Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel - Warsaw, Poland 

We arrived in Warsaw after spending one week in Budapest. We chose Le Meridien because of its location and because we have stayed at the wonderful Le Meridien in Budapest many times. But the properties in Budapest and Warsaw are competely different. We knew there were some renovation work at the hotel fasade facing the back yards, so one week before arriving we asked to not be put anywhere near the renovation area. They said we had been given a nice room with a park view. When we arrived the doorman were so busy talking to another employee so we got no service when arriving with the taxi, but a bell boy came out quickly and took our luggage. The reception service were OK (though no happy faces anywhere) and we were sent to our room. The room was absolutely horror! We were put in the middle of the renovation work. The windows were completely covered in plastic. The room were in a horrible state. It was dark and claustofobic. The wallpaper was peeling everywhere. In the corners the wallpaper were completely black of dust. Some places the wallpaper were completely torn and missing. The chairs had holes in the fabric and were completely worn out. I have never seen a hotel room in such a bad condition ever! This was absolutely not what we expected at a 5-star property. And it was not "nice worn", it was all run down and should be completely gutted. I can't believe how they dare to have guests staying in these conditions when being a 5-star hotel! It's a disgrace! We immidiately called down to the reception and demanded another room. The alternative would be to move to another hotel. I said that we were promised a room away from the construction work and said the room were in a horrible condition. The receptionist said she would check for another room and called back after a few minutes. The bell boy came and took our luggage to the other room. The new room we were given were facing the park and had a wonderful view. The room were also in quite another condition. High ceiling, a small chandelier, nice furnishing and an acceptable room at a 5 star property. Far away from the best room I've seen, but quite acceptable. A bit on the small side, but furnishing were nice and this was quite acceptable. Cosy. We were just very dissapointed that the receptionist could consider giving us such a louse room in the beginning. They didn't seem to take us very seriously, but we are used to staying at 5 star hotels when we travel and don't accept bullshit! The best thing was that the room had a wonderful balcony! However we couldn't manage to open the doors. There were no handle! We called down to the reception and asked why the doors could not be opened. They said we had to sign an agreement form saying that we were in charge if something happened on the balcony. We went down to the reception to sign the form (why didn't they come to the room with the form?) Then they sent a guy to the room and he put in a handle. He were working with his screwdriver and everything. Very strange situation... The rest of the hotel is quite sterile. Very 1990s with cold grey marble or plain white walls. Boring really. The reception area is quite small and really not very luxurious. We called almost every day to lend an iron and an iron board, and the maid service were very quick. The maids were also the only ones smiling and looking happy. 5 stars to the maids. The service in the "column bar" were very good. Wonderful drinks! The best place in the hotel. Wonderful room. The chairs and tables are very uncomfortable though. We didn't eat at the hotel so no comments about that. The location is absolutely perfect! In the middle of the old city and in a quiet street. This must be one of the best locations in Warsaw. The building is also very grand and beautiful - from the outside that is. We had an incident where a VISA card got lost during shopping, and we went to the reception to ask for the number to VISA International to block the card from being used. This was very difficult. We were given the number to a Polish Bank where they didn't speak English, and we had to make the call ourselves. It was a hopeless situation, and the receptionist didn't offer any help even though they had nothing to do. When checking out the receptionist were really grumpy. Never asked if we had a nice stay or anything. Just gave us the bill. Not one friendly word. Just a grumpy face. Would we stay here again or reccomend this hotel to anybody? Never. You will never know what to get at this hotel. You may end up in a complete dump. At your own risk. Next time we will definately choose another hotel.

We looked forward to this hotel after reading tripadvisor reviews,and we were not disappointed. The best thing about the hotel was the location; we were aghast when we saw how far some of the top hotels were from the Old Town., and were very relieved to be at the Bristol, , We are budget travelers normally, but got a special deal, which was well worth it. The only problem was we could not afford to eat or drink at the hotel; way above our means; but hundreds of bars and restaurants very close by. The staff were extra freindly, the concierge most helpful, and our room though very small, had a wonderful view!! The sheets were changed daily; and whatever we asked for was bought up immediately, aprt from the coffee tray; we were given a kettle, and ground coffee; impossible!! But we would definately go again.