Holiday Inn Resort Warszawa Józefów**** By Ihg

“A Good Hotel but Take Care”

Introduction It is difficult to write a review for this hotel as its main function is as a conference centre, function venue or weekend getaway resort. If you are going to the hotel for a function or a weekend break you will be well satisfied with what you get. However, if you are staying there fo… more

Introduction It is difficult to write a review for this hotel as its main function is as a conference centre, function venue or weekend getaway resort. If you are going to the hotel for a function or a weekend break you will be well satisfied with what you get. However, if you are staying there for another reason there can be problems of which you should be aware. I am writing this review from the point of view of a guest who is not attending anything. Before You Book Firstly, I would not recommend being there on Saturday or Sunday when the hotel is busy with local people taking a break from the centre of Warsaw (see also restaurant). Secondly, check if there are any functions for your proposed booking period and what they are. There were several smallish ones during my 10 day stay which caused no problems but the day I left there were literally hundreds of people arriving by bus and car. I could barely get through the lobby to my taxi to the airport and would have had problems had I not paid for my stay after breakfast. You can then decide whether or not to risk staying. Facilities The facilities are good but you do need to be able to access them which may not always be the case if there are functions or large number of weekend guests. During the Week I was able to use the pool and jacuzzi – the only person so do – and the mini-golf and spa with no problems. As other times the pool as so crowded as not to be worth using. Restaurant The buffet breakfast was fine – although there is a nice little café opposite the hotel gates which do a nice light breakfast as well. Monday to Friday the restaurant serves an excellent a la carte menu with very tasty food and good portions. Unfortunately, at the weekend the restaurant serves only a pricey buffet with one or two items from the a la carte menu (e.g. hummus). There is a really good restaurant within walking distance of the hotel - Willa Brzegi – which makes a good alternative. Room The room was very comfortable – if slightly tired. Whilst not having any view, I would recommend taking a room at the back of the hotel away from the “dome” where functions are held. I am reliably informed by friends who live locally that these functions can be heard at a great distance so I can imagine they are most unpleasant just outside your room. The lights in the room are controlled by entering your card in a slot. Unlike many hotels, the lights go out immediately you remove the card with no “grace period” to put the card away and open the door. A related problem is that if you turn off the lights using the switched by your bed and do not return until after dark the next day – you will have to navigate your room in the dark to turn them on again – it cannot be done from the door. Staff The staff were all friendly and helpful if not always completely well trained. For example, entering the restaurant and standing by the desk I expect to be asked if I require a table and then to be shown to one – or told to sit where I like - with the menu and wine card coming quickly.

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“Cutting corners a bit too much”

Having stayed in this hotel twice before I was quite suprised at the general downturn in all the services. The reception staff lacked training and didn't really seem to know what they were doing, nothing in the room worked properly, tv volume was stuck, and the hairdryer stopped working after 5 sec… more

Having stayed in this hotel twice before I was quite suprised at the general downturn in all the services. The reception staff lacked training and didn't really seem to know what they were doing, nothing in the room worked properly, tv volume was stuck, and the hairdryer stopped working after 5 seconds. The room itself was comfy and spacious, so no complaints there. The quality of the breakfast was definitely lower than before, with cheaper quality goods. The restaurant prices have nearly doubled in 2 years and our fish dinner was smelly and off and had to be sent back. The pool was fine, but some of the pool clientele left a lot to be desired, including a (in)famous local ultra rightwing politician! Payment on checkout proved to be extremely difficult and money was taken from our account twice. All in all, it's not a bad place, but it's not great either and the lack of any investment in the facilities is starting to show badly.

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