Crumbling Mansion To Be Turned Into Luxury Hotel
Work has commenced on a new luxury hotel by the Polish Likus chain. Likus are behind the swish Hotel Copernicus at the foot of the Royal Castle, which was described by Britain's Daily Telegraph as one of the 'most beautiful hotels in the world.'
Likus specialize in restoring old mansions, and their work at the Copernicus is widely regarded as a triumph. During the process of renovating the aforementioned hotel, workers discovered priceless medieval frescos behind old layers of plaster. These were meticulously preserved, with the result that well-heeled customers can now book a suite with an enchanting fresco above their bed. President Bush had the pleasure of enjoying this perk when he made a state visit to Poland in 2003.
Likus's new project is based on a small street that leads west off the main market square (ul. Szczepanska). The mansion in question has been in a very morose state for some time now. Three separate investors have already pulled out of projects in the building. Owing to its fine historic interiors, rules are strict about what can and cannot be changed in the overall structure.
However, if all goes well, Likus look set to have a fine investment on their hands. A distinguished Cracovian architect noted that the mansion has 'the best polychromy in the city'.
Cracow Life had a glimpse of the colourful neo-classical ceiling that sweeps above the first floor. It certainly is magnificent, and it is likely to be a hit with future guests.
However, with much of the mansion in an appalling state of disrepair, it is unlikely that work will be completed for some time now. If work goes well, it is possible that the hotel will receive its first guests in 2006.