Polonia Palace Hotel

Polonia Palace Hotel opened its doors in July of 1913 and was one of the only hotels in Warsaw to survive WWII. It has maintained a high-end reputation and attracts diplomats and ambassadors. The last renovation was completed in 2010, maintaining the elegant style and atmosphere seen today. The exterior is grand -- crown molding, iron railing, and superb stonework hint at the sophisticated interiors. Stepping inside, the lobby is bright and exudes a peaceful ambience with soft glowing iron lamps attached to the walls and a number of large potted plants. The white glossy floors are broken up by a large maroon and gold printed carpet covered in a number of modern chairs and couches that provide seating under a skylight. The restaurant has classic decor with wooden floors, Art Deco-style chandeliers, and white tablecloth-clad tables with leather chairs, while the bar has an upbeat vibe with a backlit liquor display, neon lighting, and a grand piano -- but some wear and tear can be seen in the furnishings of these spaces.

The hotel is located just outside of Warsaw’s historic city center, though there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and public transportation nearby. The Palace of Culture and Science, home to several museums, theaters, libraries, and more, is right across the street from the hotel. The Museum of Modern Art is a 12-minute walk from here, while the Fryderyk Chopin Museum can be reached in 19 minutes on foot. Lazienki Park, with its palace and Center for Contemporary Art, is a 23-minute walk away. Warsaw's Old Town and Royal Castle can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes via public transit. Several bus and tram stops as well as a metro station are nearby, while the main train station is a seven-minute walk away. Warsaw's Chopin Airport is about a 15-minute drive or a half-hour by public transportation. 

Rooms here are modern and sophisticated, with a warm color palette of browns and tans, white linens, tan carpet, and deep rich wooden furniture. Fresh flowers and framed drawings are a nice touch. The English Apartment differs greatly in decor with a blue and yellow color scheme, heavy emphasis on elegant floral patterns, and rich wooden furniture. It also has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small kitchenette. Though the apartment aims for a grand, posh style, the decor is a bit dated. 

Amenities in these spacious rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, free Wi-Fi, minibars, kettles, and free bottled water. Superior Rooms and up receive welcome drinks, while Executive Rooms and up have luxe amenities like Nespresso coffeemakers, welcome fruit plates, and a free movie package. Suites and the English Apartment also receive a bottle of house wine. Views range from the city center to a courtyard to the Palace of Culture and Science, though some rooms have obstructed views or overlook other windows. Bathrooms are sleek with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Hydro toiletries. The bathrooms of the English Apartment are also equipped with bidets.

Polonia Palace Hotel manages to provide a well-rounded list of upscale features. The elegant Strauss Restaurant serves breakfast for a fee as well as dinner in the evenings. The breakfast room gets crowded in the mornings, however, sometimes spurring significant wait times. Bojangles Bar offers lunch daily, a good happy hour, and live entertainment in the evenings. Room service is available, but it costs a fee.

The hotel's spa includes a sauna and a 24-hour gym with cardio and weight machines, though the space is small and the equipment is quite dated. Massages and body treatments are also available, and a hairdresser is on-site and available with an appointment. Catering to business travelers, the Polonia Palace has eight meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 350 guests. There’s also a 24-hour business center in the lobby that offers usage in three languages -- Polish, English, and German. Free Wi-Fi is found throughout the hotel and pets are allowed for a fee. Parking can be found around the corner at the hotel’s sister property, the Metropol. It incurs a daily fee.