World City Guide

Hotels

The prices given below are the starting prices for a double room, including service charge, tax and breakfast, unless otherwise stated. Some hotels sometimes add an additional charge for air conditioning, payable per person per day, check at the time of booking.

The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$ (under ZL300)
$$ (from ZL300 to ZL500)
$$$ (from ZL500 to ZL700)
$$$$ (over ZL700)

Luxury

Hotel Copernicus
Situated on Kanonicza, the oldest street in Cracow, right at the foot of the castle, Hotel Copernicus (named after the famous astronomer who used to stay here when visiting the city) is the first and only boutique hotel in Cracow, and the best address in town. Stepping into the beautiful atrium courtyard, with its impressive glass ceiling, it is obvious that nothing has been left to chance here, and from freshly cut flowers and a fountain in the bar area to the piano and the candles lighting the way to the reception at night, the staff here have to be congratulated for the attention they pay to detail. The hotel very successful blends period features with modern comfort, and the 29 rooms and suites are all gorgeous, with elegant dark furniture, wooden floors and ceilings, reproductions of period frescos on the walls (or the real McCoy if you’re staying in one of the huge luxury suites), clever lighting, and delicate fabrics throughout. Red marble bathrooms with big bath tubs and L’Occitane toiletries are an added bonus. Ideal for leisure and business travellers alike, the hotel’s facilities are excellent, including a meeting room sitting up to 30 people, a 22-cover restaurant, a gym and sauna, and even a gorgeous swimming pool located in the basement (complete with vaulted ceilings) not to mention a rooftop terrace (open in summer only) with beautiful views of the castle. In January 2005, Hotel Copernicus became part of Relais & Chateaux& book well in advance, this one will be everyone’s favourite before too long.

Ulica Kanonicza 16
Tel: (012) 424 3400
Website: www.hotel.com.pl
Price: $$$$

Sheraton Krakow Hotel
Located near Wawel Hill on the bank of Wisla River, the Sheraton is the first five-star international hotel in the city, and an ideal base from which to explore both the castle and the old town. The 233 air-conditioned rooms and suites are comfortably appointed and equipped with all the latest communication technology, including cable TV, Internet access, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities. There is also a restaurant in the beautiful atrium, a bar and café in the lobby and a lively bar, eatery and terrace. Eight meeting rooms are available, as well as babysitting and concierge service, 24-hour gym and room service, an indoor pool and gift shop.

Ulica Powisle 7
Tel: (012) 662 1000.
Website: www.sheraton.com/krakow
Price: $$$$

Business

Hotel Maltanski
The Maltanski (Maltese) opened in 2000 in former stables overlooking Planty, the park circling the old town. Conveniently located a five-minute walk from Rynek Glowny (the main market square) and the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, this small hotel is surprisingly peaceful and quiet, and has the added advantage of having a secure car park right outside its front door. The 16 rooms, spread over two floors, are comfortable (ultra comfy beds in fact, as well as wooden floors throughout, plush armchairs, etc.) and well appointed (TV, mini bar, hair drier and Internet connection). There is a cosy breakfast room and a working fireplace in winter. Some of the art on the wall is for sale. The friendly, helpful staff will help you make the most of your stay in Cracow.

Ulica Straszewskiego 14
Tel: (012) 431 0010.
Website: www.maltanski.com
Price: $$$

Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre
The stylish and charming Holiday Inn, housed in the old Parenskich Palace, now beautifully renovated and surrounded by a modern glass and concrete building, is conveniently located on Wielopole, a short stroll from the Main Market Square. Ideal for both business travellers and tourists alike, the hotel boasts 154 comfortable rooms (including 33 executive rooms) featuring all mod cons. The hotel has its own underground car park, a restaurant serving international cuisine, five multi-functional meeting rooms for conferences or banquet events, featuring state of the art technology, including Internet access and satellite conferencing and a business centre.

Wielopole 4
Tel: (012) 619 00 00.
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Price: $$-$$$

Moderate

Hotel Dom Erazm
Located in a residential part of town on the way to the airport, and in the grounds of the picturesque Decius Park (the oldests park in Krakow), Hotel Dom Erazm is convenient for those travelling by car as there is plenty of parking space here (a rarity in central Cracow). The taxi ride into the centre is a short one though - 10 minutes or thereabout. Purpose built (it opened in 2003), Dom Erazm offers 12 good size modern rooms at a reasonable rate. The zoo and Kopiec Kosciuszki (Krak Mound) are nearby, and so is Villa Decius (right next door) and U Ziyada, two of Cracow’s most famous restaurants. The staff is extremely friendly and will make you feel right at home here. There is wheelchair access.

Ulica Lipca 17A (next to the Villa Decius)
Tel: (012) 625 4142.
Website: www.erazm.pl
Price: $$

Hotel Ester
Situated in the old Jewish district of Kazimierz, right by the Old Synagogue and 3km away from the main railway and bus station, Hotel Ester offers single, double and triple rooms, all equipped with a telephone, bathroom, shower and TV set and air conditioning. There is a conference room accommodating up to 30 people and a very good restaurant offering European and Jewish cuisine on the ground floor (try the duck Cracow style, it's divine!). Ample parking space is available in front of the hotel.

Ulica Szeroka 20
Tel: (012) 4291188.
Website: www.hotel-ester.krakow.pl Price: $$