Hotel Pod Różą

A luxury hotel centrally located in Krakow’s UNESCO-listed old town with a Michelin awarded restaurant and excellent spa, Hotel Pod Różą offers affordable indulgence on a city break. The oldest hotel in Krakow which dates back to the 14th century, Hotel Pod Różą was renovated in 2020 and retains its historic features, complimented with lots of very nice modern touches. 

Why stay at Hotel Pod Różą?

Situated on a cobbled street just off the main square and within the boundary walls of the UNESCO old town, it’s easy to imagine the gentry that came here on horses before the Ryanair flights took off. Russian Tsar Alexander I stayed the night in 1805 after Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, and he would have gallantly rode through the same entrance I strolled through with my wheely suitcase. 

The building’s character is retained through thoughtful design that embraces its beautiful antique features and imperfections whilst seamlessly blending simple contemporary style. Despite its age, the hotels’ high ceilings, huge windows and glass roofed courtyard restaurant ensures that natural light pours in and warms the natural tones of the aged stone floors. The tone is relaxed, unfussy and exudes understated elegance. 

What are the rooms like at Hotel Pod Różą?

Caring to preserve the historical value of the building, the historic interiors have gained a modern look throughout its 56 rooms, 11 of which are suites. Rooms are enormous compared to the space offered at many hotels in this price range, and quiet despite the hotel’s position on a busy street in the tourist centre. Carpeted hallways absorb the sound of anyone walking to their room or the lifts, and the age of the building means that the walls are solid and soundproofed.

We stayed in a suite that had a walk-in shower and sink with a separate room housing a toilet and bathtub so deep you couldn’t be seen wallowing from afar. I appreciated the bathroom’s heated floors, but the poor lighting and lack of plug near to a mirror meant that I got ready for a night out in twilight and sat on the hallway floor to use the mirror. Aged herringbone parquet wood flooring throughout adds to the rooms warmth and character, adding to the space’s sense of history. 

In the bedroom is a huge antique wood sleigh bed with a comfy memory foam mattress. What made the room special were the original frescos adorning the walls. Beneath coved ceilings beautifully simple and elegant faded ink-style paintings of trees, hundreds of years old, added to the sense of prestige and heritage. Minimally furnished with the bed, a TV, single chair, small glass bedside table and a dark wood wall table half the length of the room with nothing on top, the room needed and had the space for a comfy sofa or similar, and trinkets such as vases of dried flowers, coffee table books and a guide to the city would have been helpful. 

A criticism of the rooms styling was the out-of-place (and quite garish) plastic, Barbie-pink coloured chandelier light beneath the ornate ceiling rose, and the equally plastic meter-high, tube corner light – both completely in opposition with the rest of the room’s elegance and antique styling. 

What is the food like at Hotel Pod Różą? 

The hotel’s restaurant and bar are situated in the building’s original courtyard which has been covered with a glass roof and furnished with green foliage and huge vases of flowers. High-backed and curved regal blue and pink sofas surround glass tables in the bar area, and subtle lighting is just enough create a sense of atmosphere and exclusivity. There are further, hidden dining rooms and a wine cellar with curved brick walls and artistically aged plaster that provide a timeworn appearance. 

Recognized in the Michelin guide, the menu at Pod Różą Restaurant, led by head chef Mateusz Szul, adds a modern touch to Polish traditional dishes. The lunch set menu is superb and excellent value for those wanting to enjoy Michelin standard dishes on a budget. For 99 Zloty, or around £20, diners can enjoy a tray of five appetizers, a superb chicken haunch main which finishes with a red velvet sponge with white chocolate cream and sweet cherries. The friendly sommelier will be on hand to help you choose a wine from the 300-strong wine list.

Breakfast suffices with a small buffet of cheeses, cereal and bread and freshly pressed juices. Be sure to order sides with your hot breakfast to build a full meal, otherwise you could receive a plate with a single item (like one sausage – speaking from experience here). The coffee hits the spot.

What is the service like at Hotel Pod Różą?

Service is friendly, attentive and prompt. Given just a thin bed pillow each, we asked reception to provide a couple more, which they speedily did. Staff were knowledgeable and able to give food and wine recommendations.

What are the facilities like at Hotel Pod Różą?

A unique fusion of ancient architecture and contemporary wellness tech, the spa is the star of the hotel that exceeds expectations for a hotel at this price point. Down in the medieval cellars, the spa is an intimate sanctuary with its high vaulted stone walls, soft candle-lit arches, dimmed lighting and a soothing ambiance. The cellars are partitioned into sections for different treatments and the calming sound of water falling is everywhere. There are hot and cold pools with massaging fountains that fall from a height of 2m, a Finnish sauna, herb infused steam room, plus heated stone loungers equipped with gentle massage jets – perfect for winding down. I easily spent a couple of hours there. Treatments are also available. There’s a small gym with a few cardio machines in another cellar, but I can’t see why you’d choose that over the spa. 

What’s the area like at Hotel Pod Różą?

Located on the historic Floriańska Street, the area around Hotel Pod Różą is buzzing and packed with cafés and restaurants and is just a few steps from heritage sites St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican. It’s also only 1-2 minutes’ walk to the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and St. Mary’s Basilica – and so perfect for watching street performances, the horse-drawn carriages, and the famous hourly bugle call from your hotel window. It’s a really ideal hotel to explore the city on foot – and you’ll certainly get your steps in. 

Why you should book a stay at Hotel Pod Różą

Hotel Pod Różą is about an ideal location as you can get, with a top-notch spa and excellent food – while still remaining affordable. Book the lunch set menu and ask for a room at the back of the hotel, away from the busy street. And make sure to make time for that spa. 

Details

Address: Floriańska street 14, 31-021, Kraków

Price: Rooms start from €160 per night

Closest transport: Kraków Główny train station is about 15-minute walk, with direct trains to and from the airport.

Book now: Click here

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