Polonia Palace Hotel History

 

The Polonia Palace is one of the most traditional first class hotels in Poland. Established in 1913, it has always been the integral part of the Warsaw's 20th century history. Konstanty Przedziecki, a member of the old aristocratic family, was the founder of the hotel. His decision to open the Polonia Palace was influenced by economic as well as patriotic motives. The name "Polonia Palace" itself was supposed to have a national meaning.

Opened on 14 July 1913, it introduced for the first time a Parisian style to the city of Warsaw. The Polonia Palace building looked as if it was transferred from the center of Paris with its mansard roofs and rich interiors in the "Louis" style.

The Polonia Palace was the first hotel in Warsaw providing its guests with hot and cold running water in each room, a modern central heating system, laundry room and car parking facilities with heated parking spaces. After World War I a new era began. Right within the "Golden Twenties" in 1924 the exquisite restaurant, called "Palais-Dancing", was opened at the Polonia Palace. This opening was one of the major events among the Warsaw society, and it soon became one of the most popular and most fashionable restaurants where artists, writers, politicians, and diplomats met. The famous Polish actor and singer Jan Kiepura used to give concerts from the picturesque hotel restaurant's balcony during special dinner banquets. Among the other well-known Polish names of that time who used to be frequent guests at the Polonia Palace, were: Adolf Dymsza, Tadeusz Boy - Żeleński, Mieczysława Ćwikliska, Kornel Makuszyski, Maria Pawlikowska, Leon Schiller, Stefan Żeromski, Julian Tuwim.

The Polonia Palace was the only hotel which survived World War II undestroyed. Very soon it became again a venue for all major events. In the 1940-ies the Polonia Palace had gained popularity as never before. All ambassadors and diplomatic corps stayed here during their visits to Warsaw. General Eisenhower was hosted here during the special banquet in 1945 and was enthusiastically greeted in front of the hotel by the crowds of Varsovians.

  

Various diplomatic corps had their permanent residences and offices at the Polonia Hotel. Most of the rooms were occupied by embassies, war-time correspondents accredited by the Polish government, a number of international missions, representatives of the Polish community in the US etc. The US embassy personnel occupied the largest space.

In 1974 Syrena Warsaw Tourism Enterprise was established as the headquarter for Polonia and Metropol hotels. Facing difficulties during the communist times, the staff and management did everything to maintain the hotel's standards, according to its four star category.

We are honoured to welcome you to the Polonia Palace Hotel, where tradition lives on...