Krakow's Boutique Hotels

4 min read    12 comments

The 'boutique hotel' label conjures up images of Philip Starck's glitzy style - acres of marble, impossibly exotic orchids, all film star glam. Such a hotel has not come to Krakow yet. However, whilst Krakow does not have any outlandish hotels in modern buildings, it does have some fantastic, stunning boutique hotels in converted historic mansions. What you'll find right now is a range of superb hotels that are full of character. The best are to be found in Krakow’s Old Town, but that certainly doesn't mean you're in for endless mock-aristocratic grandeur. Far from it. Here they are…

1) Hotel Stary

Hotel Stary

The hotel that's caused the biggest splash in recent times is Hotel Stary. It's got all the hallmarks of a hip boutique hotel, and it's blessed with a show-stopping location just off the Market Square. Hotel Stary has set up shop in a soaring eighteenth century mansion, yet it has a decidedly contemporary feel to it. Rooms have a sleek and sultry feel, whilst the suites are out of this world. The restoration of the building uncovered magnificent wooden beams and frescoes which have all been beautifully restored, giving an insight into the grandeur of Krakow’s historic mansions, not immediately visible from the street. Meanwhile, the glamorous swimming pool in the cellars would not be out of place in a Bond film - minus the sharks we might add. There is also a well-equipped fitness centre next to the pool, together with a sauna. (Top tip - even if you don’t stay at the Stary, you can treat yourself to a day pass to this fabulous health and fitness spa). Four floors higher at the fantastic roof terrace bar, guests can savour a supreme view of Krakow's Market Square.
ul. Szczepańska 5
hotelstary.com

2) Hotel Copernicus

Hotel Copernicus

The Copernicus is amongst the most popular in town, with its location at the foot of the Royal Castle, on Kanonicza Street, arguably the town’s prettiest. Although more traditional than the Stary, Copernicus blends the old with the new to dazzling effect. The suites are sensational, with all the romance of a chamber in the Royal Castle itself. Whilst modern in terms of comfort, each room retains the character and details of the original building, with decorated roof beams and restored fragments of the medieval building providing touching counterpoints to the modern dashes of time and glass. A sparkling pool in the medieval cellar adds a signature touch. The Copernicus also boasts one of the finest restaurants in Krakow, and is well known for offering a sensational multi-course tasting menu. Special occasion or special person? Here’s your go-to place to impress!
ul. Kanonicza 16
hotelcopernicus.com 

3) Hotel Pod Rózą

Hotel Pod Roza

A cool, marbled elegance reigns here. It's a fresh, upbeat option that's well-lit and rather suave. Hotel Pod Różą (The Hotel Under the Rose) is located on the popular Floriańska Street, the main pedestrian route from the Barbican to the Market Square. That means there is always a lot of bustle, and you can walk straight out from the front door into the heart of Krakow. This makes this hotel the ideal base for visiting all the main sites in the Old Town, as well as a host of excellent restaurants, pubs and bars in the locale. The centre of the hotel has a striking glass-covered atrium, ideal for large events like weddings and business conferences, and underneath which lies a fine restaurant and wine cellar. Singles, doubles and suites are all available. Take your choice of rooms with outside views of the city, or the quieter ones facing over the atrium.
Floriańska 14
hotelpodroza.com

4) Hotel Gródek

Hotel Grodek

Intimate, stylish, romantic - all these words leap to mind. A Polish princess oversaw the decoration, and besides classic European rooms you'll find a funky Chinese double and some spacious suites. Hotel Grodek has a unique location on a cul-de-sac in the heart of the Old Town - that’s means it is particularly quiet, whilst still being right in the heart of things. It is perfect if you are looking for something that is luxurious but also low-key. The restaurant is a striking modern number that's a destination in itself, and well-respected in the local culinary scene. The Grodek has a loyal clientele who keep coming back year after year, and the overall feel is friendly and welcoming. The sleepy setting of the hotel heightens its romantic appeal, cocooned away on a charming cul-de-sac by the Dominican Abbey.
Na Gródku 4
hotelgrodek.com

5) Hotel Wentzl

Hotel Wentzl

The only one of Krakow’s best boutique hotels that is actually located on the Market Square itself, Wentzl enjoys a magnificent view over the very heart of the city. If you can bag a room overlooking the square you're unlikely to be disappointed. Some of the rooms are decorated in rather contrasting styles, so check beforehand to avoid a surprise! The Wentzl is also well known for it’s very popular patisserie on the ground floor, which spills out over the Market Square in the summer, and serves incredible ice creams, sundaes, coffees and desserts, and is popular with families, particularly during summer weekends.
Rynek Główny 19
hotelwentzl.com


That pretty much wraps up the state of play for Krakow's boutique hotels. But there are several more back up choices to consider, each of which are more traditional hotels with handy locations in the centre of things:

The Bonerowski Palace
Hotel Amadeus
Ostoya Palace
Hotel Grand

Comments

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Keith H

Surprised you haven't chosen H15 Palace - surely better than some of these places?

Reply Dec 3rd, 2022
Pierogi
Poland

Hotel Stary Presidential Suite with the bath next to the double bed.... nothing else comes close !

Reply Nov 19th, 2021
Jen

Not sure I'd call Hotel Wentzl a 'boutique' hotel.... more of a traditional type. Location is fantastic, but there are definitely better options.

Reply Nov 17th, 2021
Martin
United States

Hands down Hotel Stary is by far the best one!

Reply Nov 3rd, 2021
Jamie

Hotel Stary and Copernicus are the best known ones, but there is also a new one called Hotel H15 which has just opened (where the Francuski Hotel was), and I've heard great things about it....

Reply Oct 17th, 2021
Simon P.
United Kingdom

I was in Krakow over the New Year - had a great time. Would recommend the Stary. Very professional and bang in the centre.

Reply Jan 29th, 2010
Martin
United Kingdom

The agony of choice! But someone may decide for us as it's peak season. Fingers crossed we'll get a room!

Reply Jul 31st, 2009
Mike
Albania

Cheers for the tips, have been studying the choices. looking forward to our trip to Krakow!

Reply Jun 30th, 2009
jaggi
United Kingdom

poland is very very peakna.

Reply Aug 2nd, 2008
Marcin
Poland

The Grand is not so much a 'boutique' hotel as say, The Grodek, the Stary or the Copernicus. But yes, prices are very reasonable for these extremely high standard hotels.

Reply Jan 29th, 2008
Ania
United Kingdom

The boutique hotels here are really beautiful, and still a good value for the money in comparison with the UK or western Europe. The Grand is especially gorgeous!

Reply Oct 11th, 2007
mona
United Kingdom

GREAT HOTELS IN KRAKOW !

Reply Mar 8th, 2007