The Westin Warsaw

Glimmering surfaces define the Westin Warsaw's look, inside and out. A cylindrical-glass atrium rises from the corner of the hotel to create the 20-story structure's most distinctive element. The panoramic elevators that ride up and down the atrium give guests wide-angle views of the city. Behind the reception desk is a backlit onyx wall, while farther into the lobby, a multi-story, circular glass staircase takes center stage. Plants and flowers accent the polished wood walls. The restaurants extend the style with bucket and flat-back chairs that update mid-century modern forms. The meeting rooms use wood, fabric, and rectangular shapes to create a refined aura. It's an atmosphere that caters primarily to upscale business travelers, as well as couples on vacation.

The Westin Warsaw is within walking distance of several notable businesses and a short ride on public transportation to many major tourist attractions. Rondo 1, the well-known office building, is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. The Palace of Culture and Science, a 1950s building from the Soviet era that now houses several offices and cultural institutions, is about 10 minutes away on foot, while Warsaw's Financial Center is nine minutes on foot. Several notable tourist destinations are also nearby, such as the Old Town and the National Museum of Warsaw, both a seven-minute drive or about 20 to 25 minutes by public transportation. Several subway stations are within walking distance, the closest one being about five minutes away, while Warszawa Centralna, the main train station, is 10 minutes by public transit or about a 20-minute walk. Warsaw's Chopin Airport is about a 15-minute drive or a little over 30 minutes by public transportation, while Modlin Airport can be reached in around 45 minutes by car.

The 361 rooms at the Westin Warsaw are refined and contemporary, although not particularly distinctive. Some guests find them to be on the small side, and a few complain that furnishings appear a little weathered. The overall color palette is layers of soft neutrals: Taupe walls, pearl-gray upholstery, and carpets the color and pattern of driftwood. The beds are plush and mattresses range in size from twin to king topped with crisp white bedding. Most rooms have work desks and armchairs with reading lamps. Each bathroom is decorated with a combination of marble, wood, and tile. They're a bit snug, but manage to squeeze in separate tubs and showers with rainfall showerheads. 

As the rooms get larger (categories include Superior Room, Corner Room, and Executive Suite), the living and work areas increase with more seating and larger desks. Some of the suites have sofas and coffee tables. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, safes, coffeemakers, and bathrobes. Wi-Fi may be free or cost extra, depending on the type of booking -- but it's free for SPG members. 

The Westin Warsaw provides the features guests would expect from this global luxury brand. The hotel's Fusion restaurant serves East-meets-West cuisine such as grilled wild salmon with saffron sauce and pumpkin seed oil and duck with tamarind and tangerines, while JP's Bar offers drinks and light fare. The breakfast buffet, which focuses on healthy ingredients, may or may not be included in the room fee, depending on the booking. Guests in Executive-level rooms have access to an executive lounge that serves free breakfast, lunch, snacks, and cocktails.

The hotel's 24-hour gym has cardio and weight-lifting machines as well as free weights -- some guests complain it's a bit small for the size of the hotel, but like other Westin properties, the hotel provides fresh loaner workout gear, a helpful extra for guests that forgot to pack their running shoes. The facility also includes a sauna, steam room, and a spa that offers massages. In-room massages can be arranged. The business center includes computers. For events, the Westin Warsaw has 13 meeting rooms and a conference center for a maximum capacity of 500 people. For families, there's a Westin kids' club, with activities for children; babysitting is also available. Transfers from the train station can be arranged for a fee. On-site self-parking is available and costs extra. Pets are allowed to stay free.