Arrived at the small but modern looking airport. Take the official yellow 1407 taxi to centre - fixed 5 euro.

From outside this 16 storey hotel looks faded as many of the bedrooms are let as offices - I think the first 7 floors! It is centrally located just off the main street in capital.

We took a room in the refurbished 8th floor, cost 980 lei (25 lei to £) a bit expensive but worth it as the standard was to a 2/3* star western EU hotel. Ensuite with shower, fresh towels daily, all refurbished room with TV, fridge, air con/CH, table and easy chairs, balcony. Reception staff helpful.

Breakfast was very good with a choice of cereals, hot buffet (try pancakes!),wide selection of cold salads, meats etc

Not so good things:

1. The police make spot checks of overseas visitors, despite being registered at the hotel, so take ID with you.

2. Taxi are cheap, 35 lei should get you anywhere in town, but some will try to charge 50, and also do not like giving receipts -check before using taxi.

3. Handy supermarket next to hotel, but check sell by dates on dairy products.

4. Money exchange in supermarket do the usual trick of counting out quickly with 1 note folded in half. We settled for hotel, lots in main street but some attractive rates charge commission so end up more expensive.

5. Grim looking hotel Chisinau opposite even grimmer inside - waited 5 minutes before lights turned on, unsmiling staff offered only tomatoe salad and fish, Ok but then gave us the menu when we left - avoid!

Good things

1. The hotel restaurant was very good, staff helpful, good selection of freshly prepared food, average cost £4 including very drinkable local wine.

2. in the underpass to hotel Chisinau is a tiny Turkish cafe, very cheap with huge portions, nicest smiles from staff anywhere!

3. Cafe's along the main street have local beer at 10 lei.

4. Lovely tree lined main street, popular in the cool of evening (it was 35c when we were there).

5. Cheap if grubby internet cafe next to hotel, fast broadband and only 1 lei for 15 minutes.

6. However the high spot and must visit is the Delice d'ange, a french style cafe in the strangely named Street 31 August, next to museum. Would not look at of place in any capital city, quiche, patiserie, ice cream but the real gem is upstairs. It's a kids friendly cafe, with kids play area - like being inside a giant nursery rhyme, visit!

7. Lovely welcoming people.