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In Warsaw’s revamped Powiśle neighbourhood, something exciting is happening. Once overlooked, this part of town has undergone a real glow-up, boasting new restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. It’s fast becoming a multifunctional hub for commercial, residential, and recreational use. Located between the River Vistula and the city centre, and just a short walk from the Old Town, Powiśle has transformed into Warsaw’s cool, reinvented kid on the block.

With independent galleries standing shoulder to shoulder with vintage stores, and lively local restaurants, new hotels have launched in the area: enter the Barceló Warsaw Powiśle. Having opened in June 2023, the hotel has set up shop in the Elektrownia Powiśle, the old power station that used to loom large in the area (it once powered the city for close to 100 years). Now, it’s a slick, modern hotel that’s got its roots proudly on display. The design tells a story of pipes, control units, and an industrial vibe that’s just the right mix of retro and contemporary.

Barceló Warsaw Powiśle: The Lowdown

As you step inside, the industrial charm of the past is evident in the design – think large pipes and remnants of control units seamlessly mingling with contemporary aesthetics. Exposed brick walls and wooden features sit alongside sleek furnishings – it’s a quiet nod to Warsaw’s journey from the past into the present. Conveniently located in the Powiśle district, the hotel provides easy access to both the historic Old Town and some of the city’s best museums and art galleries (don’t miss the Museum of Modern Art).

Barceló Warsaw Powiśle: The Rooms

The industrial theme found throughout the hotel carries into the 151 rooms and suites, with thoughtful touches like exposed brick walls and a contemporary, yellow-hued colour palette. Thoughtfully designed, the rooms come equipped with all the mod cons: a fancy coffee machine, a 50″ flat-screen TV and enough toiletries to swipe a few and stick in your hand luggage.

Clean lines, modern furnishings, a generous queen-sized bed, slippers and a rain-effect shower contribute to a sense of modern comfort, making each room a welcoming haven after a day of exploring Warsaw. Whether you’re here for business or leisure (or a bit of both), the rooms offer a balance of functionality and style, providing a relaxing space to unwind and recharge.

Alongside the rooms, the hotel is home to a fully equipped fitness centre, a large function area with various rooms for hosting all kinds of meetings and events, and a seasonal swimming pool located on the roof of the hotel. If you didn’t want to leave the hotel for the afternoon, we wouldn’t blame you, you have everything just a lift ride away.

Barceló Warsaw Powiśle: Eat and Drink

A hotel shouldn’t be judged on its buffet breakfast alone, but a lot can be said for a good ol’ spread. Luckily, the Barceló Warsaw Powiśle has all the bases covered when it comes to breakfast: mountains of freshly baked pastries, Polish delicacies such as cold cuts and cheese, cereals, fresh fruit and a solid selection of juices.

To say the hotel’s restaurant is a convenient option would be selling this place short. The all-day restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner, and champions Polish flavours with European influences. Think pierogi reimagined with innovative fillings to dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients – from beef tenderloin with sweet potatoes to shrimp with coconut and lemongrass.

Take the lift two floors up to the rooftop and discover the Sky Bar – a commanding escape, offering sweeping vistas of Warsaw’s urban regeneration. The bar’s menu is a testament to Polish spirits, featuring a diverse array of vodkas, from household names to hidden gems crafted by independent distillers. This carefully curated selection not only adds a local touch but also invites guests to sip (note the word ‘sip’) the distinct flavours of Poland. With its elevated views and a nod to regional libations, the sky bar and rooftop pool at Barceló Warsaw Powiśle present a slice of modern luxury.

Barceló Warsaw Powiśle: The Verdict

The hotel has a real knack for uniting the historical architecture, from over 100 years ago, with modernity, creating a remarkable character of this place. A short walk from the historic Old Town, the hotel serves as a gateway to both Warsaw’s rich history and its evolving present.

Whether it’s the thoughtfully designed interiors, the Powiśle neighbourhood, or the panoramic escapade from the sky bar, this hotel encapsulates the spirit of modern Warsaw, making it a solid choice for those who seek more than just accommodation.

For more information on Barceló Warsaw Powiśle, see here. 

Prices start from £67 per night.