From the world’s best igloo hotels to uniquely sustainable stays, the very best boutique hotels in Europe marry good design with stellar service. We recently had the pleasure of checking in at Nobu Hotel Warsaw and discovered a property that holds a mirror up to the history of the city beautifully.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Nobu Hotel Warsaw review

Smack-bang in the middle of the trendy Śródmieście neighbourhood, just beside the diplomatic district in Poland’s capital, Nobu Hotel Warsaw is a perfect metaphor for the city. Ravaged almost completely and 90 percent rebuilt after the end of World War Two, the city is a stark blend of old and new and the hotel mirrors this, straddling an Art Deco building on one side and encompassing a show stopping new build by Polish architecture and design firm Medusa Group on the other.

Circular staircase at Nobu Hotel Warsaw
The circular wooden staircase makes for a dazzling entry experience at Nobu Hotel Warsaw. Photo: PION Studio

Inside, the first thing that hits us is the delightful fragrance, a signature of the brand that features lemongrass and ginger notes and can be found across Nobu hotels worldwide. The next thing we notice is a gorgeous spiral staircase crafted from wood that makes an eye-catching feature in the small but perfectly formed lobby. It’s very clear from the outset that good design is at the centre of the property’s ethos.

Check-in is a delight with the friendly staff offering us warm towels to lift our temperatures from outside where it’s just started snowing. The charismatic and authentic service from the team is a constant here across bars, restaurants, and all touch points, something the management level should be extremely proud of.

The room

Nobu Hotel Warsaw guestroom interior
The guestrooms and suites blend industrial touches with warm highlights such as woods and coloured soft furnishings. Photo: PION Studio

We’re staying in an Executive Room located in the hotel’s modern wing and it’s absolutely lush. The slatted wooden feature walls (a concept continued into the hallways) cleverly disguise a wardrobe and kitchen area. All amenities are of the highest quality, including Natura Bisse products in the bathroom, a Harman/Kardon bluetooth speaker, and a huge LG NanoCell TV that makes watching any show a cinematic experience.

The bed is heavenly and makes for a wonderful night’s sleep coupled with blackout curtains, which I’m told are especially useful in summer when the days are exceptionally long. The vibe here feels warm industrial with concrete walls softened by pendant drop lights, gold accents, and muted green soft furnishings.

I must give mention to the Japanese sandal-like slippers in the room that add a little quirk. The robes are, thankfully, also top-notch.

Eat and drink

Room service is from onsite restaurant Nobu, so if you’re hoping for standard fare like a Margarita pizza or fries, you may be disappointed. Instead, you’ll have access to the restaurant’s signature hot and cold dishes.

Of course, no stay here would be complete without a trip to the restaurant itself. We tried the Omakase experience, and it was an absolute knockout. From the amuse bouche to the delicate sushi platter to the famed miso black cod and a green tea ice cream and chocolate lava cake dessert, every dish wowed. The DJ spinning tunes made for a fun Friday night of people watching as trendy locals dropped in and out for drinks and dinner.

Sakebar at Nobu Hotel Warsaw
Newly-opened Sakebar is a first for the brand internationally. Photo: PION Studio

The very first from the brand, Nobu Hotel Warsaw recently opened Sakebar. Designed by Warsaw-based Jeske & Adamczyk, the concept is clean yet whimsical. Featured behind the bar, a range of sake sits on a wall with dancing lights giving a liquid effect. The result is both intimate and inviting.

Breakfast is served in Nobu itself and offers an array of east meets west delights including Matsuhisa Benedict featuring Dorset Crab and Shiso Bernaise. A buffet of the finest fruits, cheeses, breads, and cold cuts mirror the hotel’s overall vibe of quality over quantity.

Extra bits

Gym bunnies will be impressed by the amount of equipment available at the 24/7 fitness centre. Top quality TechnoGym equipment with full video screens offer personal training sessions with international instructors. Medicine balls, BOSU balls and a huge range of free weights round out the selection. Yoga fans will be pleased with the mat-in-every-room concept and the yoga training session available through the TV. After a workout, head to the sauna and steam room or book in for a therapy at the spa suite.

For a collaboration between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, and Meir Teper, what more could you expect from the hospitality brand built on the foundation of a world class restaurant experience? We had an exceptional stay and can’t wait to try our next Nobu Hotel experience.

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