Every stride through Krakow unveils a relic of times gone by, and the city is more majestic today than it ever was. Nowhere is this charm reflected more than in the city’s eclectic hotels, which range from gorgeous boutique townhouses to renovated historic mansions. To help you choose, here are my favourite cool and unique hotels in Krakow, Poland…
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
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Best For Instagrammable Decor
Balthazar Design Hotel
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Balthazar Design Hotel




Bringing to light the charm of a New York boutique, the eclectic design of Balthazar Design Hotel is embellished with plush materials, a vivid color palette, and tasteful details, creating an atmosphere of chic luxury.
This beautifully restored tenement house from the 19th century lies at the foot of the Wawel Castle and boasts arty interiors furnished by the award-winning Conran & Partners studio. Beyond its 228 designer guestrooms, the hotel also boasts a lively lobby and a charming bakery.
The on-site restaurant ‘Fiorentina’ pays tribute to the highest quality of seasonal produce and offers a menu based on fresh, organic ingredients, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide in 2020.
Pros
Magnificent insta-worthy decor
Gorgeous courtyard
Cuisines prepared with organic ingredients
Relaxing wellness center
Cons
Pets aren't allowed
Shower pressure can be a little weak
Hotel Indigo




Teeming with curated spaces, modern comforts, and local vibes, Hotel Indigo invites you to the beating heart of Krakow and is located next to the Florian Gate.
The hotel is housed in a striking 19th-century building and features exquisite design work inspired by three Polish painters from different centuries. The property’s heritage has been subtly brought into the rooms and public spaces, which are equipped with hi-tech solutions to enhance comfort.
The on-site Filipa 18 restaurant offers an eclectic twist on traditional Polish cuisine, keeping things fresh with locally sourced, natural ingredients in a menu that changes with the seasons.
Pros
Quirky and modern design
Relaxing bar with delish drinks
Wellness center with sauna
Restaurant offering traditional Polish cuisine
Cons
Not pet friendly
No extra beds available
Hotel Estera




Hotel Estera refers to both the culture and tradition of the surrounding Jewish Quarter, as well as the fashionable, artistic style of 21st-century Krakow.
With 54 accommodations ranging from double rooms to spacious apartments, you can rejoice in elegance amid graceful comforts and tech-forward amenities. A unique feature of the hotel is the Fireplace Room, which offers a delightful atmosphere to kick back after an adventure-filled day.
Visitors can also enjoy the Esterante Restaurant, which serves Polish delicacies with elements of Jewish and fusion cuisine, as well as the Lobby Bar, which provides aromatic coffee at any time of the day.
Pros
Lively and hip decor
Beautiful fireplace room
Jewish and fusion cuisine
Relaxing lobby bar
Cons
No parking available
Breakfast is a bit limited
PURO Kraków




Blending local charm with creative vigour, PURO Kazimierz is designed to elevate your senses, from expert design to delicious gastronomic offerings.
The hotel is hidden from tourists’ eyes in a quaint neighbourhood overflowing with secret gardens, yet only fifteen minutes from the Vistula boulevards and the Old Town. The vibe is modern and minimalist, with a touch of retro, while bathed in natural light and furnished with quirky, traditional hues.
Many cozy nooks invite guests to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, including the restaurant, bar, and bakery, which all serve organic produce in an environment sprinkled with a classical flair.
Pros
Minimalistic retro vibe and great views
Onsite relaxing spa
Onsite restaurants with fresh cuisines
Re-energizing fitness center
Cons
Spa is available on limited days
Parking is extra
Hotel Stary



This 19th-century palace lies has been renovated with pure sensitivity, winning the prestigious Prix Villegiature prize for the ‘best interior hotel architecture in Europe’ upon opening.
The restored Gothic beams pay homage to the building’s roots, and an authentic character is retained, notably through original hardwood doors and traditional artwork. The on-site cellar spa has two mosaic-lined swimming pools carved out under the medieval vaulting, as well as a salt-iodine chamber and a steam room where you can breathe with aromatherapy.
Justifiably acclaimed as one of Kraków’s best dining experiences, The Trzy Rykbi restaurant invites guests to dine within Gothic window frames. At the same time, the newer wing of the building boasts another charming restaurant that serves a seasonal menu.
Pros
Trendy & gothic vibes
Rooftop bar overlooks old town
2 swimming pools with swim jet
Spa with sauna and steam bath
Cons
Parking is extra
Breakfast is not included
Aparthotel Stare Miasto



Nestled in the heart of Krakow’s historic district, Aparthotel Stare Miasto is embellished with soft wooden hues, which bring a boutique glamour to the spacious apartments.
Embellished by elegant brick walls, the traditional hues are offset by plush materials and subtle ambient lighting, inviting guests to revel in sophistication as they retreat to a blissful night of respite.
The property also offers an abundance of facilities, including fully equipped kitchenettes, LCD TVs, and refrigerators, meaning a stay here does not mean sacrificing home comforts.
A step outside the property puts you amid many charming restaurants and artisan cafés, while the Train Station and Galeria Krakowska Shopping Centre lie less than a mile away.
Pros
Centrally located in old town
Bright & rustic-chic apartments
Spacious apartments with luxe amenities
Cons
Pets are not allowed
No extra beds or cots are available
Vienna House



As you step through the grey exteriors of Vienna House, you will be met by a charming array of sleek lighting and bright colors emanating a modern urban feel.
A breath of comfort and luxury is brought to the guestrooms, which boast own-branded toiletries and cheerful décor. A rotating art exhibition on-site adds an air of eccentricity and attracts locals to the property. An impressive buffet of local sweet and savory produce is served for breakfast, while the light lunches and dinners showcase Polish and European flavors.
Spilling out onto the terrace is Oscar’s Bar, a vibrant hub that serves smoothies, snacks, and cocktails, complimenting a range of tasty dishes.
Pros
Rooms with panoramic views
Rejuvenating sauna and wellness center
Great location near the main square in Old Town
Delectable breakfast buffet
Cons
Parking is extra
No extra beds available
Limited restaurant menu
INX Design Hotel



Surrounded by cobbled streets, historic tenement houses, synagogues, and bountiful eateries, INX Design Hotel is a place where the charisma of the landmark district meets Art Deco glamour with a touch of eccentricity.
A distinctive dialogue between tradition and modernity is oozed from the quirky artwork, offering a secluded, refreshing haven for those who like to be graced with cultural panache.
The 118 guestrooms are full of vitality, replete with carefully selected décor, inspired paintings, and geometric furniture.
Your culinary expectations will be joyfully satisfied with fresh, top-quality dishes from the hotel’s menu. At the same time, the colorful interiors of the Negresco Bar invite you to sit back in a comfortable armchair and savor an informal yet luxurious atmosphere.
Pros
Vibrant & quirky decor
Fresh & flavorful hotel's menu
Cool relaxing bar
Onsite fitness center
Cons
Some rooms are small
Breakfast is not included
Not aimed at all ages
Art Suites Boutique Hôtel



Radiating a classic charm through designer furnishings and modern conveniences, Art Suites Boutique Hotel is the epitome of 21st-century elegance.
The luxury interiors were designed to add an opulent glow to your city break and exude both comfort and intimacy. Each apartment comes with an ergonomic workstation and a kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a microwave with a grill.
This is in addition to a spacious seating area, which is large enough for an entire family to relax. The hotel offers a comprehensive range of tours around the city and is idyllically situated a 10-minute walk away from the Jewish Quarter, with its numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Pros
Elegant lavish vibes
Luxury spacious apartments
Wellness center with relaxing massages
Delectable fresh breakfast
Cons
Pets are not allowed
Parking is extra
Kanonicza 22



Set in a historic townhouse at the foot of the Wawel Royal Castle, Kanonicza 22 will fill your city break with a unique, ambient vigor, inviting you to return to a place of sophisticated luxury after exploring the charming surroundings.
If you’re planning on soaking up the vibrant Old Town but you also appreciate a tranquil environment, this is certainly the choice for you.
Girdled by the architectural glamour of Kanonicza Street, you will have the opportunity to taste exquisite, seasonal dishes in the in-house ‘Pod Nosem’ restaurant. Recognized in the Michelin guide, this refined eatery sets new trends of native gastronomy while also catering to fine wine lovers with its quirky wine and spirits’ corner.
Pros
Elegant unique decor
Picturesque rooms with cityscape
Delicious cuisine at the restaurant
Quirky wine spot for wine-lovers
Cons
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Not pet friendly
Hotel Pod Różą



Here, we have Kraków’s oldest hotel, dating back to the 17th century. Having undergone a head-to-toe revamp, the hotel now houses 57 graceful rooms with frescoed walls and parquetry flooring yet maintains a nod to its origins through antique furniture.
Expertly blending the Renaissance Period with the 21st century, the guestrooms boast both beds set in curved wooden frames and modern bathrooms of stone and marble.
The fitness center offers a large window overlooking the Old Town, and the sauna provides a peaceful rejuvenation space for its visitors. The hotel features two restaurants.
One is an Italian gem with a cozy setting of old vaulted brick walls with hand-painted beams and serves exquisite Tuscan food. The other eatery offers a blend of Polish and International cuisine.
Pros
Upscale & vintage vibes
Gorgeous rooms with heated bathrooms
Onsite sauna and access wellness and spa centre
Two luxurious onsite restaurant
Cons
Paid parking
Breakfast is limited
The Loft All-Inclusive Hotel



Situated only 750 meters from the center of the old Jewish Quarter, The Loft has been fitted with smart technological solutions and offers an air of functionality through state-of-the-art amenities and spacious guestrooms.
The modern interiors go hand in hand with traditional Polish hospitality, creating a memorable experience for the discerning traveler.
The on-site restaurant serves the highest quality of exclusive Italian ingredients, offering a culinary feast to return to after exploring the heart of this historic metropolis. On the roof of the hotel, the highest jacuzzi in Krakow invites you to kick back and unwind while relishing stunning views of the city.
Pros
State-of-the-art boutique interior
Rooftop jacuzzi with stunning cityscape
Onsite spa and sauna
Exquisite authentic Italian cuisine
Cons
Children are not allowed
Not pet friendly
Hotel Betmanowska



The perfect place to lay your weary head, Hotel Betmanowska is known both for its romantic environment and its proximity to great restaurants and attractions.
This traditional townhouse was the winner of the ‘World Luxury Hotel Award’ in 2018, owing to its refined air of chic sophistication and its gracefully appointed furnishings.
For enhanced relaxation, you can benefit from a hot tub and a spacious lounge area to unwind after a day of sightseeing before returning to your amenity-laden room, where the comforts of home are an ever-present feature.
The hotel’s interiors are draped in a moody, elegant tone, with traditional brick walls complementing the modern in-room décor.
Pros
Industrial-chic romantic decor
Hydro-massage/spa showers in Baths
Relaxing spacious lounge
Appetizing breakfast
Cons
Not child friendly
Pets are not allowed
Q Hotel Plus


Located next to the Vistula River, Q Hotel is backdropped by the stunning Wawel Castle and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, offering the perfect setting for a first-time trip to Krakow.
The hotel boasts 154 elegant guestrooms outfitted with modern conveniences, with plush beds set atop quirky patterned carpets.
The modern Quality Restaurant is one of the hotel’s greatest assets, owing to the unique quality of its dishes, which are modified quarterly based on periodic trends and prepared under the supervision of award-winning chefs.
The combination of glass elements and bright colors make the social spaces come alive, radiating the city’s eclectic charm.
Pros
Close to main city sites
Restaurant serving various cuisines
Fun indoor play area
Revitalizing fitness center
Cons
Parking is extra
Breakfast is not included
H15 Hotel Francuski



Located just a few meters from the old city walls and the Barbican, H15 was the first building in Krakow established as a hotel, and in every corner of the property, you can relish an insight into the splendor of its history.
The stylish interiors transport you back to a bygone era, further perpetuated through carefully chosen antiques that represent different epochs in Krakow’s luminous history.
Thoughtful renovations have highlighted a spirit of Parisian chic, bringing to light the quirky sense of tradition that meets modernity. The 43 rooms and apartments boast a refined design, with the picturesque Pijarska Street framed by large windows and classic wallpapers exuding a Victorian feel.
Original pieces from the neoclassical period are dotted around the property, harmonizing with the modern accessories and décor.
Pros
Bright Parisian chic Decor
Stylish rooms with picturesque views
Delectable breakfast buffet
Complimentary fitness center
Cons
No onsite parking
Noisy rooms
The Bonerowski Palace



With origins dating back to the late 13th century, The Bonerowski Palace features views directly onto the famous market square. It has been imbued with a sense of elegance characteristic of a remarkable stately home. Every corner of this palace has been lovingly restored, resulting in a modern, stately style.
Many of the interiors, however play to the building’s heritage with heavy silk curtains, chandeliers that illuminate the grand spiral staircase, and extraordinary doorframes.
The guestrooms are adorned with wallpapers embellished by bold florals and high-quality wooden furniture. The ground-floor restaurant beautifully opens out onto the market square, and the cellar boasts an intimate café and a charming jazz club.
Pros
Elegant palatial decor
Wellness center with hammam and sauna
French and Polish cuisine
Delightful piano concert
Cons
Noisy corridors
A pricey option
Ekosamotnia


Housed in a former ceramic studio, Ekosamotnia has been family-run since the 19th century and, to this day, maintains its intimate, historic character.
A stylish and contemporary interior radiates into the six guestrooms, which boast matrimonial wide beds and beautiful bathrooms, while some also feature stunning terraces.
The entire cottage is permeated by total calm, and the surrounding garden is the only farm in Krakow with an ecological certificate. As a result, guests can enjoy fresh raspberries, a vineyard, and fruit from the orchard. The restaurant’s cuisine is based on its organic products, which grow around the property’s various walking paths, ponds, bridges, and wildlife habitats.
Pros
Unique & calming interior and charming garden
Beautiful orchard with fresh fruits
Food made with organic ingredients
Cons
Not children friendly
Quiet vibe might not suit everyone
Warszauer Hotel



Life and vitality coexist in perfect harmony in this modern masterpiecBornrne from a passion for travel and creative energy, Warszauer Hotel exudes both minimalism and functionality through an eclectic interior design, sharing a nod to the traditions that have shaped Krakow.
A unique aesthetic experience suffuses the small number of guestrooms, which offer an intimate space to seek respite from the bustling metropolis. Some rooms boast spacious terraces, which allow guests to soak up the charm of the Kazimierz district.
Here, the strength lies in the details, and from custom furniture to contemporary local artwork, the colors and textures of the Warszauer are expertly preserved.
Pros
Upscale boutique vibe with family rooms and cots
Relaxing sunny terrace
Scrumptious A la carte breakfast
Complimentary freshly baked cakes
Cons
No parking available
No extra beds available
Avena Boutique Hotel



This sleek, design-led property greets you with a homemade arrival drink, beginning your epic city break with a graceful toast.
This charming welcome is sustained throughout your stay through a bespoke personalized service catering to your every need. As you wander through the property, you will be graced by relics of Krakow traditions and folklore, but with a modern twist.
Wood, glass, and elements of metal ornate the guestrooms, along with the selected colors and patterns referencing the origins of the Nowy Kleparz Market. Unique and intimate yet eternally classy, the Avena Boutique Hotel is housed in a stunning townhouse, putting the Old Town within arm’s reach.
Pros
Sleek & classy decor
Spacious well-appointed rooms
Continental or buffet breakfast
Sauna & Massage Center
Cons
Not pet friendly
No availability of extra beds
Hotel H12****



Nestled in the heart of the city, the pet-friendly Hotel H12 was created with comfort and well-being in mind and is brimming with modern, luxurious, and friendly interiors.
Here, a passion for hospitality has translated into a graceful service, blending the best of boutique living with the comforts of home. The stylishly decorated guestrooms exude an air of functionality and harness space and productivity through bespoke furnishings topped with plush materials.
Guests can take advantage of complimentary snacks, tea, and coffee upon arrival and throughout their stay, setting the tone for a refreshing welcome.
Before retreating to your cozy sanctuary, you can stroll through the surrounding streets, which lead to the main Market Square, and pay a visit to the many important monuments that ornate the beautiful Old Town.
Pros
Uber-chic modern interior with reasonable room rates
Breakfast with vegetarian & gluten-free options
Cool onsite bar
Revitalizing fitness center
Cons
Unavailability of extra beds
Parking is a bit far
Comparison of Best Hotels in Krakow
In the table below, we have compared the top 20 cool and unique hotels in Krakow. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
Balthazar Design Hotel ul.Grodzka 63 $275-$367 No 0.65 3
Hotel Indigo Krakow Filipa 18 $205-$445 No 0.65 3
Hotel Estera Ul. Estery 6 $138-$284 No 1.1 3
PURO Kraków Kazimierz ul. Halicka 14a $326-$399 No 1.1 3
Hotel Stary ul. Szczepańska 5 $247-$656 No 0.35 3
Aparthotel Stare Miasto Gołębia 2 $111-$339 No 0.55 3
Vienna House by Wyndham Andels Cracow ul. Pawia 3 $242-$307 No 0.7 3
INX Design Hotel ul. Starowiślna 91 $135-$239 No 1.1 3
Art Suites Boutique Hôtel Mieszczańska 10 $133-$689 No 1.6 3
Kanonicza 22 Kanonicza 22 $414-$501 No 0.65 3
Hotel Pod Różą ul. Floriańska 14 $212-$698 No 0.25 3
The Loft All ul. Dietla 113 $167-$203 No 0.8 3
Hotel Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only Rynek Główny 44 $181-$307 No 0.35 3
Q Hotel Plus Kraków ul. Wygrana 6 $174-$232 No 1.6 3
H15 Hotel Francuski Pijarska 13 $184-$218 Yes 0.3 3
The Bonerowski Palace Rynek Główny 42/Św. Jana 1 $699-$890 No 0.35 3
Ekosamotnia ul. Żywiczna 10 $115-$179 No 4.1 3
Warszauer Hotel 10 Warszauera $169-$314 No 1.1 3
Avena Boutique Hotel by Artery Hotels ul. Długa 80 $124-$196 No 0.9 3
Hotel H12**** Świętego Tomasza 32 $190-$259 Yes 0.4 3
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Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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