Sofitel Grand Sopot: Imposing hotel overlooking Sopot beach
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By SWFC_Fan on September 5, 2004
The Grand Hotel, Sopot
by SWFC_Fan
I didn't actually stay at the Grand Hotel (I tried to make a reservation there but, alas, it was fully-booked during my requested dates!).
The Grand Hotel is aptly named, standing imposingly on Sopot beach close to the entrance to the pier. The hotel was built in the 1920s and has played host to a number of famous (and infamous) guests during its existence - Adolf Hitler stayed there in 1939 while his army advanced on Warsaw.
The hotel's interior has been renovated in recent years and rooms provide modern facilities.
The Grand Hotel is the most recognisable hotel in Sopot. Standing on the pier and looking towards the beach, one cannot fail to be impressed by this imposing building.
Again, I didn't stay here, but it's an option for you if you're thinking about making Sopot your base. Check out the website for details. It looks like room rates are between about 240 and 500 zl.
If you want to be spoiled, the Grand is the place just for you. It started in 1927 as the most luxurious hotel and it was famous for its casino. Many pop music and tennis celebrities stayed there for Sopot is famous for its international song contests and tennis tournaments. Rates for a double room in the summer start at $260 but some doubles are well above $300... Definitely not for budget travellers but it's worth taking a peek, in Poland the Grand is quite... legendary.
When you enter Grand Hotel you feel like you were moving back in time, though not sure if it's beginning of the 20th century or the 50ties - deep behind the iron curtain. The hotel looks amazing from the outside but I guess the rooms need some refurbishing. I didn't stay here but came for a breakfast few times and it was definitelly a very nice experience.
Spent a night here in 91 or 92 as part of a 15 day tour of western Poland. I've been told it has been fixed up by now, but I was disappointed with the room we had. Small and in need of work. Some work had been done to modernize, but it had a long way to go.
But that was fine, we spent our time in the splendid casino. Was like a scene out of the Bogart film "Casablanca". The first Gulf War was underway and the sons of rich Kuwaitis were whiling away their exile betting very high stakes at every table. Was a night to remember.
Hope to return and see how she is all fixed up.
The casino is not to be missed. Quite swank.
And the view from the oceanside rooms is very nice - even a grey day like only the Baltic can display.
This is probably the best hotel in Sopot and one of the best in Poland. It is after complete renovation. In 2009 Mr Putin stayed in the hotel. The hotel is famous among Polish stars - actors or singers during the summer.
I stayed in junior suite - 45m2 room with a sea view. You may also have a room with a park view that is cheaper. There is a spa complex in the hotel with a pool, sauna, hammam, massage and ice bath. And the building quite like a palace ecourages to stay here..
The view to the sea is awesome and it is worth to pay some more to have a room with a sea view.:)
