Krakow hotels

With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, the centrally located Bonerowski Palace is one of the best hotels in Krakow. The 5-star property boasts a wide range of rooms, all of which offer stunning views over Krakow's main Market Square. But my top pick has to be the sprawling, ultra-premium Luxury Suite, which can sleep four. Amenities include a spa, sauna, and wellness centre alongside a coffee shop, business centre and valet parking. Downstairs, dine at Amalia Steak&Fish Brasserie, one of the best restaurants in the heart of Krakow. The menu, designed by head chef Piotr Bernacki, combines the traditional flavours of Krakow with a modern European twist. Just a two-minute walk from Krakow’s central square, the hotel’s location is second to none. Don’t miss the chance to explore the crafts of Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), a 13th-century market packed full of wonderful souvenirs.

Named after the famous Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, this 5-star hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Krakow. Located on Kanonicza, the oldest street in the city, Hotel Copernicus offers a unique insight into Krakow’s past. Choose from standard or deluxe doubles or upgrade to one of the roomy suites. My top pick is the Deluxe Suite with frescoes and views out over the historic street below. The Deluxe Suites, meanwhile, consist of a sitting room, adjoining bedroom and marble-lined bathroom. Explore one of the many nearby museums – the Palace of Bishop Erasmus Ciolek is my personal favourite – or head up to Wawel Castle to learn more about Krakow’s most iconic landmark. The location alone makes this one of the best hotels in Krakow for history lovers.

A 5-star hotel just a two-minute walk from the banks of the Vistula River, Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow is one of my favorite spots in Krakow. The suites in particular are so beautifully decorated, with antique wooden furniture and marble bathrooms, you’ll never want to leave. Take a dip in the indoor pool or play a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts before enjoying a drink at the stunning bar and lounge. My favourite order is a Wisniowka, a local cherry liqueur. Then start your night at nearby restaurant Bonjour Pho for authentic Vietnamese food before heading to Mercy Brown for a cocktail in the 1930s New York speakeasy-style interior.

Next on my list of the best hotels in Krakow is the Warszauer Hotel, a 4-star gem located in the Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) region. I love this hotel because it offers a more authentic experience in Krakow than your typical central stay. The thoughtfully designed rooms feature Scandi-chic touches, with furniture from top design brands including Cassina, Ferm Living and HAY. Breakfast is served in the dining room, a light-filled space that serves fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. Here you’ll find a personalised menu with both vegetarians and vegans catered for. Relax on the shared terrace before heading out to explore the best that Kazimierz has to offer. I recommend stopping by Alchemia for a candle-lit beer or cocktail before making your way to the Okraglak food court for a world-famous zapiekanki (local open-face toasted sandwich).

Located just a two-minute walk from the iconic St. Florian's Gate, Hotel H15 Luxury Palace is one of the best hotels in Krakow for a central experience. The 5-star property, formerly known as the Lubomirski Palace, blends history, art and architecture in one exquisitely designed package. Prepare to be blown away by the jaw-dropping lobby, with its ornate Baroque era ceiling. Rooms range from standard doubles to grand suites with crystal chandeliers and original frescoes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the spa and wellness centre, where you can book a relaxing treatment or take a swim in the pool located in the basement of the hotel. Pay a visit to nearby St. Mary's Basilica, not missing the hourly trumpet calls from the watchtower. When it’s time to eat, head back to the hotel’s Michelin-recommended restaurant Artesse to sample its tasting menu influenced by centuries-old recipes.

Tucked away in Grzegorzki, the Topolowa Residence is one of the best hotels in Krakow if you want to explore the city on public transport. Just a five-minute walk from the central train station, it’s a fantastic hotel in a relatively unknown area of the city, just outside of the main central square. The hotel offers a great middle ground between an apartment and a hotel room, blending the two with Studios and Deluxe Studios available. Each room features helpful modern appliances, including dishwashers and microwaves. A 24-hour reception with multi-lingual staff awaits guests and the concierge offers babysitting, perfect for young families. The hotel is perfectly located for exploring the Krakow Opera, an auditorium from the 1950s. I also recommend checking out the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University and exploring the path less trodden by travellers. It's a wonderful, peaceful place to enjoy a picnic.

Stradom House is a 5-star hotel that occupies the handsome street between Kazimierz and Krakow Old Town, and is one of the best hotels in Krakow for those who want to be in the thick of it all. Part of Mariott’s Autograph Collection, guests can book anything from a Modern King to the Chapel Suite. Aim for a Courtyard View room for the best vistas. Amenities include a large pool, sauna and fitness centre, while relaxing on the pool-side recliners before fitting in some breaststroke is my favourite afternoon activity. On the ground floor, Hedwig’s – a chic bar that’s among the most stylish in the city – awaits thirsty travellers. Those who’ve worked up an appetite can check out one of two restaurants on the hotel grounds: the Gaia or Stradomska 12. Both are wonderful choices, with Gaia focusing on social dining and Stradomska 12 offering modern Polish cuisine.

One of the most interesting stays in the city, the New Port Hotel is nestled in Debniki atop the Vistula River. Guestrooms are modern and feature floor to ceiling windows, to make the most of gorgeous river views. Delightfully spacious, they come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including coffee machines and minibars. The best have private terraces right on the water. There’s no restaurant on site, but Forum Przestrzenie, a laid-back food court with live music, is located right next door. Head over for a burger and a boogie – the ‘Old Timer’ served on a brioche bun is one of the best burgers I've ever had. Or cross the river to find the Kazimierz district and explore its many delights. The New Port Hotel is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Krakow for a unique experience on the water.

One of the best hotels in Krakow for exploring the Kazimierz district, Puro offers a 4-star luxury stay with modern design. Opened in 2018, the hotel is furnished by the award-winning Conran & Partners studio, lending the accommodation an eclectic feel. Check in to one of the 228 rooms – ranging from Doubles and Deluxes to Suites and Executive Suites – before exploring the grounds. The in-house bakery, MAK bread & coffee, is the place to get your daily caffeine fix, while the spacious on-site restaurant, Halicka Eatery & Bar, is a great choice for a drink and a bite to eat. Take a walk down the Vistula via the nearby footpath and enjoy the blend of activity and calm that only Krakow can offer. Stop by Good Lood for ice cream or Ciastkarnia Vanilla for a slice of cake – their banoffee pie is to die for.

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Saski Krakow may be last on my list, but it remains one of the best hotels in Krakow. Located just outside the central square, you couldn’t ask for a better location to explore the city’s sights. Choose from a whole host of guestrooms, ranging from simple King Courtyard Rooms all the way up to the Paderewski Suite. Take the time to explore the indoor pool, sauna, and spa before visiting the restaurant and bar. As with all Hilton properties, expect the highest level of service with a 5-star rating. Sample the local cherry liqueur at Wisniewski Krakow, just a three-minute walk from the hotel. Or treat yourself to a specialist drink at The Artist Cocktail Bar – the Pear Noir, a creamy bourbon cocktail with a pear-cinnamon puree, is worth the trip alone.