Starwood Preferred Guest - Le Meridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland [Master Thread]

I will be going for two nights to Warsaw, any recomendation for the Le Meridien hotel there?
Before I stay in Westin (very nice service and do not need to ask for upgrade) and Sheraton (average - broken glass on the floor in the bathroom).

ppyszk

We stayed here a couple of years ago and liked it. Probably depends what sort of hotel you're looking for. The Meridien is old fashioned decor (but was well kept when we were there anyway) and handy for the old town.

I tried the Westin, the Sheraton and the Royal Meridien two weeks ago. At the Royal Meridien, my SPG membership was not in the system, although I had booked the stay on the SPG web site. After some consultation, the check-in staff upgraded me to a two room suite, which was a bit dated. My stay has not been credited yet.

I would rank the Westin first and both the Sheraton and the Royal Meridien second. The Royal Meridien and the Sheraton have a wider range of restaurants, and the Royal Meridien does have a swimming pool, which I could not use as it was closed for Easter. The Sheraton, the Westin and the Royal Meridien had a lounge. When breakfast was not available in the lounge at the Sheraton, due to Easter, I was offered breakfast at the restaurant. At the Royal Meridien, the lounge was closed and breakfast was not offered. At the Westin, breakfast in the lounge was pleasant.

Overall, I preferred the corner suite and the 43rd floor swimming pool at the IC :), the comfort of the Westin, the lounge at the Sheraton, the location, the food, the wine list and the elegant old-fashioned public areas at the Royal Meridien. I did not like the miserly upgrade at the Sheraton and the view on the parking lot.

Overall, I preferred the corner suite and the 43rd floor swimming pool at the IC :), the comfort of the Westin, the lounge at the Sheraton, the location, the food, the wine list and the elegant old-fashioned public areas at the Royal Meridien. I did not like the miserly upgrade at the Sheraton and the view on the parking lot.

Lovely, sounds like the future hotel in Warsaw. Thanks a lot for advice.
ppyszk

I did not like the miserly upgrade at the Sheraton and the view on the parking lot.

From your quote I take it that the Warsaw Sheraton is going along with the new 'Towers' policy of not upgrading to Towers/Executive Lounge rooms /suites for Plats? I will be in WAW at the end of this month and have booked the Westin & the Sheraton for one night each at cheap weekend rates. With the Westin, I've already been confirmed in an Exec floor suite with full breakfast, but Sheaton still has me in my 'reserved' standard room. And while I don't need a suite, I would like to have lounge access.

From your quote I take it that the Warsaw Sheraton is going along with the new 'Towers' policy of not upgrading to Towers/Executive Lounge rooms /suites for Plats? I will be in WAW at the end of this month and have booked the Westin & the Sheraton for one night each at cheap weekend rates. With the Westin, I've already been confirmed in an Exec floor suite with full breakfast, but Sheaton still has me in my 'reserved' standard room. And while I don't need a suite, I would like to have lounge access.

I was on a really cheap Easter rate at all hotels. The Sheraton upgraded me to a larger room with a view on the parking lot. While it was not located on the Executive floor, I did have access to the lounge. Breakfast should have been available in the lounge, which was open and pleasant, but not on Easter Sunday, and for this reason, I was offered breakfast in the ground floor Mediterranean restaurant ^ . The Oriental restaurant was unfortunately closed and service was, overall, pleasant and helpful. The two room suite at the Westin was definitely better, but the restaurant there was more standard.

Interesting you mention the Westin's restaurant was 'more standard'. I was there just after this property had opened 2 years ago and I thought their main restaurant was some sort of new /hip pan asian type. I didn't actually eat there, but across the street at a trendy continental spot (can't remember the name) as the prices at the Westin seemed a bit high. As for the Sheraton, thanks for mentioning that you did get lounge access. As for my rates over this upcoming US Memorial holiday, I am paying e100 for the Sheraton (which includes breakfast & late check out) and e74 for the Westin--both via Starwoods website. I keep checking to see if rates have come down from there, but so far that's the best I've seen.

Interesting you mention the Westin's restaurant was 'more standard'. I was there just after this property had opened 2 years ago and I thought their main restaurant was some sort of new /hip pan asian type.

Well, it still does look a bit hip/pan asian fusion type, but you can find this type of restaurant almost anywhere now ;) the menu was actually just so so, IMHO, more about appearance than substance, and service was a bit amateurish. In addition, you have the feeling you are just having your meal in the lobby of the hotel. The Oriental restaurant at the Sheraton and the "Polish" restaurant at the Royal Meridien are more about substance.

Regarding the rates, I paid about 75 euros (breakfast not included except in the lounge) at the Westin and the Sheraton, and around 90 euros for the Royal Meridien (and the IC) with an Easter promotion. I haven't seen such low rates since.

I really like the Sheraton in Warsaw. I actually always book the club floor- which is only usually 15 EUR more per evening. They have very good SPG recognition. For me the location is great- but I suppose it depends which companies you are working with in WAW. The Westin is nothing special- but others seem to like it. I have stayed at the Bristol- the actual building in my opinion is beautiful- and the old town is very close if you happen to have free time. The lounge for me at the Sheraton makes this a much better bet- the staff are extremely knowledgeable and can help you with translators, restaurants, car services- whatever you need (really very good). In terms of in room welcome- they always give me a very good bottle of red wine and a bottle of San Pellegrino every day- I think this is great. On the upgrade front- I could be wrong but I don't believe they have very many suites- even on the club floor. The big rooms overlooking the park are fine for me.

Anyone stayed here recently? We have a 109 Euro rate for an "executive"
room for a couple of nights in July; and I'm hoping this is not too good to be true.

Anyone stayed here recently? We have a 109 Euro rate for an "executive"
room for a couple of nights in July; and I'm hoping this is not too good to be true.

July is a not a busy month in WAW. I staid there the week before, had an impressive suite upgrade to a three room suite with a living room like a ball room with furniture from a 18th century palace. Services and food were excellent. Location second to none.

I was there last weekend and got the special rate 84 EUR with brf. and taxes so better deal :-) and I got upgrade to junior suite, however stuff was not friendly (they refuse to give me the invoice as the resrvation was made outside spg.com - first time ever in my travel history), they also have the big construction work around the fasade so it's no so great.
ppyszk

PS I got better rate on third party website then on SPG.com and as usual best rate promiss did not work for me, but that's normal

The Hotel Bristol is a favorite of mine. Most recently, I stayed there early fall of last year and found a similar rate to the one you mentioned. I enjoyed the stay very much, finding the room, service and location all very good. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Stayed there a couple of weeks ago for one night.

I booked a room for 99E using the Best Rate Guarantee. They approved it immediately. I found the lower rate on Otel.com.

I checked in at 10am on a Thursday and was upgraded to a very nice junior suite on the 4th floor. I thought the entire staff was excellent and very friendly. The location is the best in the city. Short walks to everything and right on the major tram/bus lines.

Bar prices are insane. $8 a beer. Go across the street to the Brouwarmie. $3 microbrews. Friendly bartenders.

Rich

Thanks, all of you! I feel much better about this!

We had stayed at the Europejeski on our last visit to Warsaw back in '00, on the recommendation of a travel agent. It was 140 Euros/nt back then, and abysmal.... like staying in a meat locker. I've been vindicated, but my husband still reminds me of that whenever I mention a great "deal" on a hotel room :D

Having stayed at both in the last 3 years I returned to the Westin in December and will not be returning to the Bristol. It was getting a bit tired and frayed. Perhaps it is partially a style thing - the Westin is modern and sleek and the Bristol is decidedly not.

Just wanted to add (slightly) more updated info. We stayed there in October 2007 and loved the proximity to tourist sights, easy and cheap bus access to the airport, friendly staff, and upgraded room (as gold).

This hotel is amazing. I am currently there on a rate well below 100 USD. The internet is free ("because you are our Platinum member"), the full breakfast is free ("because you are our Platinum member"), I got a drink and food voucher ("because your are....") and .... a massive (let me guess) 150 sqm suite located in this "tower" facing the crossroads ("because....").

The voucher was good for something close to a full meal and a G&T in their bar. The next morning I took their hotel taxi back to the aiport which was 65 PLN [or 14 Euro] and about 20 PLN more expensive than the regular taxi I took inbound. I had a driver who spoke reasonable English, a nice and clean Mercedes car and a good ride.

This was a short but one of the best (and cheapest) Starwood stays I ever had. Comparing the Westin and the Sheraton to the LM I have no doubt that the LM wins by far. The only advantage of the Westin is the lounge, however, the F&B voucher was a good compensation. Platinum treatment and location of the LM is miles ahead!

This hotel is amazing. I am currently there on a rate well below 100 USD. The internet is free ("because you are our Platinum member"), the full breakfast is free ("because you are our Platinum member"), I got a drink and food voucher ("because your are....") and .... a massive (let me guess) 150 sqm suite located in this "tower" facing the crossroads ("because....").

The voucher was good for something close to a full meal and a G&T in their bar. The next morning I took their hotel taxi back to the aiport which was 65 PLN [or 14 Euro] and about 20 PLN more expensive than the regular taxi I took inbound. I had a driver who spoke reasonable English, a nice and clean Mercedes car and a good ride.

This was a short but one of the best (and cheapest) Starwood stays I ever had. Comparing the Westin and the Sheraton to the LM I have no doubt that the LM wins by far. The only advantage of the Westin is the lounge, however, the F&B voucher was a good compensation. Platinum treatment and location of the LM is miles ahead!

just had the same experience....although not as big but a quite nice suite,...and the check in process never ends...."and here is this....and here we have the voucher for....and here is a free this and that":D

My husband and I will be in Warsaw on July 4 for 2 nights on our own and then joining a group staying at the Novotel Warszawa Centrum. Even though it will be a hassle to move, based on the reviews I have read, I don't really want to stay additional nights at the Novotel Warszawa Centrum unless someone tells me otherwise.

I am not a platinum, just a gold, so no upgrades for us.

Wondering how the Westin, Sheraton and Bristol compare in Spring 2009.
I read some reviews that the Bristol is dated.

Any hotel advice greatly appreciated.

We are arriving by train from Berlin and then meeting the group at the airport on Monday so does one property out way the others in terms of convenience for train/airport?

just had the same experience....although not as big but a quite nice suite,...and the check in process never ends...."and here is this....and here we have the voucher for....and here is a free this and that":D


No joke? I was told by the hotel that the lounge does no longer exist. Further more, no complimentary breakfast and no free Internet for Platinums :confused:

No joke? I was told by the hotel that the lounge does no longer exist. Further more, no complimentary breakfast and no free Internet for Platinums :confused:

As long as I know this hotel (and this is back to pre-Starwood times) there never had been a lounge. The rest is no joke.

My husband and I will be in Warsaw on July 4 for 2 nights on our own and then joining a group staying at the Novotel Warszawa Centrum. Even though it will be a hassle to move, based on the reviews I have read, I don't really want to stay additional nights at the Novotel Warszawa Centrum unless someone tells me otherwise.

I am not a platinum, just a gold, so no upgrades for us.

Wondering how the Westin, Sheraton and Bristol compare in Spring 2009.
I read some reviews that the Bristol is dated.

Any hotel advice greatly appreciated.

We are arriving by train from Berlin and then meeting the group at the airport on Monday so does one property out way the others in terms of convenience for train/airport?

I am not whether or not Gold really will not give you upgrade at those times. The Westin is the most "uniform" hotel. Rooms are modern, US style and there are not a lot of room categories. The Sheraton is the older hotel. The LM is great for Plats, I do not know about the gold treatment.

What you should do: Make a BAR reservation and check the rates again on date of checkin. I experienced during the last weeks that rates in WAW can drop dramatically

No joke? I was told by the hotel that the lounge does no longer exist. Further more, no complimentary breakfast and no free Internet for Platinums :confused:

no joke. i just had my G&T free of charge, a lovely dinner with a free glass of wine, and will have a sumptous breakfast for free tomorrow morning...and i am writing this with my free internet access...:)
no complaints (except i am tired of peanuts in all forms and shapes as a snack with a drink)

and while i cant speak of normal rooms at the LM, it may well be considered dated by some. i would call it a classy old style hotel though.

i am tired of peanuts in all forms and shapes

BTW: The health club is free, too, if you need to do some ecercise :D.

BTW: The health club is free, too, if you need to do some ecercise :D.

Any recent feedback from a diamond member? Did you get the complimentary breakfast on a rate with room only?

Any recent feedback from a diamond member? Did you get the complimentary breakfast on a rate with room only?

A diamond membership will do you no good at all, because there is no such membership with SPG. The hotel offered me on the cheapest room only

- free internet
- free breakfast
- free suite upgrade
- free food and drink voucher
- free health club.

And my invoice was 296 PLN.....

A diamond membership will do you no good at all...

I agree, I wanted to write "Platinum" :)

Was there again this week.

THIS is the (SPG) place to be in Warsaw ^

If there was only a lounge at this hotel I would stay much more often there...

Was there again this week.

THIS is the (SPG) place to be in Warsaw ^

If there was only a lounge at this hotel I would stay much more often there...

Let me guess, you received a suite here vs. a regular room at the Westin or Sheraton Warsaw and that is the reason why you recommend this property.

With all due respect, I highly appreciate your input, but the Bristol Warsaw is a glorified former Grand Hotel with a beautifully restored exterior, however the latest renovations inside were more than 10 years ago and it shows...

I understand most of the tourists come to old Europe to experience exactly this, an old world full of opulence and history, but if you want to stay at such a place, I recommend some places in Spain, Italy or Vienna.

Honestly, I do not see how one can honestly and objectively recommend the Bristol over the Sheraton or the Westin. Westin competes with a Heavenly Bath and Bed, nice Exec. lounge, very modern gym and is also on average a bit cheaper than the Bristol. Sheraton and Westin Warsaw are exactly what they are supposed to be in the Starwood playbook, Westin a touch more upscale than the Sheraton.

Could someone tell me if there is a lounge at Sheraton or Westin?

I am trying to figure out which of the three Starwood properties I want to stay at for two nights in Warsaw.

I could mattress hop to try out two (all three properties are seriously cheap anyway...) but if one is much better than the others, I'd rather not bother with hopping.

Both the Sheraton and Westin have lounges. The Sheraton one doesn't have a view but decent selection of food and drink. You may also get free breakfast in there if you are a plat. Westin's lounge is on the top floor so a good view and the usual canapes, although I don't think they do breakfast in there.

The rooms are newer in the Westin although probably smaller than in the Sheraton. However the Sheraton is in a better location, with a few local restaurants nearby, whereas the Westin is in more of a business district.

The LM by comparison is very dated and I didn't get the above mentioned benefits when I was there even as a plat. However it does have the best location of the 3, being right in the old town.

Thanks very much JSC. I think I'll stay one night at LM for sight-seeing around the old town and Sheraton or Westin the next night.

Due to the proximity to Teatr Wielki‎, I am tempted to go for Westin but in your opinion, which is better in terms of the room quality (balancing the size and decor), Sheraton or Westin?

P.S. After saying this, I've just realised that LM is closest to Teatr Wielki. I might reverse the order of my stay and stay at LM the 2nd night (when I will be at Teatr).

Let me guess, you received a suite here vs. a regular room at the Westin or Sheraton Warsaw and that is the reason why you recommend this property.

With all due respect, I highly appreciate your input, but the Bristol Warsaw is a glorified former Grand Hotel with a beautifully restored exterior, however the latest renovations inside were more than 10 years ago and it shows...

I understand most of the tourists come to old Europe to experience exactly this, an old world full of opulence and history, but if you want to stay at such a place, I recommend some places in Spain, Italy or Vienna.

Honestly, I do not see how one can honestly and objectively recommend the Bristol over the Sheraton or the Westin. Westin competes with a Heavenly Bath and Bed, nice Exec. lounge, very modern gym and is also on average a bit cheaper than the Bristol. Sheraton and Westin Warsaw are exactly what they are supposed to be in the Starwood playbook, Westin a touch more upscale than the Sheraton.

The Bristol does have a swimming pool, which neither the Westin nor the Sheraton have, IIRC. OTOH, if I wanted a good swimming pool, I would take either the IC with its top floor swimming pool and the view on Warsaw, or the Hilton, which has no view but is great for swimming laps. Food is great at the Sheraton, but the upgraded room that I was given had a great view on ... the parking lot. IMHO, the Sheraton is also slightly tired, and I would tend to prefer the Westin.

Thanks very much JSC. I think I'll stay one night at LM for sight-seeing around the old town and Sheraton or Westin the next night.

You don't happen to know which one is closer to Teatr Wielki, do you?

The LM is just behind it so by far the closest. Almost equidistant to the other 2 but the Westin is marginally closer (maybe a 20 min walk)

JSC, thank you, you replied just as I was editing my post after looking up the Google map.
I have now decided to stay at LM the second night.

If you were to choose between Westin and Sheraton, which would you choose?

I'd like to try one for each night, as I might well be spending a bit of time in Warsaw in the future.

JSC, thank you, you replied just as I was editing my post after looking up the Google map.
I have now decided to stay at LM the second night.

If you were to choose between Westin and Sheraton, which would you choose?

I'd like to try one for each night, as I might well be spending a bit of time in Warsaw in the future.

I'd choose the Westin but I only go there for business, so it ticks the boxes for that purpose. I did go to a wedding at the Sheraton though and it has more food options if you are staying a few nights.

Let me guess, you received a suite here vs. a regular room at the Westin or Sheraton Warsaw and that is the reason why you recommend this property.

With all due respect, I highly appreciate your input, but the Bristol Warsaw is a glorified former Grand Hotel with a beautifully restored exterior, however the latest renovations inside were more than 10 years ago and it shows...

I understand most of the tourists come to old Europe to experience exactly this, an old world full of opulence and history, but if you want to stay at such a place, I recommend some places in Spain, Italy or Vienna.

Honestly, I do not see how one can honestly and objectively recommend the Bristol over the Sheraton or the Westin. Westin competes with a Heavenly Bath and Bed, nice Exec. lounge, very modern gym and is also on average a bit cheaper than the Bristol. Sheraton and Westin Warsaw are exactly what they are supposed to be in the Starwood playbook, Westin a touch more upscale than the Sheraton.

I assume Nissan received the same benefits I received last week. And this is a huge suite, free breakfast, free dinner and free internet. And I very honestly recommend the Bristol over the Westin and certainly over the shabby Sheraton. The Westin never understood the playrule for platinum upgrades and the Sheraton is to my belief exactly what I said, shabby.

Ok, I never went to any gym in a hotel, so I do not care. Lounge? In Warsaw? Not really the thing I need there (and a free dinner as an excuse for the not existing lounge is quite nice) and I seriously prefer a nice European LM bed to soft US heavenly bed. However, the last issue is personal taste. I fully agree to Nissan: The Bristol is the Plationum place to be in Warsaw, the other two are just to further hotels.

I'd choose the Westin but I only go there for business, so it ticks the boxes for that purpose. I did go to a wedding at the Sheraton though and it has more food options if you are staying a few nights.

The Sheraton is a bit close to the end of the world. Maybe this is the reason for "more food options". Why and for what do you need food options when being a Warsaw, a place with wonderful and dirt cheap restaurants?

Never stayed at the Sheraton but I can attest to the fact that it is most certainly the LM that is shabby. The Westin is most definitely NOT shabby and when I was booked on the Executive Floor (not upgraded) I received the choice of breakfast in the lounge or restaurant or both :) The gym at the Westin is very good and I find the location to be quite reasonable. Zlote Tarasy shopping mall is a couple of blocks away and I am pretty sure there are some dining options there if you need that. I have also stayed at the Westin as a Platinum and was upgraded to a suite.

I'd choose the Westin but I only go there for business, so it ticks the boxes for that purpose. I did go to a wedding at the Sheraton though and it has more food options if you are staying a few nights.

Thank you JSC, I think I'll pick Westin as I am only staying one night at one of them.

Do you think LM is poor enough to be worth forgoing the proximity to the Teatr?

Thank you JSC, I think I'll pick Westin as I am only staying one night at one of them.

Do you think LM is poor enough to be worth forgoing the proximity to the Teatr?

"Poor enough":confused::confused:

If you want a classic and certainly not anyhow "poor" old world hotel with great platinum treatment, pick the LM. If you want a poor hotel in a poor location with a reasonable lounge with plenty Americans, pick the Sheraton and if you want a very typical however very good US style hotel, chose the Westin. I have stayed months in the Westin and in the LM. However, the Westin mostly was cheaper (currently you get it for 40 Euro per night), however, far below the LM standard (as experienced as a Platinum guest).

Thank you JSC, I think I'll pick Westin as I am only staying one night at one of them.

Do you think LM is poor enough to be worth forgoing the proximity to the Teatr?

The LM's location is good, it sounds like Plats get good treatment there, but to me its just a bit faded and not what I would call a classic. I'd probably stay there 1 night so I could go for a walk in the old town but I prefer the heavenly beds in the Westin and the Molton Brown amenities.

Thanks Flying Lawyer and JSC, that's settled it. I'm going to stay at LM the night I am at Teatr and Westin on another, and hope for a good Platinum upgrade at LM.

....and the Molton Brown amenities.

Sadly, unless this was temporary, the Molton Brown was gone from Executive Rooms in August 2009 :(

Sadly, unless this was temporary, the Molton Brown was gone from Executive Rooms in August 2009 :(

Gone from the Executive Rooms as of November 20009 as well, so guess the change is permanent.

The hotel was quite a bit nicer than I expected. The location was excellent, although I did not have enough time for sight-seeing in the end. I was a bit disappointed that I could not stay longer.

The decor in the room (a suite) was a little tired but was perfectly nice enough. I do not have any complaint in this respect. In fact, I quite liked it.

In terms of the toiletries, Molton Brown was nowhere to be seen. There were Cinq Monde ones instead.

Breakfast was nice enough, although I'd have loved to see 'Polish' cuisine that some hotels serve in breakfast buffets, such as pierogi and the Polish pancakes.

Service was pretty good overall and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Hotel's own transport to the airport was a bit on the expensive side compared to taxis (PLN 75 v PLN 45 on the way), but was more comfortable than a normal taxi so I did not really mind. I thought I'd mention this in case someone is interested to know.

Hotel's own transport to the airport was a bit on the expensive side compared to taxis (PLN 75 v PLN 45 on the way), but was more comfortable than a normal taxi so I did not really mind. I thought I'd mention this in case someone is interested to know.

As a side remark: Hotel taxis are quite new Mercedes cars whereas taxis might have been in service 20 years before they came to Poland :D. And: At night and on Sundays the hotel car is still 75 PLN whereas the local taxis charge 50 or 100 percent surcharge.

As a side remark: Hotel taxis are quite new Mercedes cars whereas taxis might have been in service 20 years before they came to Poland :D.

Quite right! :D

Yes it was a quite-new Mercedes indeed, whereas the taxi from the airport was an ordinary car (although thankfully not a total old banger - I can't remember what it was, though).

By the way, thank you for your recommendation about LM. I'm glad I stayed there.