"Why book? The first restaurant-led hotel in Warsaw brims with a new energy not seen before on its streets. Nobu Warsaw sets its focus firmly on the future as opposed to paying homage to the capital’s past; it is invigoratingly different. Set the scene You’re right in the heart of the city’s residential district where chic concept stores jostle with new food halls and old 19th and early 20th century tenement buildings are emerging gleaming from makeovers to be snapped up by the city’s movers and shakers. Nobu Hotel Warsaw fits perfectly in here. For the hotel guests, mainly couples rather than families, staying here lifts Warsaw into another bracket, giving it an international dimension whilst local staff keep it rooted. The backstory The idea of the two parts of the hotel spanning a hundred years, by keeping the original part and adding a new wing, appealed particularly to Meier Teper, one of the three founding members of Nobu, alongside Robert de Niro and the eponymous chef. Teper, who has Polish roots, said he found “the juxtaposition of centuries perfect for Nobu which traditionally doesn’t, as a brand, level properties, it adds on.” The 13th hotel in their rapidly expanding brand manages to remain individual in feel and fills a niche that the founders noticed was missing in Warsaw—a lifestyle brand. Their existing hotels have created a cult following, which the Poles have adopted with alacrity. The rooms Choose between the Art Deco heritage wing—think glossy parquet flooring, brass trimmed lights, a multitude of mirrors and a feather- light elegance—and the minimalist 21st century wing where concrete rubs up against oak wood behind huge expanses of glass. The latter comes with a Japanese aesthetic visible in the tactile ceramic teapots or the slatted wooden doors that close off the stark shower room where amenities are Natura Bissé. Yukatas hang on the wall. These rooms might be sparing in décor but they have an authentic warmth to them. Food and drink This is, of course, Nobu’s raison d’etre and here and everywhere. From the opening night crowds clamoured outside Nobu watching the lucky few who got a socially distanced table and the demand has been consistent. The biggest crowd puller is the famous black cod miso but locals have unofficially crowned the Wagyu beef and foie gras dumplings with spicy ponzu Warsaw’s favorite. Chef Yannick Lohou, fresh from Barcelona, holds the dining room spellbound with pretty-as-a-picture dishes such as toro tartare with caviar. Gourmands can continue their dream at breakfast with Matsuhisa Benedict, a mouthwatering concoction of crispy tofu, Dorset crab, spinach, shiso béarnaise and salmon eggs. The neighborhood This is downtown Warsaw, home to the chic boutiques, concept stores and galleries rather than the big designer stores which can be found a few streets further east on Nowy Swiat. Restaurants abound (try Nolita for fine dining or Beirut for the best hummus in town). For sheer pleasure foodies should head to the neighbouring food hall, Hala Koszyki where ladies who lunch come to stock up on prime ingredients. The service Service is professional and proactive. Spot on and up to date concierges can help you navigate Warsaw, an increasingly vibrant city with endless new openings of restaurants, galleries and more. Eco effort Eco friendly with a no wastage, no clutter vibe to it. Accessibility Right in the center of town. Anything left to mention? Don’t just stay at the hotel and not have dinner or have dinner and not stay at the hotel. The two complement each other and round out the whole experience." - Mary Lusiana
