Mercure Fryderek Chopin

He may have been half French and left Poland, never to return, aged just twenty, but Frederic Chopin is proudly proclaimed as a national hero in Polska. No wonder then that Mercure seized the chance to put the composer's name to their hotel in the centre of town. Like most hotels in Warsaw the emphasis is on comfort and convenience, rather than charisma; and, although there's little in the way of 19th century charm, you'll find plenty of gadgets to play with in your room, as well as a small exercise gym and Finnish sauna on site. We're sure Freddie would have approved.

I have to say that I felt considerably let down by the Mercure. It certainly didn't help that one sees a few really glam and new hotels the minute one leaves the front door and ventures out onto the street.

The hotel is terrible. It was modern in 1996 but the rooms have seen very little improvement since. As a result nothing can be guaranteed to work. I've stayed there many times over the years and witnessed a catalogue of failings.

I was there recently and the hot water supply broke on a Saturday - reception said an engineer would come on Monday. This was definitely my last visit - I've convinced my company that I should stay elsewhere.

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