Hotel Bristol | Anita Rosato

DESIGNED BY ANITA ROSATO INTERIOR DESIGN The Bristol Warsaw has undergone a much anticipated transformation. Originally completed in the early 1900’s and funded by the highly acclaimed pianist, Ignacy Pederewski, the refurbishment of this iconic hotel has restored the elegance and glamour of its heyday and the Bristol Warsaw has regained its title as the most luxurious hotel in Warsaw. Conceived at the beginning of the 20th century the classical façade of the Bristol Warsaw once revealed an interior rich with Art Nouveau detailing. With interiors designed by Otto Wagner the Younger, the Hotel showcased aesthetics of the then very modern Art Nouveau and Jugenstil movements. The Bristol was an exemplary example of modern design and great luxury. The hotel has endured a turbulent past and, sadly, much of the original architectural elements have been lost or perished. However throughout the decades the Bristol Warsaw has remained at the centre of Warsaw society providing unrivalled hospitality for artists, intellectuals and discerning travellers. It is the Bristol’s illustrious past, enduring spirit and the vision of the artisans that created the original interiors that has inspired the direction of the refurbishment. Throughout the property subtle references to the aesthetics of Art Nouveau & Art Deco Periods period are evident. The design of the custom furniture & lighting and the selections of finishes and techniques employed recognise and complement the language architecture of the building. In the light filled marble Reception a unique installation of hand made metal leaves creates an impressive focal point. Inspired by the organic forms of a diminutive Secessionist brooch, the sculpture is made up of over 600 handmade burnished brass leaves which delicately float on the wall behind the reception desk. The design for the rich hand carved rug to the floor was developed from the remnants of a piece of art nouveau fabric. Influences from Otto Wagner’s contemporaries are evident in the white leather panels to the front of the reception desk which are etched with a design inspired by Josef Maria Olbrich & a pair of Josef Hoffmann wall lights in soft nickel and glass dress the columns at the reception. Huge handmade custom brass pendants illuminate the room. Thick wool drapes are embellished with bespoke appliqué designs. At every turn there are bespoke items that have been commissioned specifically for the Bristol. At the front of the building a new Wine Bar has been developed. Elegant wine display cabinets define this dynamic new space. Cast bronze light fittings are a modern interpretation of the organic forms of the Art Nouveau period. Black lacquer, bevelled mirror and cracked gesso panels combine with the monochromatic palette to provide a luxuriously finished intimate bar. The creation of a new Lobby Lounge in the centre of the hotel is paramount to the redesign of the public areas. This provides a place to meet, relax and absorb the grand scale and historical detail of one of Warsaw’s most important buildings. The marble walls are simply adorned with huge brass framed mirrors of delicately antiqued glass. Beneath the restored original chandelier a large oval banquette provides a central seating area with the raised central platform creating a stage for a grand floral display. An abundance of freshly cut flowers in white and green and large victoria palms evoke the original intent of the winter garden to the lounge. Around the central seating deep buttoned armchairs provide a relaxed fluid seating arrangement. The leather to the back of a fitted bench is hand carved with an abstract feather design providing a unique and subtle artwork to the lounge. Located in the Column Hall is the main bar of the hotel. The impressive scale of this hall and the original features that remain capture the essence of the Bristol Warsaw. The elegant columns are adorned with the restored brass art nouveau light fittings, the original Otto Wagner plaster frieze and wall lights line the walls. Every year the Column Hall has played host to a grand ball. The spirit and decadence of these parties is the inspiration for the redesign. The challenge was to bring back the glamour and elegance to this impressive but imposing space creating a warmth and intimacy. Introducing curved leather upholstered banquette seating and pairs of tall back wingchairs provide seating perfect for people watching in this grand hall. Behind the bar a wall of faceted mirrors reflects the elegant sculptural pendant - simple loops of precious metals adorn the bar like a piece of fine jewellery. The historical frieze has informed the palette for the upholstery - soft blue, ivory and black leathers punctuated with armchairs in yellow mohair. This Otto Wagner design also inspired the design of the huge hand carved rug that runs the length of the Column Hall providing an elegant route through to the hotels restaurants. The Marconi Restaurants are revived and exude an assured elegance. The richness of the darkened parquet contrast against the chalky white panelled walls. Ebony framed dining chairs with brass sabot feet are upholstered in a soft mushroom colour. Champagne coloured curtains are swept back with crystal tiebacks. Fine porcelain in white blue and gold are used as the artwork installation in Marconi I & III. The dark framed mirror panelling of Marconi II has transformed this room into a glamorous hall of mirrors. Light reflects from the central alabaster chandelier – the dining room is full of light and movement and has become an impressive function area. Off the main lobby is the Salon Slowacki. Dressed with a distinctive Hermes wallcovering, signature custom carpet and luxurious wool drapes held back with leather straps these intimate surroundings provide the hotel with a handsome meeting room. Located in the basement of the hotel The Spa at the Bristol Warsaw has been transformed into a serene elegant retreat. Lined with soft fabric drapes the reception area has a calming ethereal atmosphere. A gold and white light installation hangs above the exquisite eel skin clad reception desk. Bespoke cabinetry is finished in smooth white lacquer. The play on light and dark continues throughout the spa with the textured slate creating drama and intimacy in the pool and relaxation areas. The Grand Staircase has been painted an intense midnight blue providing a rich contrast to the existing marble of the public areas and creating a sense of drama and anticipation on the approach to the Guestrooms. In the Guestrooms subtle blends of Art Deco detail sit alongside classical elements which softly reflect on the historic roots of this Grand Hotel. The understated blue and ivory palette of the guestrooms creates a calming back drop for the contrasting charcoals and ebony feature elements. Softly polished nickel, rich timbers, generously proportioned bevelled mirrors and high gloss lacquer combine with indulgent satin, mohair and fine wool en-capturing the glamour and decadence of the twenties. The refurbishment has significantly re addressed the relevance of the Luxury Collection theme – reflective of its surroundings and indigenous to its culture and location. High quality finishes, elegantly designed light fixtures and luxurious furnishing all help provide the guest with an unreservedly 5 star experience. Our intent was to recapture the spirit and romance of the hotel delivering an undeniable glamour and a thoroughly irresistible experience. Creating public spaces to delight and entertain and charming guestrooms that are a pleasure to wake up in. We are delighted to let you know that ARID won best Hotel (in 50-200 rooms category) in prestigious International Hotel and Property Award. We were truly proud to accept it for our interior design of the Hotel Bristol Warsaw last Friday 20th of September 2013. Many thanks to all who voted, we really appreciate your help and support.