Planning your trip to Kraków, the historic jewel of Poland? Choosing the right place to stay can elevate your experience from good to absolutely unforgettable.
To help you decide, we've compiled a list of 10 top-tier accommodations—ranging from luxurious hotels to charming boutique apartments—each with its own unique flavor, along with the pros and cons.
1. Stary Hotel (Luxury/Old Town)
stary.hotel.com.pl/hotel-stary
Located right in the heart of the Old Town, Stary Hotel is synonymous with five-star luxury, history, and impeccable service. Housed in a beautifully restored historic tenement house.
Pros (+)
Unbeatable location near the Main Square.
Stunning interiors (often featuring original wooden beams and frescoes).
Excellent spa/pool facilities and a panoramic rooftop terrace.
Cons (-)
High price point.
Can be busy/noisy due to the central location.
Booking well in advance is essential.
2. PURO Kraków Kazimierz (Modern/Jewish Quarter)
purohotel.pl/pl/krakow/krakow-kazimierz/
A vibrant and contemporary hotel that perfectly captures the creative spirit of the Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter). It's known for its modern design and emphasis on technology.
Pros (+)
Chic, modern design and comfortable rooms.
Excellent on-site restaurant and coffee bar, features a cozy spa.
Close to Kazimierz's best pubs and galleries.
Cons (-)
Slightly further walk (about 15-20 mins) to the Main Market Square compared to Old Town hotels.
May feel less "traditional" Polish.
3. Hotel Indigo Kraków - Old Town (Boutique/Old Town Edge)
Part of the IHG group, this boutique hotel blends traditional Kraków charm with a modern, artistic touch. It sits just on the northern edge of the Old Town, offering easy access everywhere.
Pros (+)
Excellent value for a high-quality, centrally located hotel.
Beautiful art-themed decor and exceptional breakfast options.
Easy access to the train station and transportation hubs.
Cons (-)
Rooms can vary in size.
The location is near the main train station which can be less picturesque than other central areas.
4. B&B La Fontaine (Budget/Old Town)
A great option for travelers who want a simple, clean, and extremely central base without the high cost of a luxury hotel.
Pros (+)
Phenomenal location—less than a 5-minute walk from the Main Market Square.
Very budget-friendly.
Clean rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
Cons (-)
Basic amenities only.
Rooms can be small.
Noise from the street or common areas may sometimes be an issue.
5. Apartamenty Bracka 6 (Apartment Rental/Old Town)
These are professionally managed, high-end apartments located literally steps from the Main Square, offering the space and flexibility of an apartment with hotel-level service.
Pros (+)
Offers significantly more space than a standard hotel room (kitchenette, living area).
Ideal for families or longer stays.
The absolute best location for sightseeing.
Cons (-)
Less traditional hotel services (no 24/7 reception or room service).
Potential for noise from the busy square and surrounding bars.
6. The Sheraton (Luxury/Near Wawel)
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/krksi-sheraton-grand-krakow/
Situated in a restored historic granary near the Vistula River and Wawel Castle, offering a unique blend of industrial heritage and upscale comfort.
Pros (+)
Beautiful architectural design and spacious suites.
Quiet location close to the river and Wawel Hill.
Popular on-site restaurant.
Cons (-)
Slightly removed from the central Old Town bustle (though still an easy walk).
Higher nightly rates.
7. Hostel Atlantis (Budget/Backpacker)
A well-established and highly-rated hostel known for its social atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers and young groups.
Pros (+)
Very budget-friendly.
Excellent common areas (kitchen, lounge) for meeting people.
Great location near the Wawel Castle and tram lines.
Cons (-)
Shared facilities (dorms).
Potential for disruptive roommates.
Less privacy than a hotel.
8. Hotel Kossak (Mid-Range/Wawel & Vistula View)
Located on the banks of the Vistula River, many of its rooms offer breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Wawel Castle.
Pros (+)
Amazing views (worth paying extra for a river/castle view room!).
Modern, comfortable rooms.
Features a very popular rooftop bar/restaurant.
Cons (-)
The views can make it a popular spot for non-guests, which can lead to busy common areas (especially the rooftop).
A slightly longer walk to the northern part of the Old Town.
9. Aparthotel Mały Kraków (Mid-Range/Old Town Edge)
larishotels.com/maly-krakow-aparthotel
Combining the best of apartments and hotels, this spot offers small, self-catering studios just a short walk from the Old Town attractions.
Pros (+)
Kitchenette allows for self-catering, great for flexibility.
Good for couples or small families.
Clean and often great value for money close to the centre.
Cons (-)
No major luxury amenities like a pool or spa.
Located on a quieter street which can feel less central at night.
10. Hotel Unicus Palace (Luxury/Old Town)
A high-end, contemporary hotel located on Floriańska Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare leading directly to the Main Square.
Pros (+)
Supreme location for shopping and sightseeing.
Luxurious modern design.
Excellent service and usually features a lovely indoor pool/wellness area.
Cons (-)
Expensive.
The location on a major tourist street means it can be very busy and noisy right outside the door.
Whichever neighborhood or style of accommodation you choose, you'll be perfectly placed to explore this incredible city.
