The best hotels in Krakow for 2025

Believe it or not, but Krakow’s Royal Brewery once stood in this very spot. The only hint is a water gauge on one of the exterior walls, but every other inch of this excellent hotel is as modern as it gets. Sheraton Grand Krakow has been a staple on the city’s accommodation roster for 20 years, providing business and leisure travellers with the perfect place to rest and recuperate.

A total of 230 rooms are available at the hotel, all decorated with a muted style, regardless of whether you opt for the standard room or a more premium deluxe option with river views and separate areas. Browns, beiges, and greys dominate the decor, with a mish-mash of patterns on the curtains, cushions, and carpet creating a curiously Polish atmosphere. The beds are magnificently comfortable, and blackout curtains are always a plus. Throw in Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, robes, and slippers, and you’ve got a hotel room that takes some beating.

There are several food options at the Sheraton Grand, from Italian (the excellent Anima, which also hosts the hotel’s breakfast) to a rotating evening buffet that is just as likely to offer international curiosities as it is classic Polish food. Dinner on the rooftop terrace is also an option, and who can say no to a delicious meal with such a view? The vistas are spectacular, and guests can watch boats pass along the river with Wawel Castle towering high above. The atrium also features a charming club lounge, complete with a naturally lit glass roof and hanging plants, which creates a sense of the outside within the building's walls. The Health Club is the perfect way to recuperate after a long day of sightseeing, with a pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi, all open until late in the evening. There is also a gym space with cardio machines, free weights, and floor equipment.

Time Out tip: Dinner on the rooftop is one of the most romantic culinary settings in the city

Address: Powiśle 7, Old Town, 31-101, Kraków
Price: £152 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Jubilat tram stop

Stradom House’s facade is a perfect match with the city’s Renaissance-style architecture, but you should never judge a book by its cover. The interior of this 5-star luxury hotel is very much in keeping with the modern world, a homage to minimalism that charms with stone walls, curved ceilings, and muted tones. The hotel has several Art Deco flourishes, while the upholstered vintage furniture pays homage to the long and storied history of this fascinating country. Stradom House is a boutique hotel in all but size, a 125-room structure that retains the homely character of smaller spots. Perhaps that is informed by its history, as the hotel is situated in a 14th-century church and monastery, both of which are hinted at throughout the building. However, it is difficult to imagine 14th-century monks enjoying a colourful cocktail under the grand ceiling of the church.

The creative nods to local culture continue with an impressive collection of contemporary artworks from Polish (and international) artists. The rooms have an Art Deco edge, featuring patterned furniture and a pastel palette, complete with the usual modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and coffee. However, those paying for the most expensive rooms might find a piano at their disposal. The bathrooms tick all the boxes, featuring a timeless design enhanced by a complimentary box of biodegradable goodies.

On the food and drink front, Hedwig’s is the jewel of the hotel, a bar located in the old chapel that will have you looking up the whole time (if you can put down your drink, of course). The cocktails are fantastic, but the setting makes them even better. Gaia is the hotel’s restaurant, a chic Italian spot that stays faithful to the classics, while the neighbouring Stradomska is more in line with Polish fine dining. If that isn’t enough, the spa is as indulgent as it gets, with all sorts of treatments available.

Time Out tip: As the old saying goes, if you can drink a cocktail in a 14th century church, you should drink the cocktail

Address: 12-14 Stradomska, Old Town, 31-058, Kraków
Price: £181 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Stradom tram stop

If you prefer hotels that straddle the divide between historical interiors and modern flourishes, then Rubinstein is the place to go. In many ways, this boutique hotel pays homage to the beloved Kazimierz district, the famous Jewish neighbourhood that surrounds it. The very name of the hotel is a nod to the past, specifically a local cosmetics entrepreneur called Helena Rubinstein. Guests at the hotel are invited to learn all about Rubinstein’s life and work through newspaper articles, portraits, and other artefacts. The building is a 15th-century townhouse reimagined as a hotel, with a major renovation showcasing the beautiful timber beams of the structure.

The rooms feature original foundations with exposed brickwork and timber ceilings, with modern amenities available throughout (think flat screen TVs, coffee machines, desks, and all the rest). The bathrooms are as well-stocked as the rooms, while thick windows provide ideal respite from the noise of the busy streets. Economy, Deluxe, Exclusive, and Super Deluxe rooms are available, catering to a range of budgets and interests. The rooms at the Rubinstein are excellent, but the Sky Bar is arguably the highlight, a simple space with spectacular views that are perfect for a sunset cocktail (be sure to try the hotel’s eponymous drink).

The hotel's restaurant is tastefully styled, offering a range of traditional recipes, including numerous duck dishes. This is where you’ll find breakfast, a buffet covering all the classics. A small sauna offers relaxation and tranquillity, and the hotel collaborates with a nearby massage parlour for more comprehensive treatments. The Rubinstein is a tremendous hotel that showcases the best of old Krakow while keeping both feet firmly planted in the modern world, all in a location that is just about as Krakow as it gets. You’ll even find cinema history here; parts of Schindler’s List were filmed on the same street. Last-minute deals are usually available, so keep those eyes peeled.

Time Out tip: If you're a fan of duck, you won't find better in the city

Address: Szeroka 12, Old Town, 31-053, Kraków
Price: £82 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Miodowa tram stop

It’s hard to get more central than the Bonerowski Palace, a Michelin Guide hotel that overlooks Krakow’s most famous square, Rynek Glowny (Market Square). Even without such a spectacular location, you’d struggle to find something more regal than this 16-room palace, with origins dating back to the 14th century. The palace has housed everyone from Renaissance bankers to art experts, and it continues to attract a clientele interested in the finer parts of life.

Inside, the 5-star Bonerowski Palace is more 19th century than any lodgings you’d find in the 1300s, with sumptuous fabrics, heavy silks, polished parquet floors, floral wallpaper and delightfully old-fashioned furnishings. There are some quite delightful views of the famous square below, and each room carries its own sense of confidence that adds a layer of opulence to an already splendid stay. The rooms are spread across eight deluxe rooms and eight luxury apartments; it all just comes down to what you want, and a small but perfectly formed spa on the fourth floor offers simple relaxation via the sauna (there’s also a small gym to work up a sweat beforehand).

The hotel has a couple of food options, namely Amalia Steak & Fish (exactly what the name suggests) and Author’s Kitchen, the brainchild of elite chef Piotr Bernacki. Breakfast is served in the former, with classic morning dishes available alongside curious creations from around the world, while the cosy St John’s Cocktail Club is housed in the brick vaulted cellars, with an atmosphere that mirrors the charms of the city it sits in. Cocktails in a sumptuous palace in the heart of the city? It doesn’t get much better than that. It all comes together in the Royal Hall, a stunning Neo-Renaissance space with walls adorned with decorative paintings, the perfect venue for everything from gala dinners to grand weddings.

Time Out tip: St John's Cocktail Club is undoubtedly one of the best cocktail spots in the city, and the setting is spectacular.

Address: Świętego Jana 1, 31-017, Krakow
Price: Rooms start from £244 per night, based on two adults sharing (no breakfast)
Closest transport: Plac Wszystkich Świętych tram stop

Poland’s first member of the Relais & Chateaux group has a cocooning air of plushness within its 16th-century walls. Set on Kanonicza (Krakow’s oldest street), the Copernicus is a few minutes from Wawel Castle and Krakow’s cathedral, making it a fabulous option for anyone looking to stay in the heart of the city. The hotel is named after Poland’s most iconic scientific mind, the famous astronomer who posited that maybe, just maybe, our planet orbits the sun and not the other way around.

It is said that Copernicus was once a guest in the house, although the man from Toruń might have been upset at the state the house found itself in as the last millennium drew to a close. Luckily, the house was saved from the fate of so many other of Krakow’s old buildings, and it soon metamorphosed into one of the city’s great hotels. The hotel opened in 2000, and it wasn’t long until critics were lauding it as one of Europe’s most beautiful hotels. The 29 rooms have been designed to suit this historic location admirably, with heavy wooden bedsteads, decorative friezes and parquet floors befitting one of the city’s most exquisite accommodations.

Head to the basement spa for a tranquil swim in a brick vaulted cellar, with a selection of meticulously tailored treatments on offer from L’Occitane, all inspired by Poland’s spectacular nature. When hunger strikes, try the refined Polish cuisine in the intimate restaurant, and catch views of the city from the summer rooftop terrace. The tasting menu is one of the best in the city, and the restaurant at Copernicus has developed a reputation as one of the most exclusive eateries in one of Europe’s most delicious towns. The father of modern astronomy would approve.

Time Out tip: The tasing menu at the restaurant deserves every bit of praise it receives

Address: Kanonicza 16, 31-002, Kraków
Price: £162 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Wawel tram stop

Just around the corner from Market Square is Hotel Stary, where centuries of history mingle in this marvellous mix of ancient and modern. The hotel's interior makes it worth the visit alone, and it has the awards to prove it, having won a Prix Villégiature for the most beautiful hotel interior in Europe. You can’t argue with that, but what would you expect from a former artistocratic residence? An artistocratic residence with a fabulous glass lift, but even the most traditional aren’t afraid to embrace mod cons.

In a building dating back to the 15th century, the 53 rooms offer a more contemporary look, complemented by comfortable leather furnishings, polished parquet floors, and marble bathrooms. The rooms are delightful, all Italian marble in a beautifully sophisticated setting. Each floor has its own atmosphere, each defined by a different colour accentuating the coordinated decorations. Singles, doubles, and twins are available, along with suites that range from junior to deluxe.

If you don’t manage to get one of the rooms with balconies and views of the square, you can make do with the fantastic roof terrace restaurant, one of three food options (3 Rybki, Rybki Nove, and Sky Bar Grill) available on-site. The kitchen is helmed by some of the city’s finest chefs, award-winners from top to bottom, who are committed to finding new ways to embrace Poland’s long (and delicious) culinary traditions. The wellness and spa facilities hold up their end of the bargain, gorgeously located in the medieval cellars, with a gym, two swimming pools, a dry sauna, a steam bath, and a salt-iodine chamber. The hotel has been used extensively by professional sports teams over the years, although that isn’t surprising when you experience the quality of the facilities at Hotel Stary.

Time Out tip: Save plenty of space on your camera roll for the interior, a stunning space that is more than worthy of its award-winning status

Address: Szczepańska 5, 31-011 Kraków
Price: £137 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Teatr Bagatela tram stop

With an eye on attracting younger travellers, PURO brings a sleek modern vibe to its almost 150 rooms right near the main railway station, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a hotel with its finger more tightly pressed against the pulse of innovation. Light-filled rooms have understated contemporary decor, and if the glass bathroom isn’t private enough, you can always draw the curtains. The classic rooms offer a significant amount of style in simple surroundings that are perfect for explorers stopping in Poland’s former capital, while the views from the sizeable corner deluxe rooms are spectacular. All the rooms, from classic to apartment, are controlled using a touchscreen tablet, allowing visitors to be entirely in charge of their experience. Most of the rooms come with Nespresso coffee makers and Marshall speakers, making PURO the ideal place for anyone working from the road.

And all that without mentioning the mattresses, exquisitely chosen by Hilding Anders, the Swedish-based sleep experts. A good night’s sleep is all but guaranteed at PURO. There’s a funky 1950s feel to the public areas, and the all-day restaurant and bar (with the mysterious name of Hint) serves a reasonably priced menu of street food-inspired contemporary plates and cocktails. Its laidback atmosphere extends to the free bike rental on offer, with free English-language walking tours available on Saturdays. If you want to get to know Krakow, there are worse ways to do so.

The staff at PURO are every bit as convivial and charming as you might expect from such a place. The hotel is a silent homage to Poland’s underrated design era and the retro-chic of Krakow’s interwar cafe scene. The picture-perfect location is the cherry on top, simultaneously central while remaining within walking distance of the city centre’s main attractions. There is also a 24-hour concierge for early risers and late arrivals.

Time Out tip: The views from those corner deluxe rooms are well-worth the extra spend.

Address: Ogrodowa 10, 31-155 Kraków
Price: £148 per night, based on two adults sharing
Closest tranport: Dworzec Główny Zachód tram stop

In a convenient location between the Old Town and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel is situated in a sympathetically renovated 19th-century townhouse that evokes the classic charm of Krakow in every corner. There’s a soothing look to its 59 rooms, with soft, neutral tones and agreeably overstuffed furniture, the perfect combination between sophistication and character, accentuated by elite-level mattresses and some seriously deep sleep. Some rooms feature small balconies that overlook the elegant courtyard patio, creating one of the most romantic atmospheres in the city. Families are particularly well catered for at the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel, with classic and superior rooms providing plenty of space for groups in the city, while children up to the age of 7 can stay for free (as long as no extra beds are required).

The gym is well-stocked and open 24 hours a day, with quality cardio equipment and a range of weight machines available for energetic visitors. Catch contemporary interpretations of classics and jazz music on the piano on Fridays and Sundays during dinner (from 7pm) at the aptly named Fab Fusion restaurant, where Polish, pan-European and Asian flavours mingle on the menu, creating a taste sensation that you never knew you needed until that first morsel touches the tongue. The restaurant is open from 7 in the morning until 10 at night, making it a fabulous place to stop for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

If you’re looking for something with more of a kick, it also hosts a happy hour every day from 4pm until 6pm. There are also two conference rooms for getting those deals across the line, two rooms focused on practicality that can hold up to 85 people ready to network. There is a tram and bus stop just a short walk from the hotel if you are looking to venture further afield.

Time Out tip: The daily happy hour is a fantastic way to get comfortable in this spectacular city

Address: Berka Joselewicza 19, 31-031 Kraków
Price: £105 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Miodowa tram stop

The buzzing bars and cafés of Kazimierz are a short walk away from the Queen Boutique Hotel, housed in a 19th-century townhouse located in front of Planty Park, separated from Wawel Castle Hill by gorgeous gardens that add an extra touch of elegance to the surroundings. The hotel itself traces its history to 2009. That first renovation took a couple of years, but it has been all systems go since the hotel opened to the public in 2011.

The charm begins in the lobby (well, it starts outside, but we need to enter at some point), located in what once functioned as the caretaker’s apartment, although it is unlikely that the caretaker lived with a sumptuous marble floor and a stunning mirror to check the fit. The exposed 19th-century brick walls date to those days, although they perfectly match the vibe of modern sophistication. There’s some innovative design within its 31 contemporary rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plush, padded headboards, all equipped with modern conveniences that cover everything from high-speed Wi-Fi to large flat-screen Smart TVs, bathrobes, coffee-making facilities, slippers, and more. Some even have balconies, and top-floor rooms feature clever skylights to maximise the use of natural light.

After a session in the Finnish sauna, try the constantly changing seasonal menu under vaulted ceilings at the refined Amaryllis restaurant, an award-winning spot featuring some of the city's most innovative chefs. The dishes on the menu are crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients, all expertly prepared by chefs at the top of their game. The wine list is just as important as the food, and the expert staff will help you find the perfect bottle to accompany your food. The Queen Beauty and Spa utilises fabulous Italian techniques to create a treatment plan from head to toe. The senses aren’t left out, and the 19th-century cellars are the perfect location for an afternoon of tranquil relaxation.

Time Out tip: Make the most of professionalism in the Queen Beauty and Spa and come out a whole new person

Address: Józefa Dietla 60, 31-039 Kraków
Price: £136 per night based on two adults sharing (breakfast included)
Closest transport: Krakow Głowny train station is a 15-minute drive away

When it comes to the Hotel Wentzl, location is everything. This 16th-century townhouse is the only hotel on Market Square, meaning there are few accommodations that are more centrally located. Well, zero accommodations that are more central, to be exact, and a stay at Hotel Wentzl is a stay in the very heart of Krakow.

The beautiful old mansion (with a gorgeous 18th-century fresco of the Madonna and the Child above the doorway) houses 18 rooms, each individually designed but all united by cosy furnishings and beamed ceilings, with Persian rugs and stunning wood furnishings. Double rooms are available with views over the square, although the size of the rooms can be somewhat inconsistent. Still, a stay at the Wentzl isn’t complete without staying in one of the more plush rooms (go for the double luxe) for the full Hotel Wentzl experience. And if you really want to be in the thick of the action, book one of the rooms with a balcony overlooking the square.

The hotel's famous restaurant also serves excellent European fare and is decorated with paintings by local artists, but such a rudimentary description doesn’t do it justice. In the late 18th century, the restaurant was the pride and joy of the square, launched by a merchant and restaurateur of the same name. Those glory years gave way to darkness until the restaurant reopened in recent times, attracting everyone from celebrities and politicians to foodies and hungry locals. You’ll find fabulous takes on Polish classics, offering visitors a brilliant way to engage with traditional food in a truly authentic setting. Hotel Wentzl is just about as “Krakow” as a hotel gets, and it has the historical chops to back up its location and dates. The hotel also offers local tours to delve a little deeper into the city's history and culture.

Time Out tip: If location is the most important thing to you, don't consider any other hotels. It doesn't get any better than this.

Address: Rynek Główny 19, Old Town, 31-008, Kraków
Price: £134 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Plac Wszystkich Świętych tram stop