Raffles lands in Warsaw
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Raffles Europejski Warsaw, a 106-key reimagining of a 19th century neo-renaissance palace at the heart of Poland’s capital. Joining Paris and Istanbul as the third European Raffles destination, the hotel is situated within Enrico Marconi’s Hotel Europejski, a property dating back to 1857 and set on the city’s Royal Route to its historic Old Town. Restored over four years by Polish studio WWAA, the hotel seeks to reinstate its pre-war glory whilst paying homage to the country’s artistic heritage.
Guestrooms are classically styled with blackened oak floors, marble-clad bathrooms and art deco touches, and include a 293m² Presidential Suite incorporating a 19th century piano – the room hosting recitals in a former life. A series of culinary options comprise the Lázaro Rosa Violán-designed Europejski Grill – serving up modern Polish cuisine amidst bold hues of blue and white – and The Long Bar, a Raffles signature venue at the heart of the hotel. The Humidor – an exclusive cigar lounge – is designed with a club-like aesthetic, bringing together leather sofas, low lighting and a fire place, whilst, completing the offer, the Lourse Warszawa Patisserie is characterised by white marble and brass trimmings.
Elsewhere, the hotel’s signature Raffles Spa lands as one of the largest wellness facilities in the city, featuring six treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a 24/7 gym with Technogym apparatus.
Julien Barbotin-Larrieu, representing the owning company, H.E.S.A, explains: “With Raffles at the helm of the hotel, a brand synonymous with heritage and luxury, whose own illustrious history began just thirty years after the Europejski’s with the iconic Raffles Singapore, we feel confident about bringing a new level of luxury to Warsaw; one that is as much about the cultural experience as the comfort. Our aim is to provide a real sense of place, allowing guests to understand the soul of Poland by immersing themselves in the art, the gastronomy and the history which they will be surrounded with, on a level as yet unsurpassed in the capital.”
Throughout the project runs a vein of Polish art, with interiors showcasing modern and contemporary Polish work curated by Anda Rottenberg, a former Director of the Zachęta National Gallery of Art. Consisting almost 500 pieces by over 120 artists including Tadeusz Kantor, Wilhelm Sasnal, Monika Sosnowska and Turner Prize nominee Goshka Macuga, the collection highlights a desire to retain the hotel’s national character. Polish craftsmanship is also present in the project’s lighting fixtures, carved burl wood headboards and parquet flooring, whilst the city’s skyline has been etched into grey marble bathroom walls.
Jeannette Ho, Vice President, Raffles Brand & Strategic Partnerships, AccorHotels Luxury Brands, comments: “I am delighted to be opening the iconic Raffles Europejski Warsaw, such a landmark in this capital city, to which we will bring the legendary Raffles service, known for its benchmark standard across the globe, as well as a series of gastronomic delights, conference facilities and an impressive spa.
Raffles Europejski Warsaw joins 11 Raffles Hotels & Resorts around the world, as well as hotels under development such as Raffles London, Raffles Boston Back Bay and Raffles The Palm Dubai.
