Hotel Bristol, WarsawWarsaw is one of the best value city destinations in Europe, where a host of 5* accommodation is available for below $100/night. For any European needing to "mattress run" in order to obtain SPG status, Warsaw offers a number of hotels including a Sheraton, Westin and the Luxury Collection property, the Hotel Bristol. On our recent trip to the city (our first), we chose to stay at the Hotel Bristol, mainly because it is the only Virtuoso/Amex FHR property in Warsaw. It is also excellently located on the Royal Route, next door to the Presidential Palace and around 5 minutes walk from the beautiful old town. The hotel is over a hundred years old and is decorated with a classic modern design. Booking through Virtuoso provided complimentary full breakfast, late checkout, a one-way airport transfer and a room upgrade. As Gold members of SPG, we chose complimentary WIFI as a welcome amenity (otherwise 60 PLN/$20 per day). We also received a voucher for complimentary coffee and cakes in the hotel's Café Bristol.
The public areas of the hotel are beautiful with plenty of space to relax. Our transfer by E-Class Mercedes (booked through the hotel) was met by the doorman who took care of our bags whilst we checked-in. Staff were polite and well informed, so this was a great introduction to the hotel. The staff are immaculately turned out in their very traditional uniforms and seem to take a genuine pride in their work. DiningWe decided to make use of the large dining table and so ordered room service. The menu was a little limited, but we chose a healthy salad, pickled herring (a local speciality), grilled pork chop and a grilled turbot fillet. We were informed that due to our allergies the dishes would have to be altered, which we accepted. However, it was disappointing that no attempt was made to make a sauce - the pork chop was served plain with steamed vegetables and new potatoes and was a little dry. In general, our order was no more than ok.
Breakfast on the Sunday morning was disappointingly only served until 10:30. We struggled to arrive for 10:15, but were allowed to stay until 11:00. The breakfast spread was pretty good - a wide selection of continental meats and fish, fresh fruit, bakery items and hot dishes. In particular, we were impressed with the homemade baked beans and the presence of a sparkling wine. However, our poached eggs were cooked through despite being ordered soft, service was a little slow and some orders were forgotten. It was also a shame that they started to clear the buffet without warning the remaining guests. |
Bristol Executive RoomWe had booked a Classic Queen room (24-31 square metres) and were delighted to receive an upgrade to the Bristol Executive Room. Having examined the room sizes online, we obviously received one of the larger rooms (range is 38-59 square metres). Considering that to be guaranteed a larger room, you would have to receive the much more expensive Deluxe Suite (92 square metres), which is about 10 times the price, we would definitely recommend the Bristol Executive Room.
On entering the room there is a short corridor, to the left a spacious dressing room led to a small bathroom with toilet, bidet, single sink and shower over bath. The main room was large with a King bed, sofa, dining table for 4 and a desk. There was also a walk-in wardrobe in the corner of the room. We really enjoyed staying in our Bristol Executive Room overlooking the Royal Route. However, the bathroom really let the room down. There was plenty of room for a rainshower, free-standing claw-foot bath and double sinks, if only the dressing area had been made part of the bathroom. There were 2 bottles of still water in the room and at around 5 pm, a piano shaped chocolate cake was delivered as an amenity. Unfortunately, there were no tea or coffee making facilities in room. LeisureAn initial word of warning about the leisure facilities of the Hotel Bristol. The homepage for the hotel states that the gym has 'state-of-the-art equipment.' It would be hard for anything to be further from the truth.
The gym is very small (definitely a hotel fitness room rather than a gym used by outside guests) and somewhat limited in facilities. Whilst the equipment may be reasonable quality (it is at least Technogym) we are not sure it is even from this millennium! The spa reception area is peaceful and calm with swathes of white wall. A small but pretty swimming pool, sauna and steam room complete the facilities. We didn't have time to use the leisure facilities, but didn't feel that we missed out particularly - our regular gym (Holmes Place Potsdamer Platz in Berlin) has a much better swimming pool and spa area. |
Overall Impression
The Hotel Bristol is the best located hotel in Warsaw. It is also a beautiful property with reasonable service. However, there were a few occasions of lack of attention to detail, which were disappointing. For example, we informed the hotel before arrival of our allergies and were told that the Cafe Bristol and restaurant team would have no problems dealing with this. However, when we got to the Cafe Bristol, every cake had gluten and dairy in, and we were even delivered a creamy chocolate cake as an amenity. Compared to our experience at the Hyatt (now Regent), where a special dark chocolate and fruit dessert plate had been prepared for us, this was dispiriting and somewhat spoilt our stay - it is a small thing, but the difference between being treated as an individual or just another client. The hotel was also not over generous. We didn't require an airport transfer as we were staying in the city before and after, so asked for return transfers to the other hotel. The hotel would only offer a one-way transfer despite the fact that the return transfers would have cost 90 PLN compared to the one-way airport transfer cost of 110 PLN.
For leisure visitors, the Hotel Bristol is probably the best choice in Warsaw. The city itself is very pretty (especially in the snow) and the hotel is in the perfect position. However, book through AMEX FHR/Virtuoso for the complimentary breakfast. I would also recommend booking a Bristol Executive Room (or one below if guaranteed an upgrade) and requesting room 511. Although the bathroom was underwhelming, the room itself was of a good size and well appointed.
For business travellers or those with status in another chain, we would probably recommend staying elsewhere. Our night at the Hyatt including airport transfer, full breakfast, minibar items and lounge access that provided enough for dinner (courtesy of diamond status) cost less than the night at the Hotel Bristol excluding tax, let alone extras. The Intercontinental, Hilton or Sofitel are a similar price - it's difficult to say that the Hotel Bristol is twice as good as its competitors.
Our advice for first time visitors? Mattress run to your preferred hotel chain on night 1 and night 3. On the second night, stay at the Hotel Bristol but eat out of the hotel.
For leisure visitors, the Hotel Bristol is probably the best choice in Warsaw. The city itself is very pretty (especially in the snow) and the hotel is in the perfect position. However, book through AMEX FHR/Virtuoso for the complimentary breakfast. I would also recommend booking a Bristol Executive Room (or one below if guaranteed an upgrade) and requesting room 511. Although the bathroom was underwhelming, the room itself was of a good size and well appointed.
For business travellers or those with status in another chain, we would probably recommend staying elsewhere. Our night at the Hyatt including airport transfer, full breakfast, minibar items and lounge access that provided enough for dinner (courtesy of diamond status) cost less than the night at the Hotel Bristol excluding tax, let alone extras. The Intercontinental, Hilton or Sofitel are a similar price - it's difficult to say that the Hotel Bristol is twice as good as its competitors.
Our advice for first time visitors? Mattress run to your preferred hotel chain on night 1 and night 3. On the second night, stay at the Hotel Bristol but eat out of the hotel.
