The building was built by the English Society “Danube and the Black sea Railway” between the years 1879 and 1881 after the architectural plans of Alexandru Orascu, in a neoclassic style with gables. It was used first as a hotel, named Terminus and then changed its name to Carol I.

Situated in the nearby vicinity of the Genoese Lighthouse, this hotel rivaled the most beautiful establishments in Europe and comprised 90 rooms with very spacious banquet halls with balconies. Inside there were several special designed rooms on each floor with hot and cold baths.

In its over 100 years of existence the building served several purposes, most of them being strictly related to the Military Navy. Between the years 1924 and 1927 there was another floor added to the building and it served as an officers’ dorm, and then the building was taken over by the Military Circle. In 1931 the hotel was disbanded and the building served as the Military Circle for King Carol I. In 1932 the first exhibition of a Navy Museum was organized there.

Starting from the year 1978 it became the headquarters of the Navy Fleet Forces Command, and between the years 1982 and 1983 the building was restored, keeping its neoclassical style. In the last several years, the festivities on August 15th for the celebration of the Navy Day are held on the esplanade of this imposing establishment, named by the locals the Admirals Headquarters, thus significantly increasing the popularity of this charming touristic attraction.