The history of the Grand Hotel in Sopot: from Kasino-Hotel to Sofitel Grand
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 4
- 19 min read
What connects Adolf Hitler, Greta Garbo, Czerwone Gitary and… a bottle of vodka? You will find the answer behind the doors of the Grand Hotel in Sopot – a place that has seen more than one history book.
From luxury, through scandals and war dramas, to modern legends – discover the fascinating history of the hotel that has been attracting the elite and arousing emotions for almost a hundred years.
Grand Hotel in Sopot – An Icon of Luxury and History
The Grand Hotel in Sopot , currently known as Sofitel Grand Sopot , is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and characteristic buildings in Poland.
This is a place that has always been a symbol of luxury, elegance and rich history.
No wonder – its prestigious location speaks for itself: right on the beach, on the shore of the Bay of Gdańsk, in close proximity to the central square and the entrance to the famous Sopot Pier. This simply highlights its unique character and makes it a real gem.
For almost a century of its existence, this legendary Grand Hotel has hosted countless distinguished personalities from the world of politics, culture and art, constantly delighting with its unique style and level of service.
Moreover, he always charmed the guests of the Grand Hotel , as confirmed by numerous stories.
The History of the Grand Hotel – The Mirror of the History of Sopot and Poland
The history of the Grand Hotel is more than just the chronicle of one building; it is a mirror reflecting the broader history of Sopot and Poland. Its construction in the interwar period was an expression of the aspiration to create a luxury resort and a symbol of economic prosperity.
It was then that the grand hotel was built on a truly grand scale, as an expression of the optimism of those years.
But then difficult times came.
The dramatic role of the hotel during World War II, when it served as Adolf Hitler's headquarters and later as a military hospital and headquarters for the Red Army, reflects the tragic impact of the conflict on the country. Just think of what these walls have seen!
The post-war period brought nationalization and management by state-owned enterprises such as Gdynia–Ameryka Linie Żeglugowe (GAL), Polskie Linie Oceaniczne (PLO) and Orbis.
This was a direct reflection of the political and economic changes of the communist era – the grand hotel operated in a completely different reality at that time.
Contemporary changes, including privatization and thorough modernization, symbolize Poland's integration with the global market economy after 1989.
This constant adaptation and ability to survive through turbulent periods underline its extraordinary resilience and importance, which goes beyond mere commercial activity.
This is what makes the Sopot Grand Hotel so unique and its status as a Grand Hotel consistently high.
The Beginnings and Construction of the Grand Hotel: From Casino-Hotel to Symbol of Elegance
Before the Grand Hotel in Sopot became the icon we know today, its history began under a different name. Construction lasted from 1924 to 1927, and the facility was originally called " Kasino-Hotel ". Its construction was a key step for the Sopot authorities in the interwar period.
The goal was simple: to attract the wealthiest guests of the resort and regulars of the Sopot casino, which was already extremely popular at that time.
Opened in 1920, it could attract up to 700 players a day! The success of the Sopot casino prompted the city authorities to take over management and decide to build a luxury hotel. It was to provide comfortable accommodation for those who came here to play.
It was thanks to the casino that the city of Sopot flourished economically, even earning the nickname "Monaco of the Baltic". Isn't it intriguing that gambling had such a big influence on the creation of such an elegant place?
Architects and Designers: Otto Kloeppel, Richard Kohnke, Erich Laue – Their Roles and Contributions
The architectural design of this impressive building was created by a team from the Gdańsk University of Technology: Otto Kloeppel, Richard Kohnke and Erich Laue. Richard Kohnke (1873-1931) was a true virtuoso in his field – an outstanding construction engineer and academic teacher.
He specialized in statics and reinforced concrete structures, and his technical contribution to the implementation of the Grand Hotel project was invaluable, which is confirmed by his cooperation in the construction of many facilities in Gdańsk and Sopot.
However, the role of Erich Laue in the history of the hotel is particularly intriguing and adds spice to the whole story.
Although he is listed as one of the architects, other sources indicate that Dr. Eric Laue, the mayor of Sopot, gambled away his entire fortune in the hotel casino and then committed suicide.
If this similarity of names concerns the same person, it creates a deeply ironic and tragic narrative.
This character, involved in the design of the facility and then tragically destroyed by its main attraction, the casino, adds human drama and ethical complexity to the hotel’s origins, transcending its purely architectural story.
Even if they were two different people, the coincidence of the names and the dramatic event itself underscore the intense financial pressures and moral ambiguities surrounding the casino operation and the hotel's early history .
This shows that even the most luxurious places have their dark secrets.
Controversial Issues: Plagiarism Accusations and Financial Scandals
The construction of the Grand Hotel was not without controversy – and not just any controversy! The striking similarity of the design to the Grand Hotel in Szczawno-Zdrój, built in 1911, was noted.
Kloeppel and Kohnke’s design was a virtual “replication” of this earlier object. Although the accusations of plagiarism were eventually dropped after a settlement was reached, the bad taste remained.
Moreover, a few years after the hotel opened, serious financial irregularities were revealed, involving representatives of local authorities.
This scandal led to the arrest and, consequently, suicide of the mayor of Sopot.
As sources indicate, this mayor lost his entire fortune in the hotel casino, which is directly related to the tragic ending. As you can see, the Grand Hotel was opened in an atmosphere of not only splendor, but also scandal.
What Was the Construction Cost of the Grand Hotel and its Initial Equipment?
The implementation of this monumental undertaking absorbed truly enormous resources – 20 million Gdańsk guilders! In 1927, this amount corresponded to over 3.5 million dollars.
Interestingly, part of the construction costs was covered by profits generated by a nearby casino.
From the very beginning, the hotel offered extremely luxurious amenities, including a then-innovative seawater water system available for bathing in the rooms.
One could say that from the very beginning the Grand Hotel was seen as synonymous with luxury and modernity.
Architecture and Style of the Grand Hotel in Sopot: Art Nouveau, Neo-Baroque and Eclecticism
The Grand Hotel is a true model of resort architecture from the interwar period. Its monumental, baroque-classicistic form immediately brings to mind palaces – a symbol of luxury and elegance of those times.
The building is compact, has four floors and a two-story attic , which gives it an impressive volume. It was designed on a flattened H-shaped plan, with a main body, side projections and a polygonal projection on the sea side.
Characteristic mansard roofs cover the main body and side projections. The central projection, one storey higher, is crowned by a spherical dome with a spire – this is one of the most recognizable elements of the Grand Hotel, seen from afar!
On the sea side there is a two-story veranda with a spacious terrace, similar to the one on the southern façade.
The building's low and rusticated ground floor provides a solid base for the upper floors. On the western axis you will find an impressive portico, supported by four columns. The eastern and side elevations are decorated with door-windows with semicircular balconies and windows with arches and frames, adding finesse to the building.
The interior of the hotel has been designed in a typical three-bay layout , with a representative hall and a restaurant on the first floor. Just look at this interior of the Sofitel hotel – a real work of art!
Design Patterns: Spa House in Szczawno-Zdrój – Context of Plagiarism Accusations
It is worth knowing that the design of the Grand Hotel in Sopot , by Otto Kloeppel and Richard Kohnke, was basically a "duplication" of the Grand Hotel in Szczawno-Zdrój from 1911 (today "Dom Zdrojowy").
The earlier structure was described as Art Nouveau or Neo-Baroque, which perfectly matches the style of the Sopot colossus.
The accusations of plagiarism, while serious today, may have been treated differently back then. At the time, adopting tried-and-true patterns was a pragmatic way to quickly create a luxury object.
The amicable withdrawal of the charges suggests that what we would now call plagiarism, in the resort architecture of the time, could have been a form of “best practice” or “inspiration” – the idea was to quickly achieve the desired effect of luxury and appeal to the elite. This shows that even such a legendary Grand Hotel has its less obvious history.
Stylistic Evolution and Interpretations (Art Deco, Modernism, Neoclassicism)
The style of the Grand Hotel has been described in various ways: "Art Deco", "a mixture of Art Nouveau and neo-Baroque", "Secession", even "Modernism" or "Eclecticism" with elements of Neoclassicism and Art Nouveau decorations. It is also described as "Baroque-Classicist".
These different terms are not a contradiction. They reflect the aspirations of the Belle Époque and the interwar period, when luxury properties often drew inspiration from different styles.
They were combined into monumental and richly decorated forms to create an impression of timeless elegance and prestige.
Eclecticism allowed for the free combination of historical elements with new trends, which was intended to attract an affluent clientele looking for both the splendor of the past and modern comfort.
This is a testament to how unique and elite the Sopot hotel was from the very beginning.
The Glory Years Before World War II: "Monaco of the Baltic"
The history of the Grand Hotel is inextricably linked to the casino. The first one, which opened in Sopot in 1920, turned out to be a bull's eye, attracting up to 700 players a day!
This success meant that the city authorities took over its care and decided to build a Kasino-Hotel .
In 1931, in the hotel itself, on the south side, an exclusive gaming casino, the International Sporting-Club, was opened, the design of which is attributed to Professor Emil Fahrenkamp from Düsseldorf.
It is worth mentioning that the first casino in Sopot was located in the Spa House.
It was the casino that played a key role in financing the construction of the hotel – its profits covered part of the costs. It became the real driving force of Sopot's economic boom, contributing to the city's nickname of " Monaco of the Baltic ".
The casino at the Grand Hotel was, however, an ambiguous symbol. On the one hand, this extremely profitable venture helped finance the construction of the hotel and attracted European tycoons, which strengthened Sopot's image as a luxury resort.
On the other hand, it was a place where "many fortunes were squandered" and a side alley of the hotel "was said to have become a place of suicide."
The most drastic example is the tragedy of the mayor of Sopot , who lost his entire fortune in a casino.
This duality, where the driving force of luxury and development also had its dark side, leading to personal tragedies and scandals, became an integral part of the legend of the Sopot hotel . It shows that even the most glittering places have their shadows.
"Dancing Floor" and Entertainment for the Elite
In front of the Grand Hotel , on the sea side, a special concrete slab covered with tiles, known as the "dancing floor" (Freiluft-Tanzdiele), was built in 1927.
It was a place where an orchestra or an American jazz band played for dancing, and around it were tables for guests and flower beds.
This popular attraction was still in operation in the 1960s – imagine how many couples danced there over the years!
Interiors and Luxury Furnishings
The Grand Hotel delighted guests with its splendor and elegance. Its monumental interiors sparkled with marble, gilding, and crystal chandeliers.
The rooms offered extraordinary amenities, including bathrooms where guests could use both fresh and salty sea water – a real treat!
The refined palates of the Grand Hotel guests were taken care of by famous confectioners brought straight from Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic.
In 1927, the Mayor of Sopot described the Grand Hotel as "the largest and most elegant hotel in Northern Europe", which attests to its exceptional status at that time.
Famous Guests of the Interwar Period
Prominent guests who visited the Grand Hotel in its glory years before World War II included King Alfonso XIII of Spain , who stayed in Sopot in the summer of 1931, and the legendary Swedish actress Greta Garbo , who stayed at the hotel in April 1932.
Their presence only emphasized the international prestige and attractiveness of this place. The Grand Hotel really hosted only celebrities!
Grand Hotel in World War II: Witness to History
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 drastically changed the fate of the Kasino-Hotel . In September of that year, the facility became the headquarters of Adolf Hitler, who stayed there from 18/19 to 25/26 September 1939.
From the hotel he twice went to the outskirts of Warsaw to personally supervise the invasion of the city. It was in these elegant rooms and halls that the German command staff commanding the attack on Gdynia and the Hel Peninsula also resided.
Moreover, it was in the Grand Hotel that, after two months of heroic defense, the defenders of Hel signed the act of capitulation.
Hitler was accompanied by other senior Nazi officials, including Martin Bormann, Wilhelm Keitel, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Erwin Rommel, and Hermann Göring had been here since 28 September.
It is also worth mentioning that during his stay at the hotel, Adolf Hitler allegedly issued an order permitting the murder of mentally ill people.
Room 226 as a Home for Historical Figures – Legends and Facts
Room 226, now known as the Charles de Gaulle Suite, is one of the most legendary rooms in the Sopot history hotel . There is a popular legend that this is where Adolf Hitler was supposed to have stayed in September 1939, and for his arrival the parquet floor was inlaid with tiny swastikas.
Remember, however, that this story has not been confirmed in the monographs devoted to the Grand Hotel and has the status of an urban legend. In fact, Hitler was supposed to have occupied apartments numbered 251-253.
Whatever the legends, Room 226 gained contemporary historical significance when Vladimir Putin occupied it during his visit in 2009. The fact that Putin chose a suite that is part of a Hitler-related legend creates an intriguing, if unintended, historical resonance.
Room 226, named after Charles de Gaulle, is a perfect example of how specific spaces in a hotel can gain an almost mythical status.
The legend of Hitler’s stay, although unconfirmed, gives it a dark aura. The fact that Vladimir Putin later stayed there, and the apartment itself bears the name of Charles de Gaulle, creates a fascinating narrative of historical contrasts and continuities. This room becomes a symbolic point where the fates of different eras and ideologies intertwine, reflecting the turbulent history of Europe and Poland. It is not just a place of residence, but a space that “remembers” and tells stories.
The Hotel's Role as a Military Hospital and Headquarters of the Red Army
As World War II drew to a close, the Grand Hotel underwent another transformation. Towards the end of the war, it served as a military hospital, receiving the wounded and treating evacuees fleeing the Red Army.
After the entry of Soviet troops into Sopot , from March 23, 1945, the hotel became the headquarters of the staffs of the 49th and 70th Armies of the 2nd Belorussian Front of the Red Army.
The Legend of Saving a Hotel with a Bottle of Vodka
There is a popular legend among the residents of Sopot that the Grand Hotel avoided destruction and plunder by the invading Soviet troops thanks to… bribery.
The urban legend has it that a high-ranking Russian commander was given a bottle of vodka in exchange for protecting the facility from vandalism.
This legend of saving the Grand Hotel with a bottle of vodka is more than just an anecdote; it is a symbol of the hotel's survival in the face of total destruction. In the post-war chaos, where many buildings were razed to the ground, the fact that the Grand Hotel survived is almost miraculous.
This unconfirmed story highlights the hotel’s ability to adapt and “negotiate” with a new, difficult reality, allowing it to retain its physical structure and continue operating.
It is also a metaphor for the broader Polish history, where survival often depended on improvisation and unconventional solutions.
The post-war period and ownership changes
After the end of World War II, in 1946, our hero, the Grand Hotel in Sopot , was officially renamed simply "Grand Hotel". The grand reopening took place on July 27, 1946, symbolizing a return to normality and an attempt to rebuild its former prestige.
Takeover by Gdynia–Ameryka Linie Żeglugowe (GAL) and Polskie Linie Oceaniczne (PLO)
In 1946, at the request of the then president of Sopot , Antoni Turek, the facility was handed over to the city authorities, and then its management was taken over by Gdynia–Ameryka Linie Żeglugowe (GAL). Interestingly, in the years 1946-1948 the Sopot hotel temporarily served the unusual function of the "Sailor's House" for GAL crews.
During this period, the hotel even received furniture from the ship "Sobieski"! In 1951, the Grand Hotel came under the management of Polish Ocean Lines (PLO), continuing its links with the Polish maritime economy.
Takeover by Orbis SA and the Role of the State Administrator
Eventually, in 1950 or 1954, the Grand Hotel was taken over by Orbis. This state-owned tourist company managed it for about 70 years. And here's an interesting fact!
Despite the prevailing communist ideology, the Sofitel Grand (then simply the Grand Hotel) retained its reputation as a luxurious and exclusive facility. It became a true "oasis of pre-war times" and a symbol of the "good old days."
Orbis, as a state administrator, took care of this prestige. It was of strategic importance for Poland's image in the international arena. The hotel hosted foreign diplomats, artists and politicians.
This shows a certain paradox of the system – on the one hand it aimed at equality, on the other it cultivated enclaves of luxury that could represent the country at the highest level. The Grand Hotel was managed with attention to detail, despite being a state hotel.
Entry into the Register of Monuments in 1986
A very important event in the history of the hotel was its entry into the register of monuments of the Gdańsk voivodeship on December 10, 1986.
This action, taken during the Polish People's Republic, provided the hotel with formal legal protection in the face of the upcoming political and economic changes. It protected the facility from potential, uncontrolled reconstruction or destruction in the era of privatization and the free market.
This ensured the preservation of its historical value and architectural integrity.
This entry became the foundation for later, conscious modernizations, which aimed to combine historical character with modern luxury. It is a true proof of how important the status of the Grand Hotel is to the Polish heritage.
Culture and events at the Grand Hotel
Debut of Czerwone Gitary: Grand Hotel is a place where legends were born. It was here, in 1965 (although some sources say 1961, which is probably a mistake, because the band was formed in 1965), that the cult band Czerwone Gitary made their official debut . This only emphasizes the status of Grand Hotel as an icon of Polish pop music of the 1960s.
"Musicorama" - The First Disco in Poland: Yes, it's true! In 1970, the Grand Hotel was home to the first professional disco in Poland - "Musicorama 70". It was opened by Franciszek Walicki himself, a pioneer of Polish rock and roll. It was a huge step for youth culture!
"Non Stop" Club and Musical Traditions: In the 1960s, the Sopot Hotel was the winter headquarters of the cult club "Non Stop". Earlier, in 1956, the youth club "Żegnaj Smutku" operated here. Since 1961, the local radio show "Podwieczorek na fali 230" has also been retransmitted from the Grand Hotel . All this shows how deep the musical traditions of this place are!
16th Pugwash Conference in 1966: In September 1966 , the Grand Hotel hosted the 16th Pugwash Conference, which focused on disarmament and world security. It was attended by such giants as Henry Kissinger and numerous Nobel Prize winners. The organization of such an important meeting at the Grand Hotel during the Cold War underlines its unique role as a platform for international dialogue, even in an Eastern Bloc country. This shows how important the status of the Grand Hotel was in the international arena.
Operation "Mewa" and SB Operations in 1981: Unfortunately, the Grand Hotel also witnessed dark events. On December 13, 1981, during the introduction of martial law, Operation "Mewa" took place here. The communist Security Service arrested leading Solidarity activists here, such as Jacek Kuroń and Tadeusz Mazowiecki. This event, which took place in such a prestigious hotel, symbolizes how the regime instrumentalized even luxurious spaces for repressive purposes. This is the dark side of the hotel's history .
Hotel's presence in the media and urban legends: The Grand Hotel has long inspired creators! Scenes for cult series such as "Stawka niż życie" or "07 zgłoś się" were filmed here. Poet Agnieszka Osiecka wrote songs with references to this place, and there was even a documentary film about it called "Moje miejsce". All this testifies to its exceptional significance in Polish culture and the status of a true legend of the Sopot hotel .
Famous guests and hotel legends
For almost a hundred years, the Grand Hotel in Sopot has hosted a veritable galaxy of stars and important figures. It is a list that reads like a "who's who" of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Politicians and Leaders:
Adolf Hitler
Charles de Gaulle
Fidel Castro
Vladimir Putin
Henry Kissinger
Ignacy Moscicki
Reza Shah Pahlavi
Hermann Göring
Martin Bormann, Wilhelm Keitel, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Erwin Rommel
Joseph Cyrankiewicz
Artists and Celebrities:
Marlene Dietrich
Greta Garbo
Jan Kiepura
Charles Aznavuer
Josephine Baker
Prince
Omar Sharif
Annie Lennox
Karel Gott, Helena Vondrackowa, Norah Jones, Shakira, Paul Anka, Jean Michel-Jarre, Boney M
Other Notable Guests:
King Alfonso XIII of Spain
Prince Albert of Monaco
Princess of Thailand
Czesław Miłosz (Nobel Prize winner)
Bohdan Tomaszewski – Doorman with a Microphone
In 1947, the Grand Hotel was a place where extraordinary careers were born. At that time, it housed the Swiss Consular Agency, and room 110 was the residence of the Dutch Consul.
What’s more, in the same year, the later famous radio sports commentator Bohdan Tomaszewski worked as a porter at the hotel!
This anecdote perfectly illustrates how the Sopot hotel was a place where the fates of people and history intertwined in the most unexpected ways.
Even today, the history of the Grand Hotel in Sopot is still alive and stirs emotions, and the hotel does not let itself be forgotten! An example is the recent media story about the alleged connections of the presidential candidate with the underworld. One of the internet portals accused Karol Nawrocki of pimping when he worked as a security guard at the hotel. It is not up to us to judge what the truth was in this case, especially since the credibility of the source, namely Onet, has been questioned. Nevertheless, this situation perfectly shows how the Grand Hotel still functions in our consciousness and can still surprise us by being a part of current events.
Changes after 1989 and the Present: Sofitel Grand Sopot
Hotel Modernization in 2006: After the political transformation, in 2006 the Grand Hotel underwent a thorough modernization. The aim was to raise its standard to the rank of a five-star hotel, while maintaining the classic atmosphere. It cost about 40 million zlotys! The rooms were redesigned, the lobby, kitchen and rooms were rebuilt. The casino was moved to the basement, and the ballroom returned to the ground floor. In 2007, the Grand Spa by Algotherm was also opened to maintain the hotel's spa history . This was a strategic move to ensure that the Grand Hotel retained its prestige.
Transformation into Sofitel Grand Sopot and Entry into the Accor Network: With the modernization in 2006, the Grand Hotel changed its name to Sofitel Grand Sopot and joined the prestigious Sofitel brand, belonging to the French group Accor. This entry into the international network only emphasized its global prestige and compliance with the highest standards.
Sale of the Hotel to Sinfam Investments in 2024: In December 2024, the Grand Hotel was sold by AccorInvest to the Polish company Sinfam Investments for approximately PLN 125 million (over EUR 29 million). Sinfam Investments also owns the Hotel Warszawianka. Despite the change of ownership, the Accor chain will continue to manage the hotel, ensuring the continuation of the current standards. The new owner will have to invest significantly in further renovations for the hotel to maintain its high position. This sale shows how complex the modern hotel market is and how constant investment is key to maintaining the status of a luxury property.
Grand Hotel in Culture and Collective Memory: Symbol of Luxury and History of Sopot
The Grand Hotel in Sopot is not just a building, it is a true symbol of luxury, elegance and rich history. It is invariably perceived as one of the most characteristic buildings in Sopot , being a meeting place for the elite and an "oasis of pre-war times".
Terms such as " Monaco of the Baltic " and "Pearl of the Baltic" have become a permanent part of its identity, emphasizing its unique position among European resorts.
The Grand Hotel is a kind of “palimpsest” – a place where successive layers of history have been written one on top of the other. It is a symbol of luxury, but also a witness to scandals, warfare, repression, and a center of culture and entertainment.
This multi-layered nature, presence in the media and numerous anecdotes make the hotel a living carrier of history that shapes the identity of Sopot .
Urban Legends and Their Influence on the Hotel's Image
There are many urban legends surrounding the Grand Hotel , which, although not always confirmed, enrich its image. Here we have stories about the hotel being saved from the Red Army with a bottle of vodka or Adolf Hitler's alleged stay in room 226.
Anecdotes of casino fortunes and suicides also contribute to its dark but fascinating legend. All of this perpetuates the Sofitel Grand in the public consciousness.
The Grand Hotel Casino: From Origin to Present
The history of the casino is inextricably linked to the Grand Hotel . The first casino in Sopot , opened in 1920, was so successful that it led to the construction of the Kasino-Hotel .
His profits covered part of the investment costs. The exclusive International Sporting-Club casino opened in the hotel itself in 1931.
Remember that the first casino in Sopot was in the Spa House. After World War II, the casino was closed, but a new chapter in the history of gambling in the hotel began in 1990, when the casino was reopened. At that time, it was the third casino in Poland, after Warsaw and Krakow.
Modern Casino: Game Offering, Dress Code, Accessibility
Today, the casino at the Grand Hotel is "just a hotel attraction" and not the main reason for its operation.
It operates under the name Cristal Casino Sopot and is part of the ZPR group, available 24 hours a day. It offers a wide selection of games: roulette, poker, blackjack, slots. The largest hall has 16 tables and over 20 slot machines.
There is a business dress code, although attempts to introduce evening wear in the early 90s were unsuccessful. The casino focuses on professionalism, cleanliness and service, offering welcome bonuses, such as welcome drink coupons.
Poker tournaments are also regularly organized. The history of the casino in the Grand Hotel is a testimony to the evolution of the hotel's function - from the main driving force to a luxurious complement to the offer of the five-star Sopot hotel .
Grand Hotel – Living History of Sopot
The Grand Hotel in Sopot is much more than just a luxury hotel. It is a living monument of history that has witnessed key political, social and cultural events for almost a century, reflecting the turbulent fate of Sopot , Poland and Europe.
From its controversial beginnings as a Kasino-Hotel (with allegations of plagiarism and scandals), through its glory years as the " Monaco of the Baltic " with its "dancing floor", to the dramatic times of war - when it was Adolf Hitler's headquarters, a military hospital and the headquarters of the Red Army - the hotel has constantly adapted.
The post-war period brought changes in ownership: from shipping lines to the state-owned Orbis, which nurtured its prestige for decades. Its entry in the register of historical monuments in 1986 secured its legacy.
The Grand Hotel was the stage for musical debuts (Czerwone Gitary), the birth of the first disco in Poland (Musicorama), important conferences (Pugwash) and dramatic political events (Operation "Mewa").
Its walls have hosted countless celebrities – from kings to celebrities, making it a mirror of 20th century geopolitics and culture.
Its contemporary modernisation in 2006 and rebranding to Sofitel Grand Sopot , as well as its recent sale to a Polish investor, are testament to its continuous evolution and ability to combine its rich past with the demands of contemporary luxury.
The Grand Hotel , with its architecture, list of distinguished guests and numerous legends, remains an object of extraordinary importance in the collective memory.
It is not only a symbol of Sopot , but also a living testimony of history that still tells its fascinating stories.
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