Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a large city of almost 2 million, and it offers a wide selection of ‘where to stay’ options, from true 5-star hotels to comfortable budget accommodations. The Old Town in the Sródmiescie district is home to most of Warsaw’s popular tourist sights, such as the Royal Castle, and the following hotel options were selected with this in mind. Further, preference has been given to hotels that furnish free WiFi. When choosing where to stay in Warsaw, it’s important to realize that Poland offers many hotels at a good value, and travelers may want to consider selecting a hotel with more amenities than usual. These ‘where to stay’ listings are organized by star rating, from 5-star hotels to budget hotels.
Warsaw centrum at night
5-Star Hotels in Warsaw
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw
This modern boutique hotel with old-world charm, is located inside the historic Mokrowski Palace—creating a romantic ambiance. It is one of the most centrally located hotels in Warsaw, located just a short walk from the Royal Castle. Each of the 58 rooms and 3 suites is individually decorated and comes with complimentary WiFi, individualized A/C, Italian furniture, and designer bathrooms.
The hotel supplies numerous amenities, including a fitness room, swimming pool, spa, sauna, and the fine-dining La Rotisserie Restaurant, which serves top-notch French cuisine with Italian and Polish influences. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers al fresco dining in the summer. Note that the breakfast, while gourmet, is rather pricy, though numerous cafes are located nearby.
Intercontinental Hotel Warsaw
Opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and near the main train station, this hotel is surrounded by good dining options and close to many sights. And, its many amenities are modern and come with great views of the city.
Note that the hotel is an easy 30-minute walk from the Old Town. Each of the 414 rooms comes with coffee/tea-making facilities, bathrobes, WiFi, and individualized A/C. The Riverview Wellness Center, located on the 43rd and 44th floors, costs 3€ and includes a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, beauty center, and gym, which offers Technogym equipment as well as group classes, such as yoga.
The staff excels at providing a personalized experience, and a comprehensive breakfast buffet is offered daily. Several dining options are located inside the hotel.
4-Star Hotels in Warsaw
Mercure Warszawa Grand
Recently completely renovated, this hotel offers well maintained, modern rooms for an exceptional value, and it is located roughly 30 minutes from the Royal Castle by foot.
The 299 rooms feature complimentary WiFi and mineral water, coffee/tea-making facililities, minibars, A/C, and hairdryers. Amenities include parking, a sauna, fitness room, and The Grand’s Brasserie restaurant and bar, which serves a buffet breakfast as well as lunch and an a la cart dinner.
Polonia Palace Hotel
Located near the train station and about a 30-minute walk from the Royal Castle, this hotel opened in 1913 and stands out for providing spotless rooms and efficient staff for a good value. Guest room amenities include a gym and sauna, and a sizable breakfast buffet that even includes champagne and vodka.
The Strauss Restaurant serves traditional Polish and European cuisine in a relaxed environment, and the Bojangles Bar serves pub food and features live music most evenings. Note that the hotel offers benefits for travelers who book directly, including free internet as well as upgrades when available. For light sleepers, book a room in the back of the hotel.
Residence St Andrews Palace
Just a short walk from the Palace of Culture and Science and the main train station, this hotel is ideal for those wishing to cook a few meals in.
Offering apartments and apartment-style suites at a great value, the rooms come with A/C, free but spotty WiFi, a living room, bathroom, kitchen, a washing machine, and the room price includes a continental breakfast.
The largest apartment accommodates 5 people with an option for an extra bed; a fitness center with sauna is located nearby; and it takes roughly 30 minutes to walk to the Royal Castle. Do not expect 24-hour reception, but do expect 24-hour security.
3-Star Hotels in Warsaw
Castle Inn
Right in the Old Town, this funky, boutique hotel supplies 21 rooms, each individually decorated by Warsaw artists, as well as one hostel-style room. It is ideal for nighthawks looking for a central location for a good value. Some rooms feature such unique aspects as four-post beds, canopy beds, murals, and sculptures.
Unfortunately, travelers may have to share the starving-artist lifestyle in some respects: the hotel lacks A/C (fans are provided) and WiFi can be spotty. The hotel also supplies earplugs; and light sleepers should ask for a room away from Castle Square. Breakfast is offered for a charge.
Oki Doki Hostel
One of those rare hostels that comes close to being a hotel, Oki Doki Hostel offers private rooms with shared bathrooms as well as dorm-style rooms, and it is about a 20-minute walk from the Royal Castle.
Adults and youths are both welcomed. The room and bed prices include complimentary WiFi in common areas and the use of the kitchen, with free coffee/tea. The hostel bar serves cheap drinks, and a sturdy breakfast is furnished for an additional charge. Note that the hostel lacks an elevator and that reception is on the 2nd floor.
Hotel Hetman
Uniquely located on the eastern side of the Vistula River, the hotel is about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and close to the Warsaw Zoo.
The 68 rooms come with free WiFi, they are very clean, and the staff will go of their way to help travelers get the most out of their stay in Warsaw.
An excellent buffet breakfast is included in the room price. Note that the hotel lacks A/C. Light sleepers should request a room off of the main street.
Budget and Alternative Accommodations in Warsaw
Hotel Maria Warsaw
About a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, the hotel provides a variety of rooms and apartments, and the staff is exceptionally friendly—travelers may feel as though they’ve experienced the real Poland after staying here. The rooms are all quite different, and many feature wood paneling, parquet floors, and bright colors.
Note that some of the rooms are located on upper floors that lack elevators, however, depending on who’s working, the staff may be able to offer luggage assistance. Each of the 24 rooms and apartments comes with A/C and free WiFi. Amenities include free parking, a garden, a bar, and a restaurant, which serves a selection of homemade Polish and European dishes.
Royal Route Residence (and Old Town Apartments)
These luxury apartments, most of which are located within a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Old Town, are an exceptionally great value for those traveling in groups of 4 or more and spending several days in Warsaw.
Modern and tastefully decorated, each apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi. Many feature hardwood floors and great views. Note that some suffer from street noise. In addition, budget-conscious travelers should request information about the Old Town Apartments-line of units, which sometimes cost less.
Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com