Difference between revisions of "Global Summit 2011/Logistics"

Venue

The Summit will take place in the historic Pałac Prymasowski (the Primates Palace). It's address is ul. Senatorska 13/15 00-075 Warszawa, POLAND.

The Palace is a large, historic venue, with grand halls, smaller workshop rooms and a garden, built during the 16th century. It sits in the heart of Warsaw's Old Town, in walking distance of multiple historic monuments, cafes and restaurants.

The Palace is also located in walking distance from main public transport routes, with easy access to subway, buses and trams.

We will have use of the whole ground floor of the complex for the entire three days of the Summit, giving us plenty of room to spread out, arrange impromptu meetings, or just take a break.

A strong, open wifi connection will be provided at the venue.

Accommodations

There are multiple hotels located in the center of Warsaw, either in walking distance from the venue or reachable with a short taxi or public transport ride.

MDM, Metropol and Polonia hotels will be used by CC staff and participants receiving CC scholarships to attend the summit.

Other recommended hotels

5 stars

• Le Méridien Bristol - located in the old town, 5-10 minute walk from the venue
• Sheraton Warsaw - centrally located, a 15-20 minute walk to the venue along Warsaw's historic shopping street, Nowy Świat
• Intercontinental Warszawa - located right next to the central train station
• Rialto - boutique hotel in the center of Warsaw, 3 tram / bus stops from the venue

4 stars

• Westin Warsaw - centrally located, 15-20 minute walk from the venue
• Novotel Centrum Warszawa - centrally located, across the street from the hotels, where CC staff and Board will be based

3 stars

• Metropol - centrally located hotel, where CC staff will be based
• Gromada Dom Chłopa - centrally located, 15 minute walk to the venue

Getting from/to airport

Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport is located on the outskirts of Warsaw, about 10 km from the center of the city, which can be reached by taxi or public bus.

By taxi

Avoid the taxi drivers soliciting customers inside the terminal, as they severely overcharge. Instead, use one of the companies recommended by the airport authorities (Merc Taxi, MPT Radio Taxi, Ele, or Sawa Taxi). They are slightly above market average in terms of prices and stop near the exit from Terminal 1. You can also order a taxi from another corporation by phone (there is no surcharge). A typical fare to a hotel in the center of the city is around 40 zł at night, 20-30 zł in the daytime.

In any case, the most you should pay is 3.00 zł (up to 4.50 zł on Sundays; but typically no more than 2.40 zł) per km in the daytime plus an initial fee of no more than 6 zł. You are entitled to a receipt (which must specify the route used) upon request. The Polish word for receipt is rachunek. There is no obligation to tip the taxi drivers, but most won't refuse if you offer. See the Taxis section for a more in-depth explanation of taxi fares.

By bus

Buses #175 and #188 operate between the city and the airport from 4:40am to 11:00pm. At all other times, night bus N32 runs between the city center and the airport. Tickets for the bus cost 2.8 PLN from any kiosk; or buy one from the bus driver for an additional 0.5 PLN.

• Bus #175 stops at some of the major downtown hotels, the old town, the Warszawa Centralna Train Station, and Centrum shopping center. The trip takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses operate every 15 minutes during rush hour.

• Bus #188 operates between the airport and Praga Południe on the east bank, passing through to the south of the city center. This is a better choice if you just want to get to the metro.

Travel information copied from Wikitravel (CC BY SA), further information can be found at Wikitravel's Warsaw entry.

Getting from/to train station

Summit participants arriving by train should arrive at Warszawa Centralna (Warsaw Central) train station, which is located in the very center of the city. From there, hotels can be reached either with a short ride on public transport or by taxi. Use one of the taxis with official permits to work at the train station, available at ground level, at the Southern exit from the train station.