Hotels in Poland

Generally, the standard of Hotels in Poland has improved dramatically over the past 10 to 15 years. Former communist groups such as Orbis, (the largest hotel group in Poland), have raised their standards and although they have several categories of hotel maintain a reasonable standard.

Service in Hotels in Poland is notoriously variable; I would always recommend the group hotels where training is a high priority. Generally, the Polish psyche does not like the idea of serving someone, even if his or her living depends on it. The more progressive hotel groups have excellent training schemes and this really pays off in the level of service.

There are also several other international hotel groups in Poland:-

Accor A French group, operated by Orbis, the standard is high and prices are similar to the rest of Europe.

Marriott - US group and in my opinion the best standard and service of any of the Hotels in Poland. They have two hotels in Warsaw the very well known hotel in the center, although quite old now is very good, service is excellent and they have the best breakfast buffet in Europe. The piano bar at the top of the hotel is very nice, if you are alone it's a great place to contemplate, if you are with someone, it is probably the most romantic bar in Poland.

If you are looking for somewhere to relax for an hour during a shopping expedition in the center of Warsaw, I can heartily recommend the lobby of the Marriott. A Coffee and something from the patisserie is a nice break on a hot Warsaw expedition.

Orbis - The range of Orbis run hotels is considerable and covers the following Groups

Sofitel - Rather overstated and formal hotel with reasonable service but there are much better hotels for a more realistic price.

Novotel - Reasonable priced hotels with all the normal facilities but generally out of the center of the city and often away from the attractions. Please bear in mind the cost of Taxi's in Poland is very7 low comparatively so the Novotel may be a good option.

Mercure - Usually city center hotels, mid range but can be quite expensive, many of the older hotels in this group were owned by the Woiwodship in communist times, some of the more remote hotels are still stuck in a time warp.

Ibis - Cheapest hotels in the range, Ibis has all the facilities but likely out of the center and the rooms are very small, though OK for an overnight before catching a flight.

If you are looking for a lower cost option then the Orbis group probably have a hotel suitable for you. Whilst they are not known for their luxury, the group generally has a budget hotel in most cities and larger towns. The rooms are normally clean and staff helpful.

Holiday Inn - International group although my experience of the Holiday Inn in the center of Warsaw was very poor. Dirty rooms, food disgusting and bar full of prostitutes. Not recommended.

Other group hotels such as Hyatt, Radisson, Intercontinental, Hilton and Sheraton are run as they are in other parts of the world. The Hilton is usually the best value for money of the large group Hotels in Poland.