Marriott Rewards - Warsaw Marriott: What can you tell me about it?

I just searched this forum for reports on the Warsaw Marriott. All I found were simple remarks that it is a nice hotel - but not detail as to why. I'd love to get a report on the hotel that includes:

1) How do I get there from the airport?
2) How is the location for sightseeing?
3) What do you think of the hotel?
4) Is there a concierge level?
5) How do they treat platinums?

All information will be gratefully received.

1) How do I get there from the airport?

Taxi or bus 175, stops directly in front of the hotel.

2) How is the location for sightseeing?

Good. It's in the middle of the city, just in front of central train station. Culture Palace across the street, old part of the city (mostly rebuilt) a couple of metro stops away. Lazienki park also a couple of tram/metro stops away. Not too much to see in the city IMHO, but OK for one weekend.

3) What do you think of the hotel?

Quality hotel, excellent breakfast, nice pool and sauna. Italian restaurant is very good but expensive. Panorama bar has a good view of the city.

4) Is there a concierge level?

Yes; I was upgraded to lounge access once but it was on weekend, and while the lounge was technically open, they didn't serve evening hors d'oeuvres, only breakfast. Drink/snack selection was very uninspiring.

5) How do they treat platinums?

N/A.

Thanks, slowly, that's an excellent start.

How easy is it to take the bus from the airport? And how easy is it to take the metro within the city? I last visited Warsaw while the wall was still up, so none of that experience is relevant to this trip.

Your report on the lounge is disappointing. I'll be there on weekdays. Has anyone got experience with what the lounge offerings are then?

How easy is it to take the bus from the airport?
Can't be easier, just buy a ticket at any press kiosk (btw - 24h, 3day and weekly passes are very cheap, valid for all public transport, including bus 175), go outside the airport and the bus is right there. It takes about 15-20 min to get to the "Dworzec Centralny" stop (Marriott).


And how easy is it to take the metro within the city?
As easy as in any other city, just put in the pass, go downstairs and take the direction you need... There's only one line though, so probably you'll use bus/tram also.

I believe that the zloty is still the currency for Poland. Yet when I look at the hotel fact sheet, it shows taxi prices in euros. Are euros preferentially used to zlotys?

The Euro is not used generally in Poland. The Marriott may just be hedging its bets against currency fluctuations, or posting prices in a way that will be easily understood by Western Europeans.

I stayed at the Warsaw Marriott as a Platinum guest and got upgraded to quite a nice room. I got the feeling that they don't see too many high-elite customers there and really pull out all the stops. It was a very nice experience all around.

Bruce

I stayed at that hotel extensively a few years back. It was the oldest international hotel in Warsaw. It was starting to get renovated in 2002 with new rooms and lounge. Bush stayed there when he visited.

The hotel occupies floors 20-40 of a highrise building. So, if you are sensitive to tall buildings, you need to stay somewhere else.

The staff there was significantly more seasoned than another hotel I tried - the Sheraton. Service was very good. Room service is pretty good and the prices are reasonable (by US standards). The rooms to get are the corner rooms.

The hotel is connected underground to the train station and a small shopping arcade. The gym in the basement is a full service gym that are open to locals.

There used to be a casino on the 2nd floor. Not sure if it is still there. There used to be a few restaurants around the corner (leave the front door and turn right - turn left at the first intersection) and they were all pretty good and have English menu. The Radio Cafe was my favorite. The Turkish restaurant and Japanese restaurant are not so bad either.

It is about a 5-10 minute walk to the department stores and subway. 20-30 minute walk to Old Town.

It seems the ride to/from the airport would be more than 20 minutes on a bus. If you take a taxi, it should not be too bad. Just don't use the hotel's fleet if $ is a concern - it is much more expensive. Do emphasize the marriOTT in the name as there (was/is) a similar named hotel in the city. The first time I went, I almost ended up there.

I've been in direct contact with the hotel, and learned they have their own shuttle van. For posterity, here is the info.

-shuttle bus departs every half hour
-cost 30pln per person(about 10USD)
-No advance reservations required
-look for van on the right side where there is parking
-Regarding payment - you can pay cash or put the charge to the hotel bill.

I used the hotel van when I arrived, because I didn't know what else to do. It was charged to my room. I used a taxi when I departed, and that was a little cheaper and more convenient. I wasn't aware of the bus but would be somewhat reluctant to take a bus with luggage.

Bruce

I believe that the zloty is still the currency for Poland. Yet when I look at the hotel fact sheet, it shows taxi prices in euros. Are euros preferentially used to zlotys?
The hotel charges in Euros converted from Zloty. Last I was there was 110 Euros a night. I was Platinum with about 120 nights when went there in August. No special treatment. Had to push to get a corner room. The main difference between corner and regular room is the bath room. In corner you get a separate shower and tub. Plus it is bigger. Other wise you get the tub shower combo.

I did recall that for the corner room the tv was in front of the sofa and diag to the bed.

Thanks to the advice on this thread, I have submitted a request for a corner room using the internet concierge (or whatever it is they call it). It's my first time ever to use this service. I got a note back from the hotel concierge, saying that he has forwarded the request to the rooms manager. I'll report back as to what success I have.

They had the bad habit of trying to upsell instead of giving free upgrades. My former boss actually wrote them a long letter about this behavior when they failed to treat him (Plat) well. So, be persistent if they do this to you.

Any recent stays here?

Found a great rate, 74 Euro breakfast included, for a long weekend stay (Friday through Sunday nights) later this month. Last night is also 50% off, making it an even better deal (total 185 Euro for three nights = about 62 Euro a night!).

I stayed there in March 2006. I got it via Priceline for £45 per night, approx 66 Euro. I am only a Silver so no preferential treatment but the staff were very good and professional. A small error, where someone had charged a breakfast to our room instead of their own, was resolved quickly and efficiently.

Eating and drinking in Warsaw was VERY cheap ^

I stayed at the hotel in October. slowly's information was excellent. I got the last corner room available, and took smoking in order to have it. The hotel is a big city hotel, with a lot of services including a lobby bakery.

I had a great rate, and was also able to use a premium pound, thus my motivation to stay here. If I hadn't had such a compelling financial reason for doing so, Le Meridien is much better situated to the Old Town for restaurants and sightseeing.

There is a museum in Old Town that focuses on WWII and Warsaw; well worth seeing. I regretted coming too late to see the movie, as it is shown only once a day in English. You'll need to check on what time that is; it was midday.

Stayed at the Warsaw Marriott last year and really enjoyed it. The breakfast buffet is the largest I have ever seen and offers a full variety of foods. The hotel is conveniently located on the main avenue and within walking distance to all tourist areas of the city. The hotel staff is very professional and courteous. I was invited to the weekly cocktail reception in the conciege lounge where all of the management staff entertained. Never had that experience at any other Marriott/Renaissance property.

Enjoy!!

To clarify earlier posts, the lounge does serve alcohol, but it is an honor and there is a charge.