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| Warsaw,
Poland |
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Extraordinary - Society
August - 2006 |
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5 Stars
& 6 Stripes
Hotel & Service |
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The
Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and
Stripes® |
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| Warsaw rocks - and is most likely the most
cosmopolitan of Poland's major cities. Trusting the overwhelming traffic at
Warsaw International Airport the historic city is well on the way of becoming
more and more a part of the European Union melting pot and the fact that WAW
was under construction added to 'the buzz'. Poland's capital is today a place
for great shopping, hip restaurants and several world-wide accredited museums,
including the Historical Museum of Warsaw, which features the city's history
with valuable artifacts and splendid recreations of old buildings. There is
also Poland's National Art Museum and Warsaw's Center for Contemporary Art,
housing the works of the country's newest young artists. Arriving at the Rialto
was exactly what I had seen on the web, a feeling of traveling back to the turn
of the 20th century. The Rialto hotel was originally a gift from an adoring
husband to his wife and it started out as a four star property and has since
raised the bar with determination and commitment to excellence. Already at the
main entrance it became obvious to me that the 1920's period was flawlessly
paired with tasteful modern amenities. I felt content and confident as I
approached the desk: "Serde - cznie witamy and welcome!" were the comforting
salutations from the professional staff. |
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Warsaw International Film Festival:
The 22nd annual International
Film Festival will take place in Warsaw, Poland from October 6th to October
15th, 2006. |
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| The operational facets
including essential computer equipment were perfectly hidden in an exquisitely
custom-designed check-inn counter of finest hardwoods. I was personally
welcomed by GM Karl Braun, a hospitality professional (of German decent) who
has lived and worked all over the world. Braun resided for a relatively long
period of time at the hotel and so familiarized himself with all the ins and
outs of the daily operation. This hands-on GM comes across as the most gracious
host, reporting record numbers in return guests. We took the custom-designed
1920's style elevator with a little bench to sit on (a scent of mahogany in the
air) to the 5th floor and it was delightful. My suite: # 55 - was a sheer
'home-coming' experience. The Rialto is still conveniently located within close
proximity to most major attractions and allows upper floor guests a view that
reminds one on the famous 'Roofs of Paris'. It's the attention to the numerous
ever present details as well as the charm of the hotel that made my stay
exceptional and will have you come back for more including the antiques,
precious works of art and the one-in-a-kind ambience. |
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| My wife would have spent ample time in the period
appropriate claw-foot bathtub and would have lit all the scented candles on the
elegant vanities. I instead turned on the Plasma TV and took a rain-forest
shower with a 'light summer rain effect' - which was most relaxing. The
fixtures in my suite, including the antique lamps were in stylish platinum
throughout, matching the others of the entire house. Precious parquet floors
laid in unique patterns were eloquently pepped with 20th century style throw
rugs. This stately house abounds with nature-inspired sophistication, unique
imports, rich custom designer fabrics, one-of-a-kind furnishings and beds &
beddings to die for! I slipped into my workout clothing, grabbed one of the
water bottles from the vanities and made my way up to fitness center on the 6th
floor. It is equipped with saunas (2 levels), a huge invigorating cool down
barrow, an authentic steam room, lockers, showers and all the other modern
amenities. Back at my suite I had to contact my office in New York, eagerly
waiting for my call; I used the complimentary wireless IT - priceless. Looking
around, the designer has managed to create a unique, lavish combination of
1920's originals matching contemporary colors and finishes but still had the
foresight to include an in-room Krupps coffee maker with an espresso machine. I
needed that, the espresso, dearly. |
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| "The Rialto. A name today synonymous with a reputation for highest
quality and superior standard" ~ TB |
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| Seven Stars and
Stripers® - Award-Hand-Out at the Rialto Hotel |
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| Quickly I dressed for dinner, I was starving and
besides, I knew I was in for a treat. The Rialto features legendary Executive
Chef Kurt Scheller who has since then proudly accepted his appointment as
Culinary Global Advisory Board Member of Seven Stars and Stripes®. I went
that night to bed with the awareness that I had met one of the greatest chefs
of the world. Never-the-less, I will always think of the Rialto as the hotel
with the most perfectly ironed sheets that I had experienced so far. Thread
count is essential, but a hand-ironed sheet, lightly starched - does create a
feeling that cannot be explained other then: sensational. Breakfast the next
day had to be a quick one for me, since my Mercedes Town Car was already
waiting to bring me back to the airport. Just a platter of freshly sliced cold
cuts, hot & crisp rolls, homemade Müeslix, a good strong coffee,
freshly pressed orange juice (a bit tart, after all we were in Poland ;) and I
was on the way. |
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by
Thorsten Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John
Lomitola |
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| © 2006 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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