Reconstructed after World War II, Warsaw’s citadella-like Old Town is defined by picturesque squares, cobblestone streets, and grand neo-classical buildings. The UNESCO-site is undeniably one of the Polish capital’s main, if at times overrun, tourist attractions. With decidedly muted earth-tones and subtle textures, the recently opened Puro Warszawa Stare Miasto hotel offers a level of welcomed respite.
Known for its ability to cohere different cultural touchpoints, Copenhagen-based Danish-Italian design duo GamFratesi conceived the new address as a Scandinavian retreat, all while facilitating Polish hospitality. Nods to the surroundings’ resurrection eight decades ago are subtle but evident.
The principles of simplicity and authenticity permeate through the 192-key hotel and its monumental semi-public spaces unfolding on ground level. Such a strategy works to also frame the stately nature of notable landmarks within its midst: the National Opera and Saski Square, among others.
“During my years in Poland, I’ve noticed a growing appreciation for Scandinavian design and cuisine – and the connection between Poland and Scandinavia has only deepened over time,” says Rune Askevold, CEO and founder of the Puro boutique chain.
“We’ve also previously introduced many Scandinavian brands to Poland, and we’ve seen how much our visitors enjoy and take inspiration from them. With this project, I wanted to take that further,” says Askevold. “We’ve celebrated our Norwegian and Scandinavian roots while blending them with local arts and the warmth of Polish reception.”
Located within the street-facing enfilade of shared environments is MUND; an emphatically Scandinavian restaurant named for the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish word for mouth. On offer is a seasonal menu centered on reimagined regional classics such as smorrebrod. Here, there’s an unstuffy familial vibe drawing in both visitors and local regulars.
GamFratesi’s holistic design anchors in mid-tone Dinesen wood flooring. Custom build-outs intermix with a careful selection of furnishings from notable Danish brands Gubi, Louis Poulsen, LYFA, Bang & Olufsen, Audo Copenhagen, &Tradition, Carl Hansen & Son, Eikund, and Fredericia. Products specced from heritage Japanese manufacturer Koyori reveal another point of cross-cultural exchange.
Tying together the “immediate yet enduring” atmosphere are bespoke cabinets, wall and ceiling panels, and slightly imperfect brick-like finishes that suggest a touch of the old; alluding to that intended sense of timelessness.
“The PURO Warszawa Stare Miasto is a place where guests are treated as friends of the family, a place that allows them to become part of it and feel at home,” says Stine Gam, co-founder of GamFratesi.
Inspired by local artist legend Bernardo Bellotto Canaletto and his near-utopian depiction of Warsaw – especially the eponymously named street running parallel to the hotel – the accommodations exude a sense of painterly stillness. The coherence of old and new – the historic charm of the setting and the state-of-art convenience of contemporary furnishings – makes for a lived-in feel. GamFratesi lent its expertise to every aspect of the outfit: from the finishes to the custom cosmetic and bath accessories.
“Every piece – whether positioned in the rooms, lobby, bar, or restaurant-belongs here, each narrating a unique story of place and presence,” Askevold concludes. “At the heart of this vision lies a deep connection to the local art scene, a commitment that enables the showcasing of internationally renowned artists who have already left their mark on the global stage. The focus is on curating a collection of exceptional quality and value, featuring works by Karolina Bielawska, Agata Bogacka, Cezary Poniatowski, Cyryl Polaczek, and Emilia Kina.”
What: Puro Hotel Warszawa Stare Miasto
Where: Warsaw, Poland
How much: Rooms starting at $124
Design draws: A Scandinavian-style retreat in Warsaw’s storied Old Town wholly imagined by renowned design duo GamFratesi with soft Nordic touches and nods to local history.
Book it: Puro Hotel Warszawa Stare Miasto
Go virtually on vacation with more design destinations right here.
Photography courtesy of Pion Studio.
