Casa Popeea: Hotel in Braila

An Art Nouveau house on the verge of collapse has been converted into a boutique hotel Casa Popeea.

A harmonious blend of old and new

Opened in 2019, the Casa Popeea hotel is located in the historic Hellenic quarter of Braila, in eastern Romania.

Formerly known as the “pearl”, the house built in 1900 by a Greek shipping merchant in the Art Nouveau style, was abandoned and dilapidated. On the brink of destruction, the house was renovated and revamping by London-based architecture studio Manea Kella who worked in collaboration with local office Penta Stil Studio. The layout of the building has been altered from the original floor plans, to allow its change of use and allow more daylight to reach the interiors. A few elements have been preserved and restored despite having been greatly damaged in the past, such as the grand oak staircase, moldings and terrazzo, repaired by specialist craftsmen. New contemporary details made from simple, high-quality materials were added to complement these original details.

The hotel consists of 11 spacious, intimate and serene guest suites. Interiors feature white ceilings, herringbone parquet floors, generous wooden beds accompanied by neutral-toned sheets and blankets, minimalist lighting including Flos brass pendant lights. The atmosphere is sleek and elegant. The bathrooms are clad in smooth concrete.

A cafe and brasserie are tucked away on the main floor of the hotel, furnished with blue banquet seating and marble finishes. The basement houses spa facilities decorated with a refined palette of natural materials, including local limestone, black marble, and stained solid oak, which work harmoniously to create an intimate environment. All over the hotel are exhibited black clay ceramics with straight lines and simple forms created by London based ceramicist Melina Xenaki.

Casa Popeea is a contemporary and comfortable hotel celebrating its past.