Hospitality studio Suited Interior Design has been appointed to reimagine the historic PKO bank building in Kraków, Poland, into a luxury hotel under Marriott’s JW brand. Set in the heart of the city, JW Marriott Kraków will retain the building’s original vault and cashier’s hall, while unveiling a four-story dome crowned by a cupola, inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
Suited’s interior design concept was inspired by the initial idea of Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz, the original architect. Szyszko-Bohusz was a classically trained designer and preservationist navigating the rise of modernism, and he produced an interplay of styles where modernist and classical elements coexist in harmony.
Echoes of the Kraków Workshops and the Young Poland Movement are reinterpreted through contemporary craftsmanship, colors and materials, while references to “white gold”—the salt that once fuelled Kraków’s prosperity—are embedded in the hotel spa.
Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
The guest rooms echo the building’s architectural story; many offer views of St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century church. Traditional panel mouldings have been elongated to emphasise lofty ceiling heights, while modernist timber detailing integrates seamlessly into the classical framework.
Among the 120 rooms are two-story suites featuring spiral staircases, alongside “Mindfulness Suites” designed to inspire rest, reflection and balance. Spanning 95 square metres, the suites feature bathrooms with full-height marble walls, free-standing baths and vanity units with city views. The building’s most exclusive accommodations are within the cupola for an ultra-luxury experience.
Reinterpreted Public Spaces
The PKO Bank is a listed historic building for both its architecture and interiors, with many original features being preserved or restored as part of the project. It also has historical significance as a testament to the architectural and technological advancements of early 20th-century Poland.
When it was first constructed, the bank was designed to serve a dual purpose, functioning both as a workplace and a residence for its employees, a characteristic that endowed the building with a rich architectural character: wood-panelled offices and ornate boardrooms with decorative ceilings. The original cashier hall, with features such as encaustic tile flooring—once typical of industrial settings—now forms an integral part of its fabric.
The property’s signature spa is set within the vault, transforming a former symbol of security into one of wellness. At its heart, there is a golden soaking tub, while a circular pool is adorned with gold tiles that extend from the vault into the spa reception. Guests can glide along its perimeter beneath cascading fountains, creating an experience that feels both immersive and theatrical.
At the center of the hotel, a new bar sits beneath the cupola, with a design inspired by the proportions of the Pantheon. The former cashier stations, once central to the bank’s daily operations, are being reimagined as a lounge area. Moreover, guests seeking additional privacy and comfort can retreat to the executive lounge, located within the historic portion of the building.
“I’m thrilled to bring our design vision to JW Marriott Kraków. Rooted in the city’s story of resilience and revival, the hotel is set to become both a tribute to the building’s heritage and a vibrant stage for contemporary hospitality experiences,” said Shelley Reiner, director of Suited Interior Design.
JW Marriott Kraków is set to open in 2027.
