness space with sauna, steam room, tennis and squash.  The new Sofitel Bucharest is expected to open in late 2027.