mattian

For our Krakow visit in July we are considering the following hotels:

1. Metropolitan Boutique Hotel (just opened this summer...great TA reviews)
2. Queen Boutique Hotel
3. Hotel Senacki
4. Hotel Wentzl (right on the main square...how important is that?)

Does anyone have a strong opinion about location? All seem to be in walking distance of major sites although the first two are closer to the Kazimierz district.

mattian

Sorry...I forgot to tag Poland where it is now posted.oops!

adrienne

I found being near the main square (Rynek Glowny) to be a wonderful location. It's great to see the activity in the evening and have a glass of wine or coffee in one of the cafes. I would much prefer the main square over Kazimierz.

adrienne

I would make sure the hotels you're looking at have air conditioning.

mattian

Adrienne...Yes all have air conditioning. I've read that the Kazimierz is the newer area for restaurants and cafes. Why do you prefer the main square? This is what I am curious about.

adrienne

<< Why do you prefer the main square? >>

There is lots of activity in the evening, people walking around, fiacres, fire dancers and other buskers, the flower market. It's a lively area and the Cloth Hall is beautifully lit up.

Leely2

I think out of your choices, I'd pick the Queen Boutique, but I prefer to be a little out of the hubbub.

We stayed in the Hotel Pugetow. It is outside the Planty by about a block on the way to Kazimierz. Wonderful hotel, great A/C, and we liked the location but I suppose it is a little less atmospheric than being right in the old town. Didn't feel crowded with tourists, though. I think Kaziemierz would be a good location too.

For what it is worth, I like to walk and I run regularly, so I think where you stay in Krakow is not that critical; it's easy to get around. The city felt very walkable (including Podgorze), and I enjoyed hoofing it. A few mornings I went for runs around the Planty and along the river.

http://www.donimirski.com/en/hotel-pugetow

BigRuss

We stayed at Hotel Wentzl. It's very good, fully modern except for one thing - it's a walkup. If you can survive without an elevator (and we did without real problem) the location cannot be surpassed. And the Hotel was not loud at night either, even though its RIGHT THERE on the square, all rooms face the square, and we were there for New Year's Eve.

Look: Kazimierz is a short tram ride from Rynek Glowny but the main square is the heart of the city and will be the center of action in Krakow. Plus it's closer to the main churches and museums and intracity transport.

In addition, the Szambelan shop is around the corner from the Wentzl (take a right and a right at the first street). Excellent stuff. Hopefully your shopkeeper won't be beaten down by Russian tourists before helping you.

rhkkmk

i'm staying at wenzel in may but the $267 price tag for room 35 is staggering...

Andrew

The Rynek Glowny is a beautiful square, very busy in the evening, lots of tourists, but still a fun place to stroll at any hour. I stayed at Krakow City Apartments a few blocks away and found it a convenient location, but I thought the apartment was a bit run-down (and perhaps no A/C, I don't remember - I stayed in September and didn't need it). I now prefer to avoid conventional hotels when traveling if I can help it; it seems easier to find apartments on the hotel booking websites in places like Poland than in western Europe.

Leely2

Hotel Grodek is a sister hotel to the Pugetow (where I stayed) and is more upscale/expensive in a amazingly quiet nook in the Old Town a couple blocks from Rynek Glowny. We went over for a drink one evening--quite nice. I remember someone here had stayed there several years ago and had recommended it. They were fully booked except for suites when I contacted them.

http://www.donimirski.com/en/hotel-grodek

I really liked Krakow. Have fun!

mattian

Uniting the 2 threads....

The Wentzl seems high on many people's lists. Yet I still find myself drawn to the newer Metropolitan Hotel although it's nearer the Kazimierz district. I guess I'm weighing the value of being in the middle of the action vs being on the outside in a quieter location between Rynek Glowny and Kazimierz and being in newer accommodations.

Thanks to all for your contributions!

WeisserTee

The Metropolitan looks really appealing, thanks for the head's up on that one. EasyJet starts direct flights to Krakow from Basel next year, so a friend and I are thinking of taking a long week-end there. The Metropolitan is now on our short list of hotels.

The Grodek also is appealing. I visited it some years ago when they were just opening (we were staying a couple of blocks away at the Batory, which cost us only $50 a night, inc breakfast, wonder what the price is there now).

Viajero2

http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-krakow This hotel was fantastic!