If you've seen the 1955 film 'Sisi, then you'll know who the owners of the hotel back in the 1800's. Hotel Carol, in Bail Herculane, Romania was built by Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' in 1869 as a holiday retreat for royalties.
This century, however, sees the hotel as a spa resort set in a mountainous valley and is open to the market whoever wants to own it for £1million. Hotel Carol has 74 rooms going under renovation. In its old photos, it could be seen that the edifice is white and rich with archways and towering columns.
Originally, the hotel is called 'Rudolf' after the monarch's only son then was renamed to Traian, belonging to the house of Austria. It serves a double purpose as a center for the treatment of wounded soldiers.
After World War I, the hotel was given to Romania and renamed it Hotel Carol after the country's king. The hotel then was still used until its closure in 2005 due to faults and degradation. The current owner started the renovations in 2011 and any other changes and build works will continue with the buyer.
Franz and Sisi
The two monarchs' lives were highly documented and bring about many pop culture works like film, stage plays and literature.
Princess Elisabeth's 'Sisi,' sister Helene was supposed to be the one engaged to the young emperor. However, she and Emperor Franz met in the forest while fishing. While the emperor has no knowledge of her identity, Sisi is aware of who he was but never revealed her identity.
Literature states that Sisi is a 'carefree, impulsive and nature-loving child,' and the Emperor took a liking at her. The film depicts their love story up to their wedding.
Should the buyer be a cultural, historical buff, would he or she restore Hotel Carol to its former grandeur?
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
