Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw

Not to be confused with the British Malmaison chain — MaMaison, no L, is an Eastern European phenomenon, specializing in converting historical buildings to high-end boutique hotels. The markets they’re in are under-served in that particular category, to put it mildly; there’s nothing else in Warsaw, for example, to match the sleek modernity and first-class luxury of the MaMaison Hotel Le Regina.

It’s the only hotel in Warsaw’s Old Town, and though it’s carved out of an 18th-century palace, its interiors are as contemporary as can be. Neutral-toned fabrics and dark rich woods set a mellow if slightly masculine mood in the guest rooms, and the fittings are top-shelf — LCD televisions, pervasive wireless internet, and bathrooms that’ll have you ruing your return home. There’s an upscale French restaurant downstairs, as well as, surprisingly enough for the historic city center, not just a fitness room but an indoor pool as well. Not to mention that the location, for sightseeing at least, is literally second to none.

Don’t be misled by the price; Le Regina is a surprisingly good value, largely due to Poland’s transitional place in the European economy. This hotel would set you back easily twice as much were it in London or Paris, and it’s probably best seen in the next couple of years, before the currency changeover happens.