Eva Adorisio

There’s a reason why Krakow is Poland’s most visited destination – and one of the most visited in central Europe, too. From the atmospheric architecture of the Old Town to the historic properties of the Jewish district of Kazimierz, the city practically oozes grandeur and intrigue. And Krakow’s accommodation is more than up to the task of matching the city’s history and culture, covering all budgets across everything from hostels and hotels to guesthouses. Read on for our picks for the Krakow’s best hotels.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We may not have reviewed every hotel featured below, but any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Krakow🌍 Our ultimate guide to Europe

From the outside, Stradom House’s facade blends in seemlessly with Krakow’s Renaissance-style architecture – but its interiors are far from traditional. Minimalist stone walls, curved ceilings and muted tones lead through to a cosy and inviting lobby – hints of art deco are sprinkled throughout the hotel and vintage furniture pays homage to Polish heritage. It may even feel like a boutique hotel, but with 125 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, six working spaces, and a gym and spa, you soon realise this hotel is bigger than it feels. Built on the site of a former covent, one of its most special features is the cocktail bar, inside the old chapel space, with huge, sloping curved walls  Why stay at Stradom House? The building’s history is enough to make you want to visit. A former 14th century church and monastery, elements of the past seep seamlessly into the hotel. You can sip a cocktail under the grand ceiling of the original church, or drink wine surrounded by exposed brickwork from the old medieval monastery. But somehow, despite its heritage, Stradom House still manages to feel fresh and modern, with curved stone ceilings and over 70 contemporary artworks by Polish and international artists including Wilhelm Sasnal, Jonas Wood and Katherine Bradford. If that doesn’t convince you, the spa will. Designed by cosmetics legend Alexandra Soveral, and featuring her exclusive treatments and custom-made warm oak toiletries, Sól Spa offers pure indulgence. The hotel is also Green Key c

You’d have no idea that Krakow’s Royal Brewery once stood here; the only surviving fragment being a water gauge on one of the exterior walls. Having undergone complete renovation, the Sheraton Grand Krakow has occupied this prime riverside spot for the last 20 years providing a haven for both business and leisure. Initially, the modern glass front and large atrium overlooked by the 230 rooms may seem rather imposing, but once you step inside, the vibes are strictly tranquil. With two restaurants, a sports bar, an exclusive club lounge and a gym and spa, it would be easy to spend the whole day exploring this vast hotel. Why stay at Sheraton Grand Kraków? Nothing can beat the views from the rooftop! Watching boats pass along the Vistula River with Wawel Castle towering above is a sight that few get to witness, and serves as a gentle reminder of just how central the hotel is. My favourite area was the club lounge, a quiet corner overlooking the atrium – perfect for people-watching and working. The atrium itself feels more like a courtyard; a naturally-lit glass roof and hanging (fake) plants bring the outside in, and the original paintings and small rotating art gallery add flavour to the building. I also really enjoyed the free weekly workshop; mine was a 30-minute cocktail making course. What are the rooms like at Sheraton Grand Kraków? While all decorated with the same muted style, there are a variety of room options from the smaller standard rooms offering ‘city views’, prem

More than just a boutique hotel, Rubinstein – in the Kazimierz district in Krakow – pays homage to the Jewish neighbourhood that surrounds it. The country’s oldest synagogue sits across the street, antique furniture hints to the 19th century and the name honors local cosmetics entrepreneur, Helena Rubinstein. While modern features have naturally snuck their way in – artwork painted by the owner, the sky bar overlooking the city and the sophisticated downstairs restaurant, you still feel overwhelmingly that you are living and breathing Kazimierz past. Why stay at Rubinstein Hotel? If you prefer old-fashioned interiors with a touch of modern, then Rubinstein is the place to go. A 15th century townhouse turned hotel, the building has been renovated to show off its original elements. Genuine wall paintings, timber beams and a rediscovered 15th century column transport you through time. Staying here felt as educational as it did relaxing, with framed newspaper articles and portraits of Helena Rubinstein lining the walls. Being on Szeroka Street where Schindler’s List was filmed, I felt truly immersed in Krakow’s history which tied in well with many of the WW2-focused attractions I visited.  What are the rooms like at Rubinstein Hotel? My exclusive suite, like the rest of the hotel, featured original foundations of the building with exposed brickwork archways and a timber beam ceiling. A big white bed stood in the centre of the room and the warm wall lighting created a cosy atmosph