Grand Hotel in Sopot

The Grand Hotel, now known as the Sofitel Grand Sopot, is a five-star hotel in Sopot, built between 1924 and 1927 in the Art Nouveau or Neo-Baroque style. It cost approximately 20 million Danzig guilders and was initially named the Kasino-Hotel, a reference to the nearby casino. In terms of luxury, it was the most expensive hotel in Sopot and the entire Free City of Danzig, and its grand opening took place in 1927. Over the years, it served various functions—a casino opened there in 1931, and in 1939, it was "enhanced" with the addition of bunkers. The Grand Hotel made history in 1939 when it became Adolf Hitler's headquarters, where decisions influencing the course of World War II were made. After the war, the hotel underwent numerous transformations, first serving as an evacuation hospital and later becoming the seat of Polish military authorities. In 1946, it was handed over to the local Polish authorities, and its former splendor was quickly restored. In the early 1990s, a casino was opened there, and a modernization in 2006 contributed to its status as a facility of the highest standard. The hotel has hosted many famous figures, including monarchs, politicians, and artists such as Greta Garbo, Charles de Gaulle, and Fidel Castro. Throughout its history, it has also been the backdrop for cultural events, such as a dance floor and Poland's first discotheque, "Musicorama." The venue has also hosted academic conferences, classical music concerts, and events related to the International Song Festival. With its rich history and prestigious status, the Grand Hotel remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Tricity area.