City Breaks in Krakow – the Hotels

Krakow in southern Poland is a remarkable city. With the good fortune to be spared the ravages of war over the centuries, Krakow has retained one of the best preserved historic centres in Europe as well as its status as a major cultural, intellectual and trading centre with much fine architecture.  Largely hidden from Western European eyes for many decades during the 20th century, it is tourism that has spearheaded the emergence of the city and its historic buildings and a host of excellent hotels have opened their doors in recent years making Krakow one of Europe’s premier city break destinations.

Following Poland’s entrance into the European Union in 2004, the latest impetus to Krakow’s growth as a city break destination has been the rapid increase in low cost airline services operating into Krakow. Direct flights now operate from all over the UK to the city’s own airport at Balice which is just a 20 minute drive or train from the centre. This has helped to make travel to the city more affordable and combined with a wide range of accommodation from very cheap but clean and comfortable two star hotels like the Daisy to the very best international standard five stars such as the Sheraton makes it a fabulous destination for short breaks on a budget and luxury weekend breaks alike.

Many people argue that the best located hotels for Krakow city breaks are those to be found within the Old Town Walls. Several of the hotels in this part of the city are within historic buildings lending them a real atmosphere, and prices are of course relatively high but convenience is guaranteed. The Stary, Classic and Rezydent are typical 3 stars in this area and the Amadeus, Francuski, Copernicus and Radisson come in at the upper end of the price range. Perhaps the best combination of location and value for money comes with the properties situated just outside the Old Town Wall.  There are a wide range from which to choose so why not take a look at a site such as www.CityHotelsDirect.co.uk which recommends hotels based on the personal experience of guests. Amongst the most popular of these hotels are the 2 star Royal Hotel, the 3 star Wyspianski, Ascot, Atrium and Monopol, the 4 star Andels and at the top of the tree the 5 star Sheraton and Holiday Inn City Centre.

A short walk of around 10 minutes from the centre of the Old Town (less from the Royal Castle) lies the historic former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz where many of the scenes from the famous film Schindler’s List were shot. This area of the city has been regenerated more recently than the Old Town and is now quite a trendy place to socialise and eat out in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurant. Hotels are generally slightly cheaper than around the Old Town, some of the most popular being the Kazimierz I and II, the Hotel Ester, and the Regent. 

For those without the time, patience or inclination to walk into the Old Town from Kazimierz, Krakow is blessed with an excellent, cheap and efficient public transport system, with tram routes linking all the major areas of the city via the ring of roads that surrounds the Old Town walls.  The trams are also useful for people who choose to stay just a little out of the centre where some superb value for money accommodation deals can be found. A good example is the Qubus Hotel, an excellent four star situated just across the River Wisla quite close to Kazimierz, and other popular hotels include the Chopin, Start and Ruczaj.

This combination of hotels to suit all needs is a major reason behind the continuing rise of Krakow as a   destination. What’s more, whilst there is plenty to occupy the average tourist without having to leave the city centre, many people choose Krakow because they want to combine a short break in a fascinating historic city with a visit to the notorious wartime camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau,  the world famous Salt Mines at Wieliczka, a pilgrimage to Cestochowa or a trip into the High Tatra mountains around Zakopane.  There’s no doubt that Krakow is now high on the list of favourite city break destinations but it remains relatively unspoilt – so go whilst you can still enjoy this delightful city at its best.