My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new hotel review on the Mr.M blog. When you travel, you remember many hotels by the room and quality of service, and then there are also those that you remember by the feeling of being at home. Sheraton Grand Warsaw definitely belongs to the second group. I stayed in an Executive Suite, had breakfast overlooking the rooftops of Warsaw and dined in two completely different restaurants under the same roof.
After a few days, I realized why this address has been mentioned in the same breath with the most important guests of the Polish capital for almost three decades. In this text, I guide you through the hotel, through its history and through everything that I tried, saw and learned during my stay. With that, a short guide through Warsaw comes at the end, because it would be a shame to come this far and not leave the lobby of this exceptional hotel.
WHY SHERATON GRAND WARSAW IS ONE OF WARSAW’S BEST FIVE-STAR HOTELS?
Sheraton Grand Warsaw is located on the corner of Three Crosses Square and Bolesław Prusa Street, in the heart of the city. That location is honestly half the story. The famous Novi Svet street can be reached in a few minutes of easy walking. Royal Park Lazienki is a ten-minute walk away, and the Palace of Culture and Science can be seen from the windows of the higher floors.
Around the hotel there are embassies, business buildings and the most beautiful cafes in this part of Warsaw. That’s why two worlds have been mixing here for years: business guests during the week and tourists who come for sightseeing on the weekend. What meant the most to me was that I didn’t have to count on transportation. In the morning, I would go out to Three Crosses Square, and after fifteen minutes of walking I would find myself on the Royal Road.
The hotel has 350 rooms and suites, so despite its size it has maintained a peaceful atmosphere. I didn’t feel crowded anywhere, even in the morning hours. It is this combination of address and peace that makes the difference between a good and an excellent city hotel.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: THE HISTORY BEHIND WARSAW’S FIVE-STAR LANDMARK
The story of this place begins long before the hotel was built. Between the two wars, the building of the Italian insurance company Riunione Adriatica di Sicurtà stood on this corner. It housed the large “Napoleon” cinema, which was renamed “Apollo” during the German occupation. The building disappeared in the war, as did most of Warsaw.
Today’s building was built between 1994 and 1996, according to the project of architects Tadeusz Spihala and Piotr Sarosik. The first guests entered the hotel on May 7, 1996, while the grand opening was held on September 22 of the same year. It was an event of national importance, because Poland was just opening up to foreign investors.
This was the first hotel of the Sheraton chain in Poland. Today there are four of them, along with Kraków, Poznań and Sopot. The chain itself was founded back in 1937 in the American city of Springfield, in the state of Massachusetts, which is also stated on the hotel’s notepad. When you hold that white card in your hand, the whole story seems more tangible.
WHO HAS STAYED AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW? A ROLL CALL OF ROYALS, PRESIDENTS AND CELEBRITIES
Few hotels in this part of Europe can boast such a list of guests. Lech Walesa and the Dalai Lama passed through the Sheraton Grand Warsaw. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf stayed here, as well as former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
In addition to statesmen, people from the world of film also came. The list includes Catherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren and Morgan Freeman. It is also interesting that the employees who opened it in 1996 are still working in the hotel. Such continuity is felt in the little things, from the way they greet you to the speed with which they solve every request.
I found that history interesting for one reason. The hotel was born at a time when Warsaw was looking for a new identity. Instead of being just another modern box, it has become a meeting place. Today, when the city is again on the world’s lists of desirable destinations, that role seems almost natural.
INSIDE THE RENOVATED SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: A NEW LOOK FOR A WARSAW ICON
During 2017, all rooms underwent a thorough renovation under the guidance of London-based interior architect Alex Kravets. His idea was clear: a hotel room should resemble a well-appointed apartment, not an office with a bed. That’s why you see soft multi-level lighting, rich fabrics and custom-made furniture in the rooms.
A detail that travelers rarely mention, and which means a lot to me, is the opening window. After a long day in the city, fresh air is a real luxury. In addition, each room has air conditioning, a mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel received its new name, Sheraton Grand Warsaw, at the grand reopening on December 4, 2019. It was previously called Sheraton Warsaw Hotel & Towers. That change was not only cosmetic, because the “Grand” designation in this chain only goes to the highest-ranking properties.
The entrance hall immediately shows what kind of house it is. The circular space with a wooden wall, blue semi-circular sofas and artistic panels seems calm and expensive, but without ostentatiousness. Behind it opens a series of illuminated passages leading to restaurants.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: ARRIVAL, LOBBY AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The main entrance of Sheraton Grand Warsaw is located on Bolesława Prusa Street, behind a quiet cobblestone driveway. Above the door stands a glass canopy on steel supports, and on the sides two tall white columns are crowned by gilded balls. That detail has become a small trademark of the hotel and you can easily recognize it in the photos.
Check-in was quick and without unnecessary questions. The key and a brief explanation of the sixth floor lounge arrived within minutes. The luggage went to the room before I got to the elevator, which is always a good sign.
I especially liked the feeling of a peaceful entry. There is no drumming music, no crowded counter, no line stretching across the lobby. Instead, you are greeted by a large flower arrangement and a circle of blue sofas around which the space opens up in all directions.
If you arrive early, you can leave your luggage and sit in the lobby. The staff will notify you as soon as the room is ready. I used that hour to take my first photos, because the morning light in the lobby is extremely beautiful.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW EXECUTIVE SUITE: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE?
The Executive Suite is divided into two clearly separated parts. The bedroom has a large bed with an upholstered headboard with a geometric pattern, which covers the entire wall. Amber glass lamps stand on both sides, and mirrors visually expand the space.
The living area is what sets this suite apart. There is a comfortable sofa, a round table for four people, a desk and a TV. In the morning I worked at that table with coffee, and in the evening I would move to the armchair by the window. When you work on the road, that separated space changes the whole rhythm of the day.
The view was the real reward. Through the window you can see the roofs of older buildings, the green dome and, in the background, business towers with the Palace of Culture and Science. That picture summarizes the whole of Warsaw, its past and its present, in one frame.
A carpet with large geometric patterns, gold details and calm beige shades give the space warmth. Nothing is overdone, nothing is cold. After a few days I really had the feeling that I was returning to an apartment and not a hotel room.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW CLUB LOUNGE: WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SIXTH FLOOR
The guest lounge, known as the Sheraton Club Lounge, is located on the sixth floor. Access is available to guests of club floors and suites, as well as members of the Marriott Bonvoy program with the highest statuses. That room was the biggest surprise of the entire stay for me.
Breakfast is served here in the morning, coffee, tea, juices and snacks during the day, and a cold dinner arrives in the early evening. I found it between five and six in the afternoon. The offer was more serious than I expected: cold appetizers, salads, hummus and other spreads, a board with cheeses and olives, freshly baked bread and small canapés.
What makes this space useful is the silence. While the guests are changing in the lobby, you can read the newspaper upstairs or make a call without noise. The staff remembers what you drink on the second day and that’s a detail you can’t learn from a manual.
Tip: the lounge is an extremely frequented area in the hotel, so it is easily filled during the evening service. If you prefer a quieter table, come ten minutes earlier. For travelers who often work evenings, this floor alone justifies the price difference.
DINING AT CUCINA MIA: AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE IN THE HEART OF WARSAW
Cucina Mia is the hotel’s Italian restaurant and is open all day. The interior is warm and very photogenic: green tiles, cognac-colored leather benches, brass details and a large wall mural. In one corner stands a shelf with Italian groceries, oils, truffles and wines, above which is written “La dolce vita”.
The cuisine relies on ingredients from Italy. On the menu I found lemons from Amalfi, Umbriaco cheese soaked in red wine, San Daniele prosciutto and black truffle from Piedmont. The fish arrives from Sicilian fishing boats, which you can feel on your plate.
I started with beef tartare with truffle and twenty-four month old Parmesan cheese, with thin fries sticks. Next came the “frittura classica”, crispy fried small calamari and shrimp with strips of zucchini and carrot. For the main course, I had sea bass in the Mediterranean style, with cherry tomatoes, capers, olives and herbs.
The fish is prepared whole and served for two, with arugula and French fries. The meat was juicy, and the sauce was simple and accurate, without unnecessary additions. To finish, I had ice cream in a waffle basket, with mango, pistachio and vanilla.
CUCINA MIA AT NIGHT: THE EVENING ATMOSPHERE AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW
In the evening, the restaurant changes its face. The light goes down, the globes of lamps glow, and the sound of conversation merges with the music. I sat at a table by the window and enjoyed the view of the city.
I drank two non-alcoholic cocktails that look like small works of art. The first was dark, with lemon, strawberry and a sprig of rosemary. The second was bright and refreshing, with blueberries, mint and lemon. Both arrived in large stemmed glasses with metal straws.
The prices, at the time of my visit, were in the range of fine dining Warsaw restaurants. Appetizers started around seventy zlotys, pasta around seventy-five, and a large fish for two went up to two hundred and ninety. For the quality of the food, it seemed fair to me.
What I would particularly like to praise is the work of the staff. The waiter knew how to explain the origin of each ingredient and suggested a combination that I had overlooked myself. That kind of attention turns dinner into an event, not just a meal.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW SUNDAY BRUNCH: A TASTE OF POLAND, ITALY AND ASIA
If you happen to be in Warsaw on the last Sunday of the month, you have a special reason to be happy. Then the Cucina Mia and InAzia restaurants host a big Sunday lunch. It is served from a buffet, so you can try a lot in one meal.
The offer combines three worlds: Mediterranean, Asian and Polish. Seafood, baked goods and colorful delicacies are on the tables. For travelers who only stay for the weekend, it’s the easiest way to understand in an hour and a half what this kitchen really does.
The recommendation is simple: book in advance and come hungry. Appointments fill up quickly, especially when the weather is nice. If you are traveling in a group, this kind of lunch can easily replace breakfast and dinner.
I also liked the idea behind it. The hotel does not keep its restaurants only for guests from the rooms, but opens them to the city. The people of Warsaw come here for celebrations and that speaks best of the quality of the cuisine.
INAZIA AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: WHAT MAKES THIS RESTAURANT SO SPECIAL?
InAzia is the hotel’s Asian restaurant and one of the most famous in Warsaw. Its roots go back to The Oriental restaurant, which operated in the same location. After the renovation in 2013, it got its current name, and the new outfit arrived in 2019.
Behind the kitchen is the chef Marcin Sasin, who also manages the entire hotel gastronomy. The menu is based on dishes from Thailand, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. There is a special emphasis on seafood and meat from the robata grill.
The interior is dark, warm and very thoughtful. Wood paneling, turquoise walls, brick-colored leather benches and round mirrors create an atmosphere reminiscent of a good Asian hotel rather than a themed restaurant. Through the glass opening, guests can watch the chefs at work.
For those who want a complete experience, the restaurant also offers omakase, a dinner in which the chef himself puts together a series of dishes according to the season. This time I made the choice myself, but for the next visit I have already decided to let myself in the kitchen.
INAZIA AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: WHAT I ATE FOR DINNER
I started with grilled octopus, served with fresh coriander, seaweed, pickled garnish and orchid. The meat was tender on the inside and nicely cooked on the outside, with two types of sauce dotted around the plate. It was one of the best bites of the entire trip.
Next came the dim sum kneli of shrimp, in a bamboo basket, with crispy garlic, chives and balls of sauce. They came with a small plate of spring rolls and battered shrimp. Everything was light, without excess oil.
For the main course, I took the sea bass fillet with crispy skin, in a dark soy sauce, with sesame, spring onion, chili and green beans. Along with it, I ordered thinly sliced grilled beef, sprinkled with coarse salt and fried garlic, with herb sauce. White rice with black sesame was the perfect accompaniment.
Dessert arrived like a small picture: sorbets, red currants, chocolate decorations, crushed pistachios and rose petals. After such a series of dishes, a light and sour note was the right choice. Be sure to ask for a reservation in advance, because the tables fill up early.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW BREAKFAST: WHAT TO EXPECT
Breakfast is served at the Mezzano restaurant and is also available at Cucina Mia. The offer is a classic rich buffet, but with a few details that set it apart. I loved the bakery section the most, with long loaves, rolls and croissants that arrive warm.
In addition, there are cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, yogurts and homemade jams. In a separate section, there are olive oils, vinegar and herbal additives, so you can put together a plate to your taste. Those with a sweet tooth will also find small cakes and cookies.
The space is bright and pleasant, with marble counters, brass lamps and a floor in a warm pattern. I always took the table next to the glass wall, because the morning light falls perfectly here. The staff brings the coffee to the table, which makes the little things more enjoyable.
If you have access to the sixth floor lounge, you are spoiled for choice. It was more peaceful for me up there, while in Mezzano the choice was wider. For families with children, the restaurant is certainly a more practical choice.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: WHERE TO HAVE A DRINK AFTER A DAY IN WARSAW
The lobby bar of Sheraton Grand Warsaw leads to the restaurants and is open all day. A long bar with a marble counter, blue bar stools and wooden beams on the ceiling looks like a place where there is no rush. There is an impressive selection of bottles behind the bar, and the staff are happy to suggest something out of the ordinary.
The space is divided into several smaller units. There are low tables and armchairs by the windows, and between them greenery that breaks up the formality. In the afternoon it is quiet here, while in the evening the area comes alive.
For me, that bar became a place for a short break between a walk and dinner. I would grab a coffee, look through the photos and plan the day ahead. When you’re in a city you’re exploring on foot, a break like that is worth its weight in gold.
For coffee dates, this is a better choice than the room. The tables are spaced far enough apart, and the crowd was never so crowded that you couldn’t hear each other. In addition, you only have a few steps to the reception and the cloakroom.
SHERATON GRAND WARSAW: THE SERVICES AND AMENITIES THAT ELEVATE YOUR STAY
The Sheraton Grand Warsaw hotel has a renovated fitness centre with Technogym brand equipment. Along with the gym, there are also saunas and steam baths, which is a real reward after a whole day of walking around the city. Guests can schedule a massage, and some treatments are also available in the room.
For business guests, eleven meeting rooms and a large ballroom are available. That’s why conferences and ceremonies have been held here for years. The hotel also has its own catering service that works throughout Poland.
It is also worth mentioning the attitude towards the environment. The hotel holds the Green Key award and implements a program to reduce food waste, along with energy saving measures. That is no small detail today, especially in a facility of this size.
For convenience, there is underground parking, 24-hour room service, dry cleaning and ironing. Guests of the Presidential Suite also receive limousine transportation to the airport, personal check-in on the club floor and a massage. Everything else, from taxi to table reservation, is handled by the reception in a few minutes.
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN WARSAW: WHAT NOT TO MISS DURING YOUR STAY
I wrote my list on the hotel pad on the first night. On it were the Old Town, the Royal Castle, the Royal Road, the Vilanov Palace and the Lazyenki Park. It turned out to be an almost perfect sequence for three days.
The Old Town has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980, and for a special reason. After the war, it was almost completely restored according to the old pictures and plans. A walk from the Barbican to the Old Town Square therefore feels like a history lesson.
The Royal Castle and the Castle Square with King Sigismund’s Column are the next logical step. From there starts the Royal Road, Krakovsko Predgrađe Street, which leads straight to the hotel. On the way, you will pass by the University, the Copernicus monument and the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin’s heart rests.
Lazienki Park is the most beautiful part of the city for a break. The palace on the water, peacocks and summer concerts near the Chopin monument attract both Warsaw residents and guests. The Vilanow Palace, in the south of the city, completes the story of royal Poland.
WARSAW AND BEYOND: MORE PLACES WORTH DISCOVERING
The Palace of Culture and Science is still the most recognizable landmark of Warsaw. The observation deck on the thirtieth floor gives the best view of the city, especially before sunset. Below it lies Parade Square, which in recent years has been transformed into a pedestrian zone with greenery.
To understand the twentieth century, two museums are indispensable. The Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Warsaw Uprising Museum explain the city better than any guidebook. If you are traveling with children or grandchildren, the Copernicus Science Center is an excellent choice.
The new star of the city is the Museum of Modern Art, opened in 2024 according to the project of architect Thomas Pfeiffer. He is one of the reasons why Warsaw took second place on the list of “52 places to visit in 2026” by the American newspaper New York Times. A city that for decades has been described as practical is now being described as attractive.
There are two excursions in the area. Železova Volja, Frederic Chopin’s birthplace, is about fifty kilometers away. Campinos National Park, on the northwest border of the city, offers forests and hiking trails just half an hour’s drive away.
WARSAW AFTER DARK: WHERE TO GO FOR AN EVENING WALK
Novi Svet Street is most beautiful in the evening, when the lights are turned on and the cafes come out onto the sidewalk. It can be reached from the hotel in a few minutes. From there you can continue towards the Royal Road or turn towards the river.
The banks of the Vistula have been completely changed in recent years. Wooden paths, small bars and the view of the Old Town from the other side attract both young and old. A walk by the water is ideal after a hearty dinner.
If you want a different view of the city, cross the bridge and head to the Praga district. That part of Warsaw survived the war, so the old facades were preserved. Today, galleries, workshops and cafes with character are hidden in those courtyards.
At the end of the evening, I recommend returning via Three Crosses Square. St. Alexander’s Church under the lights looks completely different than during the day. From there, it is only a few steps to the hotel.
WHO SHOULD STAY AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW?
Sheraton Grand Warsaw will suit travelers who appreciate peace, space and good service. If you are traveling on business, you get a hall, desk and lounge on the sixth floor. If you come for sightseeing, you get an address from which you can do everything on foot.
I would recommend the Executive Suite to couples, and for one reason. A separate living area means one can work or read while the other rests. After forty, that luxury of time is worth more than any marble.
For food lovers, the hotel offers something unusual. Two serious restaurants under the same roof rarely go together, and here you can go to Italy one night and Asia the next. Plus, you don’t even have to go outside in the rain.
The hotel can be reached in about twenty minutes by car from Chopin Airport. Trains and buses also go to the center, and the station is close to the hotel. If you travel by car, count on underground parking and a quiet street behind the main entrance.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT WARSAW?
Late spring and early summer seems like the best choice for me. The parks are full then, the days are long, and the temperatures are pleasant for an all-day walk. In addition, open-air concerts are held in Lazjenke on Sundays.
September is just as good, sometimes better. The crowds are smaller, accommodation prices are more affordable, and the colors in the parks are starting to change. For photography, it is the most rewarding time of the year.
Winter has its charm, but it requires preparation. The city can be harsh and windy then, so it’s easier to make plans around museums and restaurants. The advantage is that the hotel is quieter during that period, and the rooms are more affordable.
Regardless of the season, three nights is a reasonable minimum. You will spend the first day on the Old Town and the Royal Road. Leave the second day for museums, and the third for parks and a calmer rhythm.
WHY STAY AT SHERATON GRAND WARSAW?
Warsaw surprised me, and the hotel added a lot to that impression. I was expecting a proper city hotel, and I got a place with character and memory. Thirty years of experience shows in the way the staff anticipates your needs.
I will remember three things the most. Morning in the suite with a view of the Palace of Culture, octopus in the InAzia restaurant and a quiet glass in the lounge on the sixth floor. All three are small, but they make the difference.
If you are planning a trip to the Polish capital, leave yourself at least three nights. Warsaw doesn’t open right away, but once it does, it’s hard to leave. I’ve already caught myself looking at the dates for the next visit.
The Sheraton Grand Warsaw proved to be the perfect starting point for such a trip. A hotel that offers the comfort of urban life located in the heart of the city on a square that itself is witness to a renewal. If you are planning a trip to Warsaw, feel free to put this address at the Square of the Three Crosses at the top of your list.
Until then, let this text serve as a guide. The city is ready, the Sheraton Grand Warsaw is ready, and the rest is up to you. See you at the Square of the Three Crosses!
With Love from Warsaw,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Sheraton Grand Warsaw hotel, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.