Hyatt Regency WarsawFor other Europeans who, like us, find maintaining Hyatt status expensive, the Hyatt Regency in Warsaw used to offer the best value in the continent. Unfortunately, it is now operated under the Regent brand. This review is from January 2014, when the hotel remained a Hyatt. The reviews on Tripadvisor suggest that standards haven't changed despite the change in management company. We stayed 2 nights, interspersed with a night at the Hotel Bristol, an SPG property, in order to earn 2 stays and to compare the 2 hotels. Before our stay, we contacted the hotel to request permission to take photos and to stay in 2 different categories of room. These requests were granted - we were assigned a Club Deluxe room on our first stay and an Executive Suite on our second stay. We also advised the hotel of our food allergies and booked airport transfers through the hotel in advance (good value at 140 PLN or $46 return).
We were met in the airport by our friendly driver, who chatted through the drive in a very welcoming style. He also rang to inform the hotel of our estimated arrival time. As such, we were met by the Executive Manager Rooms and F&B director on arrival, which was a lovely touch. Our room was also ready, despite our early arrival at 11 am, and check-in was the quickest we have ever experienced. We were impressed immediately by the professionalism of the staff, an opinion that grew throughout both stays. Club DeluxeThis room, which we occupied on our first stay, is the standard upgrade for diamond members. Bear in mind that the hotel doesn't have a large number of Club Deluxe rooms, so you may end up with a Club King room (though they are rarely busy on weekends).
The hotel also calls this room a Studio Suite, thus it has some of the amenities found only in the suite categories, such as that all important Nespresso machine and a window in the spacious bathroom. The room itself is large (46 square metres but feels bigger). On entry, there is a useful wardrobe by the door suitable for coats and shoes. The bedroom offers a variety of seating and feels bright and airy. The bathroom is similar to that in the smaller Club and Regency rooms, but the window provides natural light (ideal for applying make-up) and further storage space. Regency Executive SuiteThe one aspect of the Hyatt Warsaw that we found somewhat disappointing is the size of the suites. Whilst the Executive Suites make reasonable use of the space, at 68 square metres, it is one of the smallest Executive Suites in the Hyatt system and it would perhaps be better to combine the 2 suite categories into one Regency Suite category.
The lounge area provides sofa seating for 4 around a coffee table and desk. In the bedroom, a Nespresso coffee machine and tea-kettle were set out. The bathroom in our suite was huge, but perhaps the space could have been better used by decreasing the floor space between the bath and sinks and increasing the size of the other rooms. It is unusual for an Executive Suite to offer neither a dining table nor guest cloakroom. Club LoungeWe were truly impressed with the Regency Club. Although we didn't eat breakfast here (diamond members can also choose to eat in the restaurant) there was a reasonable spread available including eggs to order. During the day, soft drinks and fruit, biscuits and a couple of cakes are available - sufficient for most needs. However, in the evening, there was a great choice and plenty for dinner. Staff were knowledgeable about which dishes suited our allergies and alternatives had been prepared. Each night, around 6 savoury dishes were available, as well as 2-3 sweets, fresh fruit and a variety of cheese.
We were overwhelmed when a large portion of goats cheese and a basket of gluten-free bread were delivered to our table. Later, our special dessert arrived - dark chocolate and fruit compotes arranged in a number of delicious ways - kudos to the Hyatt Regency. Not only could they manage our allergies, but each dish was different on the two nights we stayed. LeisureOne of the highlights of the Hyatt is the Holmes Place gym in the basement. This is a fully-equipped modern gym and one of the best in Warsaw. In addition to extensive cardio machines and weights, there is a studio for spinning and a separate studio for personal training and stretching.
The fitness facilities also include a decent-sized swimming pool and sauna. These are perfectly acceptable (and possibly as good as it gets in Poland, which doesn't seem to go for spas in the same way as Budapest for example) but we didn't feel inspired to use the pool. On the other hand, had we brought our work-out gear, we would definitely have used the gym. Holmes Place also has a treatment room offering a range of massages and beauty treatments. A 60 minute massage for 2 cost 429 PLN, which is approximately $140. |
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Overall Impression
The Hyatt Regency Warsaw came 10th in the World and top in its region when guest ratings were averaged over a year. This is definitely justified. The customer service was warm, friendly and polished. We have never checked into a room so quickly and nothing was forgotten. For example, on leaving breakfast on our day of departure, a member of staff intercepted us in the lobby to confirm the time of our airport transfer. This enabled us to relax for the day, safe in the knowledge that the transfer had not been forgotten and that we didn't need to worry what time to leave. Also of note is that the transfers themselves are extremely reasonable. In contrast to the 110 PLN charged by the Hotel Bristol, the Hyatt charges just 60 PLN from the hotel to the airport. Everything is immaculately clean, staff could not be more helpful or friendly. We have found a new favourite weekend retreat and business visitors to Warsaw should look no further. If only the hotel had remained Hyatt branded we would have returned already.