Krakow's Boutique Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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