THE Raffles hotel group has extended its expansion outside Asia with the opening of its third European property in central Warsaw.
The Raffles Europejski Warsaw made its debut this year during the northern summer, joining counterparts in Paris and Istanbul in the Raffles Hotels & Resorts stable.
Like the famous Singapore original, Warsaw’s new Raffles is housed within a historic city landmark, painstakingly restored over the past four years. Originally a neo-renaissance palace dating back to 1857 and named the Hotel Europejski, it was renowned as a Grand Dame among European hotels during the 19th century and has been brought back to its pre-war glory.
The property has 106 rooms and suites, styled with blackened oak floors, contemporary Polish art and sleek marble-clad bathrooms with Art Deco touches. Its jewel is a Presidential Suite, spread over 293m2 and home to a 19th century piano as a reminder that the room was once host to recitals and piano concerts in another chapter of its history.
“We feel confident about bringing a new level of luxury to Warsaw; one that is as much about the cultural experience as the comfort,” said Julien Barbotin-Larrieu of the property’s owner, HESA. “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.”
Raffles also plans a further European expansion with the Raffles London set to open in 2020, among other new properties planned for cities including Boston and Dubai.
