Krakow stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, with its stunning architecture, excellent museums and historic Wawel Castle. The city always impresses with its food scene, and it continues to be relatively affordable.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of the best boutique hotels in Krakow based on my several visits. It’s worth noting that Krakow has many excellent hotels, so you really can’t go wrong.
My Recommended Boutique Hotels in Krakow
Top Pick
Warszauer Hotel
Address: 10 Warszauera, Krakow
District: Kazimierz
Warszauer Hotel is a renovated hotel situated in the excellent Kazimierz neighbourhood. With its stylish decor, comfortable beds and a freshly served a la carte breakfast, the hotel receives high praise from visitors and is one of the best options. The staff are consistently polite and helpful, making it a stress-free experience.
Features:
- Stylish design hotel.
- Cool room design and features.
- Modern, minimalist bathrooms.
- Excellent breakfast selection.
- Great location in Kazimierz.
- Highly rated service.
Sustainability:
- Efforts are made to minimise food waste.
- Most food is locally sourced.
- Limited single-use plastic.
- Local guides available for tours.
- Offsets a portion of carbon footprint.
Pros: Excellent location, attentive staff, stylish design, great building.
Cons: Some rooms are on the smaller size. Consider booking a larger room.
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Stradom House
Address: 12-14 Stradomska Street
District: Stradom
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A five-star hotel that exceeds expectations in every aspect, from its brilliant location between the Old Town, the river, and the Jewish Quarter to its range of high-end facilities. The hotel is architecturally striking, being a converted old monastery, and features rooms with luxury toiletries and excellent blackout curtains. Guests highlight the outstanding spa and gym facilities and the friendly staff.
Best Value for Money
PURO Krakow Kazimierz
Address: ul. Halicka 14a, Krakow, Poland
District: Kazimierz
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Puro Hotels are found across Poland, and I’ve stayed in several over the years. They are excellent value for money boutique hotels, and I can’t recommend them enough. PURO Kraków Kazimierz is in a great location. You can enjoy cocktails at the well-priced bar, and the on-site bakery receives high praise. The rooms are comfortable and clean, with modern and stylish decor. Additional facilities like a gym, spa, and lounge areas make it comfortable for solo travellers as well. If arriving by train, there’s another Puro Hotel near Krakow’s main train station that is a convenient alternative.
5-Star
Hotel Pod Roza
Address: ul. Florianska 14, Krakow,
District: Old Town
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Recently renovated and located centrally. The staff at the front desk are known to be helpful, while the rooms are both charming and spacious. You can enjoy fresh breakfast options that change daily, along with tasty dinners at the hotel’s restaurant. The spa in the cellar gives a unique experience for those looking to relax. The hotel is known not just for its brilliant location but also for its excellent service and impressive food and drink options.
Hotel H15 Luxury Palace
Address: ul. Sw. Jana 15, Krakow, Poland
District: Old Town
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Hotel H15 Luxury Palace is known for its high-end service and rooms, with an equally notable spa. Situated in a quiet spot in Krakow’s historic centre, its location is ideal if your priority is to explore the Old Town. The reception is known for its efficient check-in process and professional staff. Guests mention the cleanliness of the large rooms and the prompt room service. The breakfast has a good buffet selection, and the chef station provides hot food cooked to order. Overall, it stands out for its quality, friendly staff, and amenities.
Unique Design
Hotel Copernicus
Address: ul. Kanonicza 16, Krakow
District: Old Town
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Hotel Copernicus stands out for its unique design, combining history with contemporary touches. It’s in a great location, allowing easy access to key attractions, including the nearby Wawel Castle. The rooms, especially those with high beamed ceilings featuring remnants of 14th-century frescoes, give a sense of grandeur. The staff display professionalism, and the food is excellent at breakfast and dinner. The spa provides a serene retreat, complemented by the beautiful pool. The inclusion of quality toiletries, such as those from l’Occitane, and a thoughtful welcome tray adds to the experience.
Eco-Friendly
I couldn’t find a genuinely sustainable hotel as none seem to use renewable energy, but the Puro is a decent eco-friendly option.
PURO Krakow Stare Miasto
Address: Ogrodowa 10, Krakow, Poland
District: Train Station
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The PURO Krakow Stare Miasto has some eco-friendly practices, positioning itself as a green option in the city’s centre. It’s located close to the Old Town, making it ideal for a short stay. Food in the hotel is locally sourced, and they make an effort to reduce food waste. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian options, but there is little in the way of vegan dishes. However, the breakfast has a decent variety, including a la carte specialities. The room’s high-tech controls add to the convenience, but the standout feature in the rooms is the large and soft pillows. With the combination of a very good location, comfort from the convenient beds, and consistent cleanliness, this hotel provides good value for money.
Are you planning a quick getaway to Krakow? I’ve put together a guide for a Quick Break in Krakow.
If you’re visiting in winter, I’ve created a guide to the Christmas markets in Poland to help you discover the best spots during the holiday season.
Where to Stay in Krakow
I’ve stayed in both the Old Town and Kazimierz during my visits. The Old Town is ideal for being near major attractions, while Kazimierz offers a bohemian vibe with boutique stores, galleries, cafes and Jewish culture.
- Old Town: When you’re wondering where to stay in Krakow, the Old Town should be at the forefront of your thoughts. As the historic city centre, it has attractions that take you back to medieval times. Its Main Square, surrounded by beautiful landmarks, is a hub of activity throughout the year. Museums, galleries, and independent shops are abundant in this district, making it a great choice for visitors.
- Kazimierz: Previously Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz blends history with a contemporary vibe. This district thrives with a cafe culture and standout bars. Galleries are interspersed throughout, and when night falls, its streets buzz with energy. The district also showcases its history through preserved synagogues and historic landmarks.
- Stradom: Placed between the Old Town and Kazimierz, Stradom creates a bridge between the city’s history and its vibrant present. Easy access to both districts makes it an advantageous spot for those interested in exploring multiple areas without much hassle.
- Train Station Area: Located adjacent to the Old Town, the Train Station area provides excellent connectivity if you’re arriving by train. It’s not just a transport hub but has attractions, shopping centres, and eateries. Being so centrally situated, it gives the convenience of exploring Krakow with ease.
- Podgorze: On the southern side of the Vistula River, Podgórze is home to tranquil green spots ideal for some downtime. The district also has the Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum. It offers a mix of relaxation with its parks and a taste of the city’s history, making it a unique area to explore.
- Grzegorzki: Grzegorzki is a district that’s growing in popularity, offering both urban and residential vibes. It’s catching the attention of many for its mix of trendy bars, restaurants, and unique shops. Plus, it provides smooth transport links to the rest of Krakow.
- Debniki: Close to the Vistula River, Debniki provides a respite from city life. It’s a serene district with numerous green areas suitable for casual strolls or picnics and beach spots by the river.
- Pradnik Bialy and Pradnik Czerwony To the north of the Old Town, these districts mainly serve as residential areas but hold their own charm. While they might lack the historic essence of some other districts, they’re drawing attention with their green expanses and genuine local dining spots.
Create an Itinerary
If you want to see more of this part of Europe, I’ve put together an itinerary for a Budapest to Krakow Road Trip detailing essential stops and sites along the way.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Green Hotels: Book a place to stay that uses renewable energy sources. These are difficult to find at the moment, but hopefully, that will change with some local investment.
- Minimise Food Waste: Order portions you know you can finish. If you can’t, ask the staff to pack leftovers for you.
- Sustainable Diets: Choose to eat foods that have a lower environmental impact, such as vegetarian, plant-based, seasonal and locally sourced. Traditional Polish soups and pierogi are great options.
- Transport: A reliable tram system covers most of the city, reducing the need for taxis or cars. Additionally, the city is walkable, with many bike lanes.
- Avoid Flying: While the main focus of my blog might be on road trips, consider taking the train when travelling instead. The city’s main train station connects it to various European cities, making train travel a sustainable option. I’ve travelled around Poland this way and highly recommend it. It’s convenient, affordable and efficient.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): If you’re set on a road trip, consider hiring an EV. With many charging points available in and around the region, it’s possible to explore without relying on petrol.
- Support the Local Community: When taking tours, engage local guides. This will help you directly contribute to the local economy and gain insights from someone who knows the city best.
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.