Hotel Review
Location:
H15 Boutique Hotel is located on one of the oldest streets in central Warsaw. The 19th century building has served as a grand private residence, a Soviet embassy, a headquarters for the Nazi party, and a prize possession of the People’s Republic of Poland. More recently this impressive building has been transformed into a luxurious five star hotel.
Arrival and check-in:
We arrived into Warsaw Chopin airport just before lunch after taking an early morning flight from London Heathrow. Trains take 20 minutes to reach the city centre and as the airport is within Zone 1 a single ticket lasting 75 minutes is only PLN 4.40 (80p). We opted for 72 hour transport tickets PLN 36 (£7.16) which are valid on buses, trains and trams within Zone 1. After alighting our train at Warsaw Central Station it was then just a 15 minute walk to the hotel.
On stepping through the glass doors into the elaborate hallway we were warmly welcomed by receptionists on duty. As our arrival was almost three hours before check-in time our room was not ready but we were able to leave our luggage for safekeeping whilst we explored the city. As it had started raining we were kindly offered the use of umbrellas but as these were quite large we decided to manage with our hoods instead. We returned to the hotel at around 3.30 p.m. and almost straightaway we were handed our key cards and the hall porter was leading us to our room on the second floor.
The Room:
We had been booked into one of the hotel’s junior suites which was really beautiful. The suite comprised a stylish living area with a dining table and chairs, sofa and kitchenette. A wall partially divided the sleeping area with its king size bed, dressing table and matching chairs. A platter of fresh fruit and chocolates had been left on the table with a personalised note welcoming us to the hotel. I thought this was a nice touch especially as it was hand written and made us feel very welcome.
Along with a large television, several books had been left for browsing and a wide selection of teas and coffee pods were available for our use over on the large counter. I was disappointed to find that there wasn’t any fresh milk but after a quick call down to reception, a milk jug soon appeared and we were reassured that this could be replenished whenever we wished.
The suite boasted high ceilings, two large windows looking out onto the hotel’s attractive inner courtyard and modernist wall art. Moving into the bathroom, this was fully equipped with both a bath and shower, bathrobes, slippers and fragrant Lalique toiletries.
Dining:
Breakfast is served each morning beneath the glass roof of the elegant atrium. The dining area is furnished with tables and chairs in a variety of styles, some of which were of a pod style so we opted to sit in one of those on the first morning.
Service was attentive and after ordering our usual cappuccinos we helped ourselves to the continental buffet which had been beautifully presented. The vast spread not only looked impressive, it tasted delicious too and we feasted on fresh fish, cooked meats, cheese and yoghurt.
Cooked dishes are prepared to order and on the first morning we opted for eggs florentine and eggs Benedict which were both cooked to perfection with our poached eggs having runny yolks just as we like them. On the second morning I opted for Turkish eggs, a dish I hadn’t tried before despite having spent a long weekend in Istanbul a few years back. Oh my, why had I not come across this dish before as it was absolutely delicious. The Turkish Eggs tasted even better than described and comprised two poached eggs served over a lightly spiced Greek yoghurt and garnished with pomegranate seeds and chilli flakes.
The Facilities:
H15 Boutique Hotel has 49 rooms and suites all of generous proportions. The central courtyard is the hub of the hotel and boasts a champagne bar and cosy seating. Whilst retaining many of the original features, the courtyard has been enlivened with contemporary furniture, large potted plants and bold black and white flooring. Other facilities include a well equipped gym and valet parking (additional charge).
Out and About:
Below are my suggestions of interesting things to see and do whilst staying in Warsaw:
The Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science dominates the skyline and can be seen throughout the city. The building was completed in 1955 on the orders of Stalin and contains a staggering 3,000 rooms over 42 floors. Take the lift to the viewing terrace on the 30th floor 114 metres high. On a clear day there are stunning views over the old town rooftops and across to the River Vistula. Palace of Culture and Science,
Explore the Old Town
Warsaw’s UNESCO World Heritage old town was painstakingly re-built after being badly destroyed during the Second World War. Wander the maze of cobbled streets of the beautifully restored tall Renaissance and Baroque style merchants’ houses painted in shades of yellow, pink and pale blue.
Visit the Royal Castle
The castle was the former royal residence of Polish rulers. Explore the Royal apartments, the throne room, and its art collection with paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto. Outside stroll through its beautifully reconstructed gardens.
Walk the Royal Route
The Royal Route connects three former residences of Polish rulers, the Royal Castle, Royal Lazienki Palace and Wilanow Palace. Most of the city’s historic sites are to be found along this Royal Route which starts from the Royal Castle in the heart of the old town and leads to Wilanow Palace, a distance of 1.5 km. Along the way pause to admire the neo-classical Presidential Palace and the University of Warsaw main campus next door. Wander through the Baroque gates of the University and take a stroll through its campus. Continue along wide tree lined avenues heading towards Belvedere Palace, flanked on one side by embassies and on the other by Park Ujazdowskie. This park was laid out in 1896 and is a delight to stroll through with its lake, fountains and bridges.
Lazienki Park
Take a stroll along the leafy avenues of Lazienki Park and marvel at its stunning Baroque Palaces. This vast park surrounds the summer residence of the last Polish King, with ‘The Palace on the Lake’ built in the late 18th century as the summer residence of Stanislaw II Augustus. The park is home to a winter garden, a Chinese garden and an amphitheatre where you’ll find a large statue of Frederic Chopin, the distinguished Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. Each Sunday afternoon from May – September listen to a Chopin piano recital by the monument.
Explore the city’s museums
The city is home to some world class museums including the National Museum, Museum of Warsaw and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Further details can be found by following the links at the foot of this post.
Overall:
Whenever I step inside a five star hotel I expect to encounter a luxurious stay with discreet, attentive service from well trained, friendly staff and this is exactly what I experienced during my two night stay at the H15 Boutique Hotel. Nothing was too much trouble, the doorman was on hand to show us to our room and on returning to our room later in the day we noticed that the bedding had been turned down and chocolates left at the bedside and to me, it’s these small gestures that set hotel’s apart.
Details: H15 Boutique Hotel, Poznanska 15, Warsaw, Poland
We were guests of the H15 Boutique Hotel and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:
Love Travelling Blog 
Leave a comment