Travel Russia Today

One of my favorite cities in Poland is Wroclaw. It’s got all the charm of Krakow, but without the typical tourist hoards. It really feels like a true local experience. 2010 is a big year for those interested in Wroclaw’s Jewish Heritage, as it will see the reopening of the synagogue, which has been completely restored. I was able to do a quick walk-through on my visit last month and it’s truly going to be spectacular. This was once one of the largest synagogues in the German Empire (remember that Wroclaw was once the German city of Breslau) and was a center of liberal Judaism.

We have always had a bit of a challenge with hotels here, but the opening of two new properties in the past year has made this city very comfortable for our visitors.

Located in one of the most beautiful art nouveau buildings in the city, the Monopol opened this past April and is truly the cream of the crop in Wroclaw. This hotel is from the same family that owns the Copernicus and Stary in Krakow, two of our favorite hotels, and you can see their signature touches in this hotel as well. The historic façade belies the interior of dark marble, stark furnishings and contemporary touches.

Most room sizes are generous and have wood floors. My Classic Suite had gorgeous exposed brick elements and a lovely arch leading from the sleeping area to the living area. My only complaint would be the lack of furniture. The “living room” of the suite consisted of one chair, albeit comfortable, and a footstool. I was impressed by the compact, but luxurious bathroom. A separate bathtub and rainfall shower was quite nice and mine had a window, which allowed natural light into the relatively dark space.

The spa here is beautiful and I had a delicious dinner at the high-end seafood restaurant on the top floor with its panoramic views of Wroclaw. There is a fine dining restaurant with traditional Polish food on the ground floor as well as a chic bar.

For guests who appreciate a contemporary hotel, this is a great pick.

The Granary – La Suite Hotel has an unfortunate mouthful of a name, but I liked the simple elegance of the property. It just opened on November 9th and is on a small side street, approximately 10 minutes on foot from the Old Town Square. This hotel is perfect for those with mobility issues, as it is completely wheelchair accessible. As the name indicates, it is in a former medieval granary and they have used elements of the original building in the décor.

Rooms here are all-suite, making them some of the largest in the city. With only 47 rooms, it retains a boutique-hotel feel. Furnishings tend toward contemporary, but are more comfortable and welcoming than found in many similar hotels. The suites are spacious and some are located under a wall of glass, making them filled with light.

A small restaurant and fitness center round out the offerings here. It’s the perfect hotel for families or for those who need a bit of extra space. Those who are driving themselves might find the entrance (and parking lot) a bit difficult to navigate – even my driver had difficulties with the narrow space.

These two hotels are a welcome addition to this beautiful city.