Five stars for Sopot

Following renovations, Sopot's Grand Hotel, previously a three-star establishment, has reopened under the Sofitel brand as a five-star hotel. All rooms in the Grand Hotel, which is owned and operated by Orbis, have been expanded and modernized.

"This is the most elegant hotel in Poland," said Kaja Szwykowska, an adviser to Orbis's CEO. "The company spent over zł.40 million on renovations so the hotel can fully fit into Sofitel's category of Hotel Palace."

The hotel, one of the oldest of Poland's seaside buildings, was designed by Hans Fallang and built in 1927. Its guests have included Josephine Baker, Marlena Dietrich, Polish singer Jan Kiepura and Prince Albert of Monaco. The hotel offers 126 rooms, including one junior suite, three suites and one presidential suite. Additional facilities will include an Internet Access, safe deposit boxes, mini bar, coffee and tea brewing set or air-conditioning There are also conference facilities of 500 sqm, which can host up to 290 people. The hotel's guest can be certain that the "Art Deco" restaurant will offer dining delights typical for Polish and international cuisine served in a modern and elegant style.

The Grand Hotel is listed on the Register of Monuments, so all renovation work was carried out with the consent of the regional landmark conservation officer. The hotel is the third Sofitel in Poland following the Sofitel Victoria in Warsaw and the Sofitel Wrocław. Another hotel in the chain could soon be established. "The company is considering upgrading one of Orbis' hotels in Kraków to the Sofitel brand," revealed Szwykowska.