The Westin Warsaw, Poland [Master Thread]
 

Just came back from a stay at this newly opened property (opened this past Monday), and given time it could be a winner. It is located in the old Jewish Ghetto area that is seeing lots of new hotels opening. I was told I was only one of 20 guests staying on this past Sat night and was given an 'executive/business room' on a corner (#1627) with sweeping views of the city from windows facing north and west. While true it was set up as a business room with electonic connections, it was not a large room. It did boast a 'heavenly bed' and yes the duvet was 'heavenly' the mattress sadly was not. The style is very contempory/W' ish with a very modern design. The bath had a separate stall shower & a large soaking tub but otherwise was pretty cramped, it had the usual Westin soaps/shampoos etc. What was missing in the room were any description of services, a room service menu, coffee machine, hair dryer, clock radio & drawer space. I found only one drawer located on the bottom of the TV stand, the nightstands were only wooden slabs attached to the wall. Be warned the room has one of those new electronic minibars that charges you when you 'touch' anything! It also has (I was pleasantly surprised--for Europe at least) an iron & board in the closet. Also while there was an ice bucket, none of the floors were supplied as of yet with ice machines. Additionally there will be an Executive Lounge on the 19th floor at some point, but it was not yet open. There is also a health club already opened, but I didn't get a chance to see it. As a Platinum I was duly welcomed and given the upgrade to an Executive Business room, but no free breakfast, drink coupon or other amenity was offered, even though the lounge wasn't opened. When I asked about it, the front desk didn't know what I was talking about, and mentioned the bar area across from the front desk was open. As it was only one day, I didn't press the matter. The bar area was very open and the staff was very friendly and helpful. While I didn't eat in the restaurant (Fusion), I did read the menu and found it to be very Asian/Thai/Nouveau influenced and was told the newly hired chef was somewhat of a 'celebrity chef' in Warsaw and the restaurant had already recieved some great reviews.
--I had also (the previous night) stayed at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers Warsaw and found it to be very good, with a wonderful Club Lounge that had a full compliment of food & beverages during the cocktail hour as well as serving a large hot & cold buffet for breakfast. This property had a number of different restaurants/bars and while modern, was not quite as 'cool/hip' as I believe the new Westin is aiming for. I was told that both are considered quite expensive by local standards. I paid discounted weekend rates of E95 at the Sheraton & E125 at the Westin. The expectation at both establishments was that they were geared towards 'foreign' business travellers to Poland.
On a side note, while chatting with the bartender and one of the only other customers at the bar- I did hear that Sheraton will be opening up a new hotel in Krakow next year.

[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 07-07-2003).]

Opening of the Westin Warsaw Hotel
 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the opening of the Westin Warsaw Hotel, located in the heart of the business and financial center of Warsaw on one of the city's prime thoroughfares. Guests can currently enjoy a special opening rate of $172 per room per night valid till the end of August 2003. The hotel is owned by Hotel Atrium sp. z o.o and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under its Westin Hotels & Resorts brand.

The Westin Warsaw Hotel, a five star 20-floor international business hotel, includes 361 rooms, conference facilities, ballroom, 1,600 square-foot presidential suite with panoramic view, "Fusion" restaurant, "JP's" Bar and a fitness center. One of the most modern architectural elements of the hotel is a uniquely designed elevator encased in a transparent tube offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of the city. The hotel was designed by the architects John Portman & Associates of Atlanta, Georgia, Design Office Kazimierski and Ryba, Warsaw, Poland and Skanska Teknik Ab, Sweden. The interior design was elaborated by Wilson & Associates Inc. of Dallas, Texas.

The Westin brand takes great pride in providing exceptional standards of service and comfort, covering every aspect of a guest's stay. All of the hotel's guest rooms and suites feature the brand's signature Heavenly Bed(R), Heavenly Bath(R) and numerous other guest amenities including Westin Service Express(R) and Westin One Call(R).

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is the owner and operator of Sheraton Warsaw Hotel & Towers, a luxury property that has set new standards for the hospitality industry in Poland.

Anybody in Starwood notice that this press release has not been proofread?

In reference to AAEXP's post on the Warsaw Westin Opening, I'm still hearing occupancy is way down, and thus would imagine rates could be had far below the 'special $172' per night, especially on weekends http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I guess I must be stupid. You're going to have to tell me what is wrong here.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 07-11-2003).]

Could it be in the first statement is says the hotel is owned by Atrium and operated by Starwood, and the second paragraph states "Starwood Hotel & Resorts is the owner and operator of the Westin Warsaw". Thus a bit of confusion as to who owns & who operates perhaps???

Actually, it says that Atrium is owner of the Westin and that Starwood manages (operates) it, but the other quote is in reference to the Sheraton, so I'm still wondering what's wrong here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 07-11-2003).]

Oops. I guess I need to proofread myself. It's been a loonng week.

I stayed at both the Sheraton and the Westin in Warsaw this past weekend and wanted to give the folks on here an update. Stayed at a rate of Euro 105 at both spending 2 nights at the Westin and 1 at the Sheraton. The Westin had very, very low occupancy but the service was outstanding. The hotel itself is very well built and very modern (except that the high-speed internet hadn't been connected yet). I should mention the service again - incredible. Even before arriving, I had taken a peak at my reservation on SPG.com and knew was getting a suite which was a pretty nice suite in fact. The description of the suite - "Deluxe Suite, Heavenly Bed, Sep Spacious Livingroom, Cd/Dvd Stereo, Deluxe Bath Amenities, Fabulous 2 Rm Suite With Separate Lounge & Guest Bathroom, FLat Screen Tv, Bose Entertainment System And Large Work Area". Check-in was extremelly smooth and was given vouchers for free full buffet breakfast and also for drinks between 6 and 8 PM in the lobby bar. My guess is they are trying to promote the bar and restaurant. I did have dinner one evening at the restaurant as well and it was quite good. The Sheraton stay was pretty average in terms of service and the room. Was given a room on a regular floor but was given access to the lounge on the Towers floor. They have a terminal with an ISDN connection for free use in the lounge. The high-light of the Sheraton was the sighting of some celebraties in the lounge and bar - a famous 70s US rock band, a famous US actor and a Polish beauty queen. I will not disclose their names for the sake of their privacy (couple of them are on an extended stay there for a movie shoot). I learnt later on from a butler that the entire movie crew had earned Platinum status and had occupied the butler floor. Anyway, if I had to visit Warsaw again I would probably stay at the Sheraton. There is more to do around the Sheraton - lots of cafes, clubs, restaurants within walking distance whereas the Westin is in more of a commercial area with not much to do nearby (at least I did not come across anything) and the hotel itself is more happening. Maybe after the grand-opening of the Westin in September things will pick up there. Both are equally far from Old Town.

According to the terms and conditions hotels have not to offer breakfast coupon, if lounge is not open.
https://www.starwood.com/preferredgu...ditions.html#7
("4. ...If a lounge is closed for any reason, such as renovation, the hotel may consider it not having a lounge during the closed period and is not required to offer alternate accommodations.")

Anyway some hotels do the nicer way.
In the Mexico Sheraton Centro Historico I got a very good buffet-breakfast in the restaurant.

Does anyone have any more info on this as to when it is scheduled to open and where in Krakow?

Scheduled for Sprng of 2004. The hotel will be on Powisle Street...no address, however.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

Having just returned from Warsaw, while the Westin looks nice, I have to admit that I was blown away by how nice the Meridien Briston is/was, which is located in a great location right next door to the Presidential Palace and up the street from Old Town.

The Bristol is a true grand hotel in the European sense in both style and service. I think it is far and away the nicest hotel in Warsaw, and a pretty good value compared to what the cost of a comparable hotel would be in another major European city.

I bet I know who this is. Maybe an actor that was highly succesful in the early nineties with action-movies http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Muerz

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Visit the Hyatt Review Website at http://www.hotelreview.de.vu

Muerz, you are very correct. I suppose he isn't as famous anymore. I bet he is reading this !! He mentioned all he did was surf the net while in Warsaw and I mentioned FT to him when talk about hotels came up.

Well, if he should be reading this:

You are the greatest! Keep more movies coming! And I'm one of your biggest fans http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Muerz

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Visit the Hyatt Review Website at http://www.hotelreview.de.vu

Review&Pics of the The Westin Warsaw: Designed for Perfection.
 

See for my pics: http://www.e-traveller.net/pics/2004/waw-westin.php
(with the help of LH738)


I recently stayed in The Westin Warsaw for one night. Upon arrival the chauffeur of the pick-up service was waiting at the airport. There is also a meet and greet desk in the arrival hall of the airport.

Check-in went smoothly and very friendly. My first impression of the lobby was luxurious. I was accompanied to my room on the upper floors, the executive floors. It turned out to be a fine corner room.

Though the room appeared to be a little smallish, it was very comfortable and the interior was perfectly matched :-: . Of course there was the wonderful Heavenly Bed and the Heavenly Shower. The bathroom was large enough, and there was a separate glass shower cabin ( see my pics)
Fine brands, like f.i. Villeroy&Boch and Molton Brown products, could be found here. I had the impression everything was arranged and made with great care. Even the amenities were great: see my pics.

The view was terrific, since I did have an executive corner room!

The executive lounge was impressive, very modern and comfortable. Just like the hotel itself. The breakfast was ok, there could be more variation, f.i. scrambled eggs. Service was very friendly. Coffee was freshly made. They serve the coffee by the cup. It would be more convenient and efficient to have a small pot of coffee in the morning.
There was a large flat screen tv in the lounge, and I did like to view some Olympic games on the comfortable couch while having a nice cappuccino.

I did not use the the healthclub, but I did have a look inside. It appeared to be rather small, but it seemed there were enough machines to have a work-out. Sauna is available. The personnel here appeared to be very friendly.

The glass elevator gives you a very nice view of town, it’s very modern with even a small screen inside.

The location of the hotel is rather in the modern part of town. The Mercure hotel and Radisson hotel are next door.

Checking out was also very pleasant and friendly. Sure to come back in this modern, luxury hotel. I enjoyed staying in this modern comfy hotel, since everything seemed to be handled with great care! The friendliness and attitude of the personnel were exceptional here :-: . A different experience I had in the Sheraton Warsaw.

See for my pics: http://www.e-traveller.net/pics/2004/waw-westin.php

Great pix and report Claes059! Thank you. It certainly helps make the decision between Westin and Sheraton in WAW. Just out of curiosity, what was wrong with the Sheraton when you visited? I have a relative who used to work there, I think...

You're welcome! The Sheraton is just a different kind of hotel , compared with the Westin. I had some dissapointment and some arguement with the upgrade I did not recieve :o .
I will make a review of my stay here in a short time.

Thank you for post (claes059),why Im not sure which one stay in westin or sheraton cos I'm planing to go to Warsaw on december 04,I think choice of westin Warsaw,cos look new & modern ^

You're welcome. I think it depends what purpose you have in Warsaw. The Sheraton does have a very good location for visiting the old town and touristy things. The Westin is in the business area of Warsaw. The Westin is modern and sophisticated, the suites here are wonderful.
The Sheraton has more or less a classic interior and the rooms tend to be more spacious. Though I did not like the suites here. I.m.o. nothing special however.

Was there internet access - free or charage and where. Thanks

Since I was only one night in the Westin, I did not make use of it, so I do not know.

I was surprised to find it in the Towerlounge in the Sheraton; it is possible to make use of the internet, free of charge ^

Hi there, the Westin has High Speed Internet Access available for Laptop connectivity in all bedrooms. This is free of cherge in all Guest Offices (corner rooms) and on the Executive Floor rooms. For classic and deluxe rooms you can purchase access by the hour (PLN 60) or for 24 hours (PLN 85) - pretty cool and fast. They also have wireless available in the public areas and conference floors. All this is part of their new package for the different room categories - they gave me a full run down last time I checked in. They include some stuff for their deluxe rooms, which are Euro 15 more than their classic rooms (bathrobe, higher floor, express check-out, 2pm late check-out, iron & board, coffee maker, shoe shine). The executive rooms you get for another Euro 25 and they include 4pm late check-out, turn down and amenities, HSIA, pressing of 2 garments/clothing, coffee to the room with the wake-up call, newspaper, breakfast in the lounge, cocktail hour, etc).
When you book a suite they even include airport pick-up to all the above.

Both Sheraton and Westin are recently opened properties (Sheraton maybe 2.5 yrs old or so). Both are really good, I'd pick the Westin as the rooms are a bit more groovy, and the bar downstairs in Sheraton can be noisy, which is a shame, as the suites are stacked right above it.

Sheraton & Westin Warsaw
 

Since a few years I have to travel regularly to Warsaw and I have found both, the Sheraton and the Westin best value for money. Sheraton was there first, The Westin opened last year. Westin is a bit more hip whilst Sheraton is more classy. I have found the staff extremely well trained in both hotels, going far beyond what u wld expect from a hotel of an American chain.

By the way, I have heard that both hotels are under one management.

I have occasionally tried other hotels in the city; nothing to compare with the Westin and the Sheraton.

Sheraton & Westin Warsaw
 

Since a few years I have to travel regularly to Warsaw and I have found both, the Sheraton and the Westin best value for money. Sheraton was there first, The Westin opened last year. Westin is a bit more hip whilst Sheraton is more classy. I have found the staff extremely well trained in both hotels, going far beyond what u wld expect from a hotel of an American chain.

By the way, I have heard that both hotels are under one management.

I have occasionally tried other hotels in the city; nothing to compare with the Westin and the Sheraton.

Stayed at the Westin Warsaw for a night in May, and I agree that it's a great property. Everyone was amazingly friendly, right down to the housekeeping lady that brought me a pair of slippers. Some of them were surprised to see an American with a Polish surname.

Sure, it's a little further away from the train station than a few other hotels, but it was quite worth it.

Great report!

I've stayed at the Sheraton every time I've been in town. Started doing it before the Westin opened.

On the plus side, the Sheraton has a better breakfast menu and the sort of service you mentioned looking for - a pot of coffee, a dedicated chef to do omelettes and scrambled, sunny-side-up, or over-easy eggs, quite a selection of hot and cold sides, and some great jellies and jams (St. Dalfour brand). The bar, although a bit boisterous, has Guinness on tap, and the restaurant has some of the best salmon I've eaten.

The "Smart Suites" (actually large rooms) that I've gotten routinely as a Platinum have been great to do work in, but without the marvelous view your suite had. (They do, however, give you a sponge ball formed like a globe of the Earth that you can squeeze, throw at people, or collect until you have enough to practice your juggling act.) And, I think the bed was a bit more spacious.

On the down side, they have "regular" Sheraton toiletries, instead of the Moulton Brown ones (which I've liked for a long time).

What impresses me the most about the Sheraton, though, is the staff. The Concierge is outstanding, and so is the breakfast Chef. The front desk folks are truly service-oriented. On my most recent visit, Austrian Air failed to transfer our bags in Vienna, and I arrived without the shaving gear, scissors, toothbrush/paste, soap, etc., that I carry in my Dopp kit. (I'm sometimes an idiot -- this time instead of putting that in a carry-on, I figured "what could possibly go wrong on such a short hop?" and didn't. Then we got changed to a different routing due to irregular operations and what should have been a simple flight turned into an awkward connection. Go figure.) The Austrian Air folks in Warsaw said they would have given me an overnight kit, but they couldn't get at them at that hour.

Anyway, when I mentioned this upon checking in, the desk staff offered to find what they could, and shortly after I got to my room the bell man came to the door with everything I needed, and even more.

Service like that is virtually priceless! It certainly is enough to make me continue to stay at the Sheraton. (And I hope you would be treated as well at the Westin in similar circumstances.)

Is Westin Warsaw the best bargain in SPG?
 

Is Warsaw Westin the best bargain in the whole system? I have stayed at the Westin Warsaw a number of times the past 12 months and have found it to be a real 4 star hotel. Good food, service, decent location. It is new, bright and cheery I have gotten full internet access, with all the movies, and full breakfast for $110 Euro a night. This is 1/3 the price of most Asian and European Westins/Sheratons, with worse service (Paris/London).

I think the best Starwood bargain is the Sheraton Bilbao. Great rooms, service, and bathrooms (heated floors) for less that 100E per night.

I went there (once) just after it opened it is very nice.

I think the best SPG hotels for the $ are the Sheraton & Westin Grande Sukhumvit. Thailand way overbuilt its luxury hotel inventory during its go-go days and today's traveler benefits. Heck, even the 4S/Regent BKK doesn't get anywhere close the nightly rate 4S gets almost everywhere else.

Good to know. I am there next month. Will be my first Starwood stay of the year.

Thank you for reminding me about WAW. I was looking for somewhere new from FRA on my next trip. Just booked the Warsaw Sheraton for 75E per night. Another stamp in the passport. Regards

Executive Room and Lounge
 

Just booked the Exec Floor for a 20 Euro premium over a regular room.

What can I expect from the Lounge? Evening Snacks, Drinks (alcoholic for how much?), B-fast? Details appreciated as Westin has NONE :eek: . Are there refreshments in the lounge all day?

Is the room markedly better? Can I sneak in a guest to the Lounge?

Any comments appreciated!!

Perfect...totally perfect!!
 

I stayed here just after Easter and LOVED IT…..ALOT. You will not be disappointed with this place. It is simply top notch. I stayed on the Executive Floor one floor below the Lounge.

Even before I got to the hotel the signs were all very positive. An email sent to the hotel in the early evening my time that would have arrived there at about 3am local time was answered in a comprehensive manner, in perfect English in under 10 minutes!! :-: This compares to the Le Meridien Bristol where emails went completely unanswered (should have taken that as an omen – oh well).

Check-in was a breeze, I got to choose a newspaper from about 30 or more choices and up to the room I go. A welcome amenity of savouries and a fair amount of fancy chocolate awaited my arrival. Yummy. Nice sized room, not huge but comfortable. Very nice bathroom with a digital scale and Molton Brown amenities. Quite liked the Molton Brown! Also, there were 4 bottles of complimentary water in the room. Much appreciated. Shoe shine was offered and accepted and delivered in the am at exactly the time promised. Sydney Morning Herald arrived as well. Heck, why not try something different! The paper is an exact copy on 11x17 paper with all the ads etc…

Went to the Executive Lounge that evening where they had cocktail hour. They had hot and cold canapés and an open bar with complimentary liquor. The rest of the day you can help yourself to non-alcoholic drinks. There is an internet equipped computer that I did make use of. I enjoyed a bottle of a nice Italian wine that evening….by accident of course :D . In the morning there was a breakfast served in the lounge but my rate included the buffet in the restaurant so I did that.

Before going to sleep I checked out the gym…yes, after the bottle of wine! Got my workout in okay. The equipment is way above and beyond for a hotel gym. Its TechnoGym stuff, all very good. The treadmills (2) are each worth about 10,000 Euro and feature built in fans and flat panel control board/TV! There is a sauna as well. They also had SIX, yes SIX Schwinn Spin bikes! The gym is open 24 hours. The only thing I wish they had is a hot tub but not a necessity by any means.

The breakfast buffet was very good indeed and the service extremely good. Food was of excellent quality and there was great variety. Omelets and waffles were freshly made. Another bout in the gym (had to catch up on missed workouts!) and then I went sightseeing. I was given a 4pm check-out as part of my rate and this was honoured with no questions asked. Check-out was easy and miles posted in a couple of days. The following day I returned to have lunch (the Bristol food sucked, as did the whole experience) and again, great service and very good food ^

I found every single interaction with staff to be exemplary. The hotel is impressive in its public areas and is spotless in all respects. This stay ranks very close to the best hotel stay I have enjoyed. Well done Westin Warsaw….I wish you were closer to home!

:-: :-: :-: :-: :-:

Guess I will take the breakfast buffet in the restaurant, next time I'll be there!
Nice to see you had a great stay here! :)

You will not be disappointed. I am jealous that you are so much closer to this perfect hotel! :(

I have to disagree and say that, IMO, the Bristol, which is a Meridien, is a treasure: a wonderful hotel right next to the Presidential Palace. It is a grand old hotel in beautiful condition with great service. It would be many times more expensive if it was in a Western European city and is a bargain in Warsaw.