Barceló Warsaw Powiśle review: A former power station transformed into a modern gem
Steeped in history but distinctly modern, this hotel will definitely pique the interest of guests
Highlights
- Sky bar
- Rooftop pool
- Super friendly staff
- Exceptional location
- Modern rooms
- Exciting menu
Barceló Warsaw Powiśle review
Barceló Warsaw Powiśle is the perfect spot for an Eastern European city break. Steeped in history but distinctly modern, this hotel will definitely pique the interest of guests. Barceló Warsaw Powiśle is a 4-star haven located in the heart of the city.
Opening just months ago in June 2023, this Barceló gem is brand new. The contemporary building is the epitome of trendy without compromising on sophistication and elegance. For this reason, it’s ideal for both business and pleasure.
It retains much of its steel structure and power station features which make for quirky decor. Meanwhile, its exposed brick design makes an incredible stylistic contrast.
The hotel is the product of years of innovation and exploration, having been built on the grounds of the former Elektrownia Powiśle power station. The power plant was first constructed in 1904 and officially stopped producing power in 2001. Barceló Warsaw Powiśle is one of many structures built on the grounds breathing new life into the city.
With a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes, food halls and bars just a stone’s throw away from the hotel also built on the former station, guests at Barceló Warsaw Powiśle have many forms of fun at their fingertips.
Your delightful stay begins at check-in when friendly staff will greet you with huge smiles and answer any questions you might have about the hotel and city.
The Rooms
Rating: 4/5
Barceló Warsaw Powiśle boasts 151 rooms with guests asked to choose between a Superior, Deluxe River View and Junior Suite. These options mean that whether you're on a romantic city break, family trip, getaway with friends or business break.
For our stay, we check-in in for two luxurious nights in one of the Deluxe rooms. Sink into a sumptuous bed fit for royalty and have the snooze of a lifetime, allowing yourself to doze off in front of a huge flat-screen TV.
Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and curl up in the canary yellow armchair with a good book. Or simply sit and watch the world go by through the wall-to-ceiling windows which offer a spectacular view of the Vistula river.
Sink into a sumptuous bed fit for royalty and have the snooze of a lifetime
If you happen to be on business, sit down in style at the mahogany desk and get to work.
The hotel claims their bedrooms have been “carefully designed” and they certainly have. Like the rest of the hotel, these spaces infuse the suaveness of steel structures with the homeliness of wooden ones.
The yellow feature wall and armchair inject a pop of colour into an otherwise neutral setting, with its oatmilk walls, crisp white sheets and silver-grey curtains.
Dining And Drinking
How does Barceló Warsaw Powiśle compare to other European hotels?
Rating: 4/5
Etiuda Restaurant offers guests at Barceló Warsaw Powiśle’s an all-day dining experience. Look forward to a delicious continental breakfast with something for everyone - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests need not worry.
Roll out of bed and head down to the restaurant to graze on a selection of fruits, cereals, pastries, breads and cured meats before a day of exploring Poland’s capital. Lunch is diverse, offering pizzas, burgers, salads and snacks a-plenty.
Dinner at Etiuda is second to none. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, indulge in a grilled eggplant starter, topped with ajvar, pickled pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Then, enjoy quinoa with green peas, baby carrots and mango. For adventurous eaters, the tomato and orange soup is a must-try. The talented chefs at Etudia do a wonderful job of combining these two surprising ingredients to create a warming yet zesty dish.
Meat and fish eaters will love the shrimp with coconut and lemongrass. The hearty beef with sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables is a particular menu highlight. If you’re still hungry for dessert, you won’t be disappointed by the melt-in-your mouth gooey fondant which oozes warm chocolatey goodness.
There are plenty of places to enjoy a drink at this stylish Warsaw haven. As you walk into the hotel you will find yourself at a small bar almost immediately - begin your stay with a tasty tipple.
A second bar can be found on the rooftop of the hotel. It offers both cosy indoor seating where you can sit back and relax, and an outdoor sky bar area to bask in the fantastic view. Guests can also take a dip in the petite but pristine outdoor pool.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Rooftop bar
- Meeting and event spaces
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free WiFi
Location
Rating: 4.5/5
Built on the former Elektrownia Powiśle power station, Barceló Warsaw Powiśle finds itself in the centre of a bustling cultural hub. It is part of a reimagined Warsaw but due to its history offers a “characterful, industrial atmosphere found nowhere else”.
It is a short distance from some of the city’s best museums, galleries, retail outlets and eateries. The Mermaid of Warsaw – the famous symbol of the city - is a mere 0.2km stroll away and makes for a perfect photo opportunity to commemorate your trip. Science buffs can visit the Copernicus Science Centre just 0.3km away for a totally interactive experience, perfect for children and adults alike.
Guests looking to explore the city by metro are in luck as the Centrum Nauki Korpernik station is just 50 metres away.
The Old Town - just a 20 minute walk away - is a must-see. At the market square, take your pick from a wide range of eateries. Get cosy inside, or plonk yourself down in some outside seating complete with outdoor heating. Enjoy a Baileys hot chocolate as you sip in the tall, colourful buildings and hustle and bustle.
According to European Best Destinations, Warsaw’s charming Christmas market will take place between November 25, 2023 and January 4, 2024 in the Old Town. Think traditional Christmas carols, gingerbread cookies, festive shopping, mulled wine and a 30-metre high Christmas tree on Castle Square. Have a seasonal skate in the Old Town Square’s very own ice rink.
While the hotel does not have its own airport transfer service, reception staff will happily call you a taxi. The airport is 12.4 km away from Barceló.
Value For Money
Rating: 5/5
Room rates start from £81 a night for a Superior, £98 for a Deluxe Review. Expect to pay around £30 more for breakfast.
Find rooms and book direct on the Barceló Warsaw Powiśle website. Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at Barceló with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Final Verdict
Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 43A
00-347 Warszawa
Poland
Telephone: +48 22 102 70 50
Website: https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/barcelo-warsaw-powisle/
Barceló Warsaw Powiśle is a stylish hotel in the heart of the city just minutes away from some of the best shops, eateries and landmarks the capital has to offer.
Given its central location, chic decor, quality cuisine and very reasonable pricing, it is the ideal choice for a city break whether you are going solo or with friends, family or a partner. If you’re working from home in Warsaw, your room, plus the lobby on the ground floor, provide ample desk and chair space.
Built on the foundations of the Elektrownia Powiśle power station - with this essence preserved through its architecture and interiors - the place is steeped in history.However, its modern touches make for a cool stylistic contrast you can enjoy all around the hotel.
Guests will feel at home as soon as they step through the doors of Barceló Warsaw Powiśle, with hotel staff on hand at all times to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. It’s the perfect place to call home while you explore bustling and beautiful Warsaw, although in a hotel like Barceló, staying in is just as fun.
