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Something a little bit different, Alef is positively brimming with character, and chock-full of lively paintings and antique odds and ends. Alef lies in between the Old Town and Kazimierz, fi ve minutes’ walk from the Royal Castle. The building itself is new, but much of the interior conjures the spirit of pre-war Jewish Cracow. The striking stairwell has the feel of a hip, contemporary hotel. If you want to treat yourself, you could hire a double room with very cool Polish art-deco beds. All in all this is a refreshingly, unusual hotel, whose peculiar mixture of styles gel unexpectedly well.
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Another good value option, this time within a stone’s throw of the Main Market Square, Hotel Jan has a smart, uncluttered style, with creams and beiges predominating. It verges into ‘contemporary’ territory, yet with this being Cracow, you’ll fi nd some charming throwbacks to the olden days – including a splendid renaissance column that was unearthed during restoration. Rooms are elegantly appointed, and come with satellite TV and internet connection. Bathrooms are light and modern. Prices are reasonable and the location is great.
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Hotel Saski was one of Cracow’s swishest hotels during at fi n-de-siecle. It still boasts a charming wooden lift from the late 19th century, as well as some vibrant stained glass. The hotel is in good nick after recent renovation. Rooms are plainly decorated – you can opt for one with or without a bath. All in all, it provides excellent value. The large number of rooms makes it a good choice for groups, and the Metropolitan restaurant downstairs has a reputation as one of the best in town. Perfect location, a stone’s throw from the Market Square.
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nothing fancy, and is decorated in a plain yet attractive fashion, with creams and beiges setting the tone. There is a smattering of delightful restaurants on the same street. The hotel itself is located in an elegantly restored 19th-century building, but it doesn’t overdo it on the old-world charm.
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Not the kind of hotel for a gang of hip advertising execs, Wit Stwosz offers simple, reliable accommodation in the heart of the Old Town, in an unadventurous old-world style. The hotel is owned by the church (a powerful force in this country), so you would hardly expect achingly hip design. Still, good reports have fi ltered back about this good-value option. Set in an elegant 19th-century building, round the corner from the square, you’re perfectly placed to explore the city.
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