Last updated on January 09th, 2022
Few cities have as many twists and turns in their history as Krakow does, a history that can be seen in its traditions, architecture and museums. Sitting alongside this is a contemporary vibrancy that definitely puts Krakow in Poland on any city break shortlist.
In our opinion, the top hotels in the city are the Bachleda Luxury Hotel or the Unicus Palace Hotel. If, however, you like your hotels to have a more boutique feel, then book a few days at the Balthazar Design Hotel. We’ve also added some accommodation suggestions in the city centre, the Old Town and near the airport.
Best Area to Stay in Krakow Poland For First Time Visit ?
When it’s your first time in a city and you only have a few days to explore, it’s best to stay in a central district where everything is right on your doorstep. If this is your first visit to Krakow, we recommend finding a hotel in the Old Town near Main Square. From here, all the main sights and tourist attractions are within walking distance. Read more
What is the most expensive hotel in Krakow Poland ?
It’s always good to indulge yourself with a little luxury especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. If this is the case, then why not treat yourself to a few days at the Bonerowski Palace Hotel. It’s one of the best and the most expensive in Krakow Poland and is certainly luxurious!
What are the Best (Luxury) Hotels in Krakow City Center?
Stepping through the grand door of the Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery By Sofitel reveals an interior of elegant furniture, chandeliers, exposed brickwork, fresh flowers and artwork. Every room and suite is decorated in a sumptuous yet comfortable style. This top hotel has an indoor pool, fitness centre, jacuzzi and sauna while its restaurant serves both local and international cuisine. It’s the best luxury hotel in Krakow Poland.
2. Hotel Stary
The award-winning Hotel Stary can be found in a 15th-century merchant’s house in the centre of Krakow Old Town. Every bedroom has wooden floors and ceilings while some even feature frescoes and free-standing open bathtubs. The hotel restaurants offer seasonal menus of local produce and specialities while other facilities include two bars, a coffee shop and a swimming pool in the old cellar.
Dark wood and bold colours bring comfortable luxury to the rooms and finest suites of the Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre while its location puts every tourist attraction within easy reach. The Lobby Bar & Cafe is perfect for catching up at the end of the day while Polish and Mediterranean cuisine is served in the Impresja Restaurant. The hotel also offers its guests onsite parking, a mini-gym and business centre.
A grand piano in the elegant bar, spacious rooms flooded with light from oversized windows, a fitness club and sauna combine with a central location to make the Radisson Blu Hotel Krakowthe perfect base for exploring the city. Enjoy top Polish cuisine in the Milk&Co Restaurant or drinks and snacks in the Salt&Co Bar.
5. The Loft Hotel – Adults Only
Ideally located between the old Jewish Quarter and Main Market Square, The Loft Hotel offers a relaxing adults-only city break. Special features of the hotel include personal smartphones for guests and the rooftop relaxation area with its jacuzzi, sauna and panoramic city views. The hotel’s bar and pizza restaurant are open around the clock.
6. PURO Kraków Kazimierz – Good Value
The PURO Kraków Kazimierz is located in the former Jewish district, now a Bohemian area of galleries and cafes. Bedrooms are decorated in a chic minimalist style with Scandinavian flair while the public spaces are colourful, full of modern art and quirky touches. Snack during the day in the MAK Bread & Coffee Cafe then in the evening, dine in the Halicka Eatery & Bar. There are also meeting rooms, a spa and a full programme of music and activities.
7. Hotel Indigo Krakow – Old Town
The elegant boutique-style rooms of the Hotel Indigo Krakow – Old Town feature luxury rainfall showers as well as decor and artwork inspired by some of Poland’s greatest painters. Its location is perfect for exploring the Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Dine on local specialities in the Filipa 18 Restaurant or enjoy a workout in the fitness suite.
8. Grand Ascot Hotel – Good Value
Contemporary elegance and traditional service and comfort come together in the Grand Ascot Hotel located right in the heart of Krakow Poland. Rooms and luxury suites are tastefully decorated and you can enjoy hotel services that include a sauna, well-equipped gym, conference facilities, a lobby bar and the Four Restaurant.
9. Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto – Good Value
Lying just ten minutes walk from the Old Town, the Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto is ideal for both business and leisure visitors. The contemporary decor of the bedrooms reflects the stylishly modern exterior while the Winestone Restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere at the end of a busy day. The accommodation has meeting rooms and business facilities.
What are the 4 Best Boutique Hotels in Krakow ?
The Balthazar Design Hotel is housed in a 19th-century building on Grodzka Street in the Old Town. Reflecting the hotel’s noble and royal surroundings, the decor of every room is palatial yet comfortable. The Fiorentina – Butchery & Wine Restaurant with its attractive garden offers a tempting culinary experience while the hotel also has a magnificent lobby with quirky touches. It’s the best boutique hotel in Krakow Poland.
From its position on Krakow’s oldest street, Kanonicza, the boutique Hotel Copernicus is within easy reach of the city’s attractions. It has a fine Gothic facade with the historic theme continuing throughout its luxuriously elegant interiors. 500-year-old frescoes and medieval beams add character while the latest technology brings every comfort. The hotel restaurant serves Polish royal cuisine while the medieval cellar houses a swimming pool and sauna.
Sparkling chandeliers, winding staircases and rich drapings add class and character to the Bonerowski Palace, a luxurious boutique hotel located in an Old Town building that dates from the Middle Ages. Dine in the Bonerowski Restaurant Gourmet, chat over coffee in the cafe or enjoy cocktails in the St John Jazz & Wine Club. There is also a spa and a wellness centre.
Exposed brickwork and a colour scheme that carries right through the hotel from bedrooms and superior suites to public spaces add a distinct charm to the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel while its location right next to the Old Town Square is perfect. The FAB Fusion Restaurant often features live jazz music while the hotel also has a bar and gym.
What’s the Best Hotel with Spa & Pool ?
The luxurious Hotel Unicus Palace is one of the best hotels in Krakow Poland, just a few minutes walk from the attractions of the Old Town. Cool contemporary colours feature in the decor of bedrooms and suites while the restaurant blends the flavours of Europe and Poland. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s gym, jacuzzi, sauna and indoor swimming pool or indulge themselves in the spa.
What’s the Best Hotel near Krakow Airport ?
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is located approximately 11 kilometres west of the city centre. The airport, an important hub for Ryanair, has undergone a process of modernisation in recent years and has good train and bus links to the city centre. There is one terminal with a range of facilities that include parking, car hire desks, banking services, shops, cafes and restaurants. Several excellent hotels are located near Krakow Airport. The best hotel is listed below.
With good links to motorways and just minutes from the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Its spacious and comfortable rooms have stylish decor touches while you can enjoy hotel facilities that include fitness and business centres, meeting rooms, a 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and a Garden Grill and Bar.
What’s the Best Cheap or Affordable Hotel in Krakow Poland ?
The affordable Hotel 32 Kraków Old Town is located right in the heart of the Old Town next to Wawel Castle, perfect for sightseeing. The rooms while contemporary in decor reflect and respect the history of the old tenement building. On the ground floor is an Italian restaurant and the hotel also has a sauna.
Best Value Hotels in Krakow City Center
From the Tatar invasions of the 13th century to occupation under the Nazis and Communists in the 20th-century, Krakow in Poland has had a troubled and varied history but today it shows a revitalised face that welcomes visitors from around the world. It is proud to show off its architectural beauties and city parks while in the evenings a vibrant nightlife and hearty Polish cuisine adds to the pleasures of a city break. Many tourist attractions are focused in the Old Town or Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter but time should be found for a tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mines and the Stanisław Lem Science Garden.
Good Value Accommodation
- PURO Kraków Kazimierz – Luxury
- Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto – Great Value
- Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz – Great Value
- Vienna House Andel’s Cracow – Great Value
What are the Best Hotels in Krakow Old Town near Main Market Square ?
Krakow Old Town is a distinct district surrounded by lightly-forested parkland. Called the Planty, this parkland marks where the Old City walls and moat used to be. At the centre of the Old Town is the Main Market Square or Rynek Glowny. from which all streets radiate. Wawel Castle, one of the most beautiful in Central Europe, lies on the Wawel Hill. It was where royal coronations took place and is the burial place of many distinguished Poles. Among other Old Town attractions are the Sukiennice or Cloth Hall originally built in the 14th century, the Barbican and the Florian Gate. The Old Town is also home to dozens of churches, several palaces and many world-class museums such as the Krakow Historical Museum and the Bunker of Art.
Finest Hotels in Old Town area
- The Loft Hotel Adults Only – Luxury Boutique
- Hotel Stary – with Spa & Pool
- Hotel Maltański – Affordable
What’s the Top Accommodation in Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) ?
Up until the Second World War, there was a vibrant Jewish community in Krakow who lived and worked mainly in the Kazimierz district, north of the River Wisla. During the war, the Jewish population was relocated to the ghetto of Podgórze or the nearby death-camp of Auschwitz, both of which can be visited. Due to the bravery of factory owner, Oskar Schindler, several thousand Jews survived the Holocaust. Discover his story at the Schindler Factory Museum.
Outstanding Hotels in Jewish Quarter
- Privilege Suites – Top Rated Aparthotel
- Metropolitan Boutique Hotel – Luxury
- Dada Boutique Home Hotel – Great Value
