Facing the Palace of Culture and Science at the intersection of Åšliska and Emilia Plater Streets, the iconic five-star InterContinental Warszawa is a hotel that guarantees world-class luxury and spectacular views of the capital city’s skyline. This year it celebrates its twentieth anniversary.
Text: Krzysztof Gardecki
Photos: Materiały prasowe Intercontinental Warszawa
Built in the years 2001-2003 and designed by Tadeusz Spychała, Wojciech Popławski and Williband Fürst, the hotel stands on the site of the first jazz club in Poland, Akwarium. A characteristic void has been incorporated into the design between the fifth and twentieth storeys of the building, providing the neighboring buildings with sunlight. The building is made of steel, concrete, glass and natural stone. The façade boasts three shades of green: pistachio, refreshing mint and noble emerald. The hotel is popular with travellers from the worlds of business, culture and politics, as well as families with children and young tourists from all over the world who are looking for new culinary experiences and nightlife in a large metropolis.
GOLD KEYS OPEN EVERY DOOR
The prestigious, international Golden Keys Concierge Association (Les Clefs d’Or) was established in 1929 to create and develop the highest standards in guest services. The symbol of the association – a pair of crossed golden keys – can be seen on the lapels of the uniforms of two members of the concierge team at the InterContinental Warszawa. It is an unusual and unprecedented sight, distinguishing the hotel from others and guaranteeing guests the highest level of service. When the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull paralyzed European air traffic in 2010, the InterContinental Warsaw concierge team immediately organised efficient replacement land transport for the VIP group, developing logistical solutions to ensure guests were transported by limousines to the furthest corners of Europe. The concierge team can organize a helicopter flight to any destination in Poland, or reserve a seat to a premiere at Covent Garden, even after tickets have long been sold out. In such situations, the concierge flies into action, making the impossible possible, booking a table with a day’s notice at a restaurant where one normally has to book several months in advance. Nothing is to hard for them, from arranging singing lesson with Anna Netrebko to dog training with Cesar Millan, or seats on the next flight to Argentina to attend a coveted tango course. Those with golden keys work miracles, and since there are only15 Polish members of the Golden Keys Association, having two truly distinguishes the InterContinental Warszawa.
LOBBY – FAR FROM THE CROSSING CROWD
The hotel’s social life begins in the lobby, which is also a magnificent place to relax. Peace reigns here, accompanied by a total lack of haste, while a myriad languages ring in the air as guests exchange friendly smiles and glances. Comfortable plush armchairs are conducive to relaxation, as is the scent of fresh flowers and the soft, rhythmic music. On nearby Śliska Street, you can enjoy fine sweets, coffee and tea in the Lounge. The lobby is decorated with a beautiful crystal chandelier, and a huge skylight in the ceiling allows you to admire the building’s magnificent architecture. This peaceful and elegant space is complemented by a regularly changing collection of artworks exhibited on the walls of the lobby.
APARTMENT 4008
InterContinental Warszawa has a varied offering of rooms and apartments both in terms of the type of guests – from a regular tourist to crowned heads of State – and the preferred type of stay – from one-day to monthly stays. Apartments intended for guests staying longer are furnished with attention to every detail and provide all amenities. The jewel in the crown is apartment 4008 – the Presidential Suite – on the 40th floor. Through its windows you can see the National Stadium and the Poniatowski Bridge, and when Warsaw is sometimes covered with thick fog in the morning, you’ll feel like you are soaring in the clouds. The man behind the fit-out and interior design is Alan McVitty from M Studio London in Great Britain. Inspired by Warsaw’s architecture, the colours of the interiors refer to the seasonal shades of the sky. Navy blue and turquoise dominate, as well as royal blue with a harmonious combination of azure and sapphire. Touches of old gold provide an elegant counterpoint.
On a bright day, the sun’s rays illuminate the interior of the apartment, exposing the spectacular chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals. Although far from home, we feel at ease here – the elegant interiors do not overwhelm, and the colors pleasantly soothe. The windows of the apartment face the clock of the Palace of Culture and Science, which is embossed with Warsaw’s coat of arms: a mermaid, which cannot be seen from the pavement below. And the cozy bed in presidential bedroom, is the perfect place to sleep in and wallow well into the morning.
CLUB LOUNGE
Only one floor separates us from the Club Lounge InterContinental, inviting you to a buffet or á la carte breakfast, and throughout the day for drinks, light snacks and room service menu. In the evening, waiters serve exquisitely minimalist refreshments, cold and warm dishes, and wonderful desserts. When it comes to alcohol, a wide selection of wines and excellent cognacs will enrich the evening feast perfectly. This is all complemented by impeccable service that meets world standards and warrants the highest accolades.
TWO MASTERS, TWO KITCHENS
Hotel InterContinental Warszawa boasts two restaurants: Platter by Karol Okrasa and the DownTown Restaurant. Karol Okrasa draws culinary inspiration from his travels throughout Poland and around the world, gathering unique products, spices and flavours to create a perfect whole. Full of surprises, the original Platter menu is an expression of Karol Okrasa’s passion for healthy Polish cuisine enriched with culinary accents from around the world. The DownTown Restaurant and its chef, Grzegorz Krupa, are famous for their excellent breakfasts, which deserve a separate paragraph, so more on them later. A wealth of international cuisine is prepared for lunch and dinner using one-hundred-percent natural products. Krupa is a calm and cheerful masterchef who subscribes to the philosophy of simplicity and harmony when serving up a meal. Only the freshest seasonal produce can be found in his kitchen, ensuring the finest flavours. An authority on the culinary arts, Krupa has the utmost respect for the ingredients he uses, and he’ll amaze you with his knowledge of the history of cooking.
WHERE TIME COMES TO A STANDSTILL
After an intense day, go up to the 43rd floor and unwind at the RiverView Wellness Centre. Swimming pool, saunas, jacuzzi and a panoramic view of the city provide real comfort and relaxation. After dusk, the Warsaw skyline takes centrestage with a million flickering colours. The play of light on the surface of the pool water and the candles along the glass wall give the interior a warm and cosy atmosphere. The time measured by the clock of the Palace of Culture and Science seems to come to a standstill, and on the same floor the intimate Spa For You is the perfect place to be pampered and realign your body and soul. Treat for Two has been speicially created for couples in an intimate treatment room that boasts an unbeatable view of the skyline. One floor higher, the 44th floor is where you’ll find a well-equipped gym and professional personal trainer. Boasting a glass façade, it will satisfy anyone who craves physical activity, a solid workout and a stunning view. When you’re done, you’ll find the icing on the cake as you sip your favorite cocktail in the hotel’s +ONE BAR.
THE GIRL WITH THE FLAXEN
When the clock at the Palace of Culture and Science strikes 9.00 in the morning, it’s time to descend from the clouds for breakfast. Take the lift to the first floor of the InterContinental Warszawa, where a culinary and musical feast awaits in the DownTown Restaurant. It is arguably the only place in Poland where you can take breakfast accompanied by a harpist. If you’re lucky, you may enjoy French impressionist Claude Debussy’s sensuous etude The Girl with Linen Hair. As you look through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll see Warsaw coming to life, whereas the sounds of the harp and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee ensure your morning proceeds at a leisurely pace. The richness of the breakfast buffet will satisfy the most demanding palate. Polish accents including vegetable salads, meats bought from local suppliers and smoked in the hotel kitchen, there is even a noble Jurassic salmon from the vicinity of Szczecin bred in the geothermal waters near Szczecin, and superb cakes baked on site.
And as it’s the 20th anniversary of the InterContinental Warszawa, why not make it a champagne breakfast? The our attentive wait staff will be only too happy to oblige. What better way to start your day in Warsaw. |
