We arrived at the Hotel Moldova at 2.00 a.m. with two children, one au pair and me! It was thick snow outside and lovely and warm inside. From the outside the Hotel Moldova looks old fashioned as it is an old communist hotel. However, we stayed in the refurbished apartments and these were fabulous. Our room was on the 12th floor and you could see across the city for miles. We had two large rooms, one with bed, cable TV and wardrobes, the other a large sitting room with three piece suite (one was a double sofa bed) another TV and beautiful furniture. There was also a bar area with fridge and two bathrooms. The master bathroom had a large jacuzzi corner bath which the children loved! We had a lot of room service and you do need to tip a lot but 20,000 Lei is ample for them and is about 20 pence to us so not too much hardship there! The hotel has a swimming pool complex which could do with a little modernisation but is adequate. I tried to pay too much money at the supermarket over the road and was given the money back with a smile. I was touched by the honesty of the people considering they have much less than us. The Hotel is central to the Palace of Culture, Iasi cathedral and many other sights. The taxis are so cheap. £2 for a 30 minute journey to a couple of great restaurants Ploppa and Casa Lavric. (cabs are metered) If you want to experience something a little different, this is the place to go. However, you need to take a phrase book as some of the staff did not speak much English. Also it is normal to tip the receptionist, the musicians, the porter - just about everyone! And finally - for £20 you have have a meal for 4 with wine and soft drinks and tip and still get change!