Hotel History

A tradition of hospitality started 100 years ago!

“Pestera House” was the first construction inaugurated on September 21, 1923. The legendary Niculaie Butmăloiu was among the first period builders. Pestera Hotel continues a tradition of hospitality started about 100 years ago!

1923 - 1940

The beginnings of the "Cave House"

"Casa Pestera" was the name of the first tourist shelter built in Poiana Crucii near the Pestera lalomitei Monastery. The initiative belonged to Mihai Haret, grandson of the scientist Spiru Haret. Mihai Haret is the founder of the tourist movement in Romania and was a Member of the French Alpine Club and a Member of the Committee of the Royal Romanian Society of Geography.

The construction of the Cave House started in May 1923. In the autumn of the same year, more precisely on September 21st, the inauguration took place in the presence of more than 60 mountain lovers. Built using exclusively local wood, the shelter house was the property of the association "Hanul Drumetului", a company founded in 1921 and which in 1926 became TCR Touring-Clubul Romaniei.

From 1924 until the spring of 1925, the cottage was extended and refurbished,
as the number of tourists in the Bucegi had increased significantly and the initial construction had become uninhabitable, especially in summer. More than 200 people attended the new inauguration, although the event took place on 29 June 1925, a cold summer day with a blizzard. Among the early period cabaneurs was the legendary Niculaie Butmaloiu.

Until 1930, the "Cave House" was improved in terms of tourist comfort and the possibilities of exploitation of the lodge, as claimed by the president of the Touring-Club of Romania, Mihai Haret. He also noted for the cultural magazine "Boabe de grâu" in 1930: "The repairs have been made up to date, necessitated by the many damages caused every winter by snow, frost or hurricanes".

In 1930 the Cave House had 40 beds with bedsprings and wool mattresses, pillows and blankets, all distributed in five rooms on the ground floor and three in the attic. The cottage also had a dining room with a library and museum in formation, a caretaker's room, a kitchen and a cellar. In another part of the "Cave House" there was a stable for cows, a workshop, a special room for photography and a room for horseback riding, with 6 places." from Wheat Grains magazine.

1940-1978

Old House

On the night of February 12, 1940, the old wooden cabin was destroyed by a fire. In the same year, in April, the Turing Club began the construction of a new cabin on the same site, in Poiana Crucii. The Pestera Cabin had a stone ground floor and a wooden upper floor and was completed in October 1942.

The consecration of the new cabin took place on Sunday, October 18, 1942. "At 10 o'clock, in the large hall of the house, in the presence of over 300 people, the abbot of the 'Pestera' hermitage, Mihai Badila, officiated the religious service for the consecration of the new shelter, whose foundation was laid on August 6, 1940, on the site of the former 'Han al Drumetilor,' consumed by fire on the night of February 12, 1940.

The capacity was 119 places in rooms with 1-4 beds and common dormitories, a buffet, and a self-service restaurant-canteen. It also had electric lighting from its own micro-hydropower plant and running water. Near the cabin, there was a ski slope for beginners and advanced skiers; the season was from December 15 to April 30" (from the Cabins Guide, Gh Epuran 1962).

The cabin remained in this form until September 1970 when it was once again destroyed by a fire. Between 1970 and 1978, the shelter operated in four barracks built near the ruins of the old cabin.

1978-1998

The Alpine Complex "Peștera" Category I

In 1974, the construction of the current hotel began on the site of the former Pestera Cabin. A part of the cabin was preserved and attached to the new building. The inauguration of the complex took place on December 31, 1978.

"The Alpine Complex Pestera (1610m) consists of a Category I hotel with 148 places in rooms for 2, 4, and 6 beds, and a cabin with 60 places in dormitories for 8, 12, and 16 people" - from the magazine "România Pitoreasca," 1983, where we also learn that "in the winter of 1981, the blizzard tore off part of the metal sheeting that protected the walls of the hotel, and as a result, 7 rooms were damaged."

The hotel had a restaurant, a bar, and a confectionery, and it was owned by OJT Dâmbovita. For a considerable period, the manager was Nicu Soric, the cabin manager, and his wife Rodica, the head chef.

In 1985, the manager of the complex was Constantin Marin, 37 years old, among the top 30 chefs in our tourism; assistant Marcu Adrian, 22 years old, who apprenticed here for several years" - Romania Pitoreasca, October 1985.

1998-2003

Cave Hotel***

In 1998, OJT Dâmbovita sold the hotel, and it was acquired by Romcif SA, which, after a major renovation, classified it as a three-star hotel. The inauguration took place on the occasion of the New Year's Eve 1999-2000.

The accommodation capacity was 108 places in 54 rooms.

As a novelty, a SPA area equipped with a swimming pool, sauna, showers, and sanitary facilities was introduced on the ground floor. The pool was built in the former boiler room space (using wood chips). Additionally, the chimney was demolished, and in its place, an elevator was installed to serve the hotel's guests. At the Reception level, there was a day bar next to a game room equipped with billiards and two ping pong tables. Above, the new restaurant was opened, served by a modern kitchen located in the spaces of the former cabin.

The "Foisoul" was built - an outdoor dining area highly sought after and appreciated by tourists.

It is noteworthy for the activities carried out by Mr. Lucian Dragusin, a great mountain enthusiast. During his tenure as director, through sustained efforts, he reintroduced the Pestera hotel into the tourism circuit.

2003-2015

The Alca Sil Industrial Group purchased the hotel on October 16, 2003. Modernization works began to enhance comfort and raise the standard of quality for tourist services. All rooms underwent complete renovation, and the furniture was replaced.

The fitness room and SPA were entirely revamped, and a Jacuzzi was installed. The restaurant was expanded, now accommodating over 120 people.

Sorin served as the chef, while Nicoleta, along with Constantin (known as "nea Costica"), formed the restaurant's waitstaff team. Flori played a significant role, leading the housekeeping department of the hotel.