Hotels in Transylvania

In winter, the Fagaras Mountains hosts novelty accommodations at the eight-roomed, highly seasonal Bâlea Lac Ice Hotel. Situated at an altitude of 2,040m (6,500 ft.) and created with ice from Lake Bâlea, the star-shaped igloo of a hotel takes about 1 month to build and requires an indoor temperature of 37°F (-3°C). First built in early 2006 and only available until May (at the latest), the hotel's guest rooms feature sheepskin-covered ice beds and ice versions of Brancusi sculptures. Doubles are under 50€ ($64); book through Meridian Travel (www.ice.hotel.balea.lac.en.meridian-travel.ro).