Metropol Hotel in Warsaw

Hotel Metropol is a 10-story building located in Warsaw at the intersection of Marszałkowska Street and Jerusalem Avenues, opened on November 11, 1965. It was designed by architect Zygmunt Stępiński during the Polish People's Republic era, which is reflected in its architectural style, often criticized for its lack of aesthetic appeal and functionality. In 2010, "Gazeta Wyborcza" described it as "a rather unsuccessful building," highlighting broader discussions about the quality of architecture from that period. As part of a renovation carried out in 2010, the balconies were removed and replaced with French windows, altering its external appearance. Hotel Metropol has become a site of cultural significance, reflecting the era of socialism in Poland, and remains a popular destination in the capital. It is worth noting that during World War II, another hotel of the same chain, located at 114 Marszałkowska Street, was destroyed, further underscoring Warsaw’s turbulent history and its architecture. The plot of land under the hotel was subject to reprivatization disputes, illustrating the complexity of legal and ownership issues that have affected many properties in Poland since 1989. Despite criticism, Hotel Metropol remains an important landmark in Warsaw, both for its historical and cultural significance.