Table of Contents
- The hotels at a glance
- Hotel Stary
- Hotel Copernicus
- H15 Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Krakow
- Hotel Gródek
- Hotel Pod Różą
- Grand Hotel
- Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem
- H15 Hotel Francuski
- Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton
- The Bonerowski Palace Boutique Hotel
- Balthazar Design Hotel
- Unicus Palace Old Town
- Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town
- Choosing your room and arrival plan
- Frequently asked questions
For five-star hotels in Krakow Old Town, start with Hotel Stary for a pool stay near the Main Market Square, Hotel Saski for connecting rooms for four, or Bonerowski Palace for a specifically named square-view balcony suite. The 13 hotels below lie inside the historic core on the city side of the Planty and former walls, including the Grodzka and Kanonicza approach to Wawel; the wider administrative Stare Miasto district extends beyond this area.
The hotels at a glance
| Hotel & neighbourhood | Best for | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel StarySzczepańska | Stary brings together a location near the square and a pool you can use between sightseeing and dinner. | Most rooms look towards the glass patio or Szczepańska, rather than the square. |
| Hotel CopernicusKanonicza | For a stay on Kanonicza with Wawel outside the window, look at Copernicus suite 301. | There are no connecting rooms or adapted rooms. |
| H15 Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, KrakowŚw. Jana | At H15 Palace, the Junior Suite gives two people 47 m² and a lounge area, with a pool elsewhere in the hotel. | A larger suite does not automatically accommodate more people: the Royal Suite is listed for two. |
| Hotel GródekNa Gródku | With 22 rooms and a library bar, Gródek is a small-hotel option on the eastern side of the historic core. | The room offer includes both baths and showers; specify your preference when arranging the room. |
| Hotel Pod RóżąFloriańska | Pod Różą combines a Floriańska address with sauna-focused wellness and several family room layouts. | The cold-water basins are for cooling after the sauna, not swimming. |
| Grand HotelSławkowska | Grand puts the emphasis on historic interiors, with baths in each of the room categories below. | Sauna use needs planning with reception. |
| Hotel Polski Pod Białym OrłemPijarska | Traditional room décor and a Pijarska address make Polski Pod Białym Orłem a good fit for a heritage stay near the old city's northern edge. | Double and twin arrangements should be confirmed with reception. |
| H15 Hotel FrancuskiPijarska | Francuski combines a Pijarska address with a brasserie and a generously sized double room. | Parking is off site and a space is not guaranteed. |
| Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by HiltonSławkowska | Saski provides one of the clearest family arrangements here: a named connecting category sleeping four, with two bathrooms. | Childcare is not provided. |
| The Bonerowski Palace Boutique HotelŚw. Jana, by the square | For a balcony overlooking the Main Market Square, Bonerowski has a category that names exactly that feature. | For a kitchenette, select suite 401 rather than relying on the general suite name. |
| Balthazar Design HotelGrodzka | Balthazar suits a couple who want a design-focused room on Grodzka, near the Wawel end of the historic core. | A Wawel view is not included in every Deluxe room. |
| Unicus Palace Old TownSławkowska | The current Unicus Palace is on Sławkowska, with roomy doubles and twins and a sauna. | Parking spaces are not guaranteed; unload before moving the car. |
| Wyndham Grand Krakow Old TownFloriańska | Wyndham Grand combines a Floriańska address with an indoor pool and a named suite for four. | Premium uses a queen bed; choose a different arrangement if you need separate beds. |
Hotel Stary
Szczepańska
Best for Stary brings together a location near the square and a pool you can use between sightseeing and dinner.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Szczepańska 5
- Room to book
- Double Standard
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Double Standardhas a 180 cm bed and a marble bathroom with either a shower or bath.
- Twinprovides 30 m² and two beds that cannot be joined.
- Luxury Suiteadds a separate living room, 75–90 m² of space, and both a bath and shower.
Hotel facilities & services
- WellnessPool and wellness access included for hotel guests. Guest wellness access includes the pool, gym, sauna, steam room and salt-iodine cave. Wellness closes at 21:00 and can be used after checkout.
- Restaurants and Sky BarThere are two restaurants, 3 Rybki and Rybki Nove, plus a summer Sky Bar.
- Guarded parkingGuarded parking is about a kilometre away; staff can take and return the car on request.
Why choose it
- A late departure can still include time in the wellness area after leaving your room.
- The Luxury Suite separates relaxing space from the bedroom.
What to consider
- Most rooms look towards the glass patio or Szczepańska, rather than the square.
- The Sky Bar is seasonal, and breakfast is not served on its terrace.
The Double Standard makes sense for a couple who plan to spend much of the day out. Move to the Luxury Suite if you want a separate room for reading or relaxing together; the core wellness facilities are included with either choice.
Hotel Copernicus
Kanonicza
Best for For a stay on Kanonicza with Wawel outside the window, look at Copernicus suite 301.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Kanonicza 16
- Room to book
- View Suite
- Room features
- Five stars
- Accessibility
- There are no connecting rooms or adapted rooms.
Room options
- View SuiteThe top-floor View Suites measure 47 m² and have marble bathrooms with baths. Suite 301 faces Wawel, while 307 faces St Andrew's and St Peter and Paul; request the particular suite through reception.
- Double Room30 m², with a double bed or twins on request, a bath or shower, and patio-facing or roof windows.
Hotel facilities & services
- Pool and dry saunaThe pool and dry sauna are open 09:00–21:00. Treatments are separate from complimentary guest spa access.
- Restaurant and roof terraceThe restaurant serves breakfast on weekdays until 10:30 and at weekends until 11:00; the roof terrace opens May–October.
Why choose it
- Suite 301 gives a precise option for a Wawel outlook.
- A pool and seasonal roof terrace offer two different ways to spend time at the hotel.
What to consider
- There are no connecting rooms or adapted rooms.
- Private cars can reach the door only from 20:00 to 09:30; taxis can reach it around the clock.
For a daytime arrival by private car, the designated stopping point is about 50 metres away at Podzamcze/Kanonicza, with paid guarded parking arranged separately. That distinction makes a taxi transfer more straightforward if doorstep arrival matters.
H15 Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Krakow
Św. Jana
Best for At H15 Palace, the Junior Suite gives two people 47 m² and a lounge area, with a pool elsewhere in the hotel.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Św. Jana 15
- Room to book
- Junior Suite
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Junior Suite47 m², one king bed and a lounge area for two guests. Freestanding baths are available only in selected rooms.
- Classic Room26 m² for two, with one bed and a sofa or armchairs.
- Royal Suite70 m², also for two guests, adding separate bedroom, living and dining spaces and two bathrooms.
Hotel facilities & services
- WellnessThe wellness area includes a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness centre, all complimentary for guests. Under-16s can use it between 07:00 and 19:00.
- Dining optionsDining options include Artesse, The Hours bistro and Curiosities Lounge.
- Valet parkingValet parking is off site and costs PLN 180 per day; doorstep vehicle access is for unloading and check-in.
Why choose it
- The Junior Suite gives two people room to sit and relax beyond the bed.
- Several dining settings and the pool make spending an evening at the hotel appealing.
What to consider
- A larger suite does not automatically accommodate more people: the Royal Suite is listed for two.
- Families need to fit wellness visits within the under-16 hours.
For a couple staying several nights, Junior provides room to sit together after a day out. Royal adds separate dining space and a second bathroom, with the same two-person capacity. H15 Francuski, covered below, is a different hotel.
Hotel Gródek
Na Gródku
Best for With 22 rooms and a library bar, Gródek is a small-hotel option on the eastern side of the historic core.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Na Gródku 4
- Room to book
- Deluxe Double
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Deluxe Double30 m² for two, a double bed or two singles, an anteroom, and a bathroom with a shower or bath.
- Standard DoubleAccommodates two with double or twin beds.
- ApartmentSeparates a double bedroom from the living room and has a fold-out sofa that can serve as an extra bed.
Hotel facilities & services
- Restauracja GródekRestauracja Gródek serves Polish and Slavic dishes, with patio and terrace dining in summer.
- Library bar and saunaThe hotel also has a library bar and sauna.
Why choose it
- The Deluxe's anteroom adds a little separation within a room for two.
- The library bar offers an indoor alternative to the seasonal terrace.
What to consider
- The room offer includes both baths and showers; specify your preference when arranging the room.
- Outdoor dining is a summer feature.
A Deluxe works well for two people sharing one main room. The Apartment is more useful when one person wants to rest in the bedroom while the other uses the living area.
Hotel Pod Różą
Floriańska
Best for Pod Różą combines a Floriańska address with sauna-focused wellness and several family room layouts.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Floriańska 14
- Room to book
- Double Room
- Room features
- Five stars; no swimming pool.
Room options
- Double Room25 m², a 160 cm bed and a marble shower room, facing either the street or inner patio.
- Family Room37–39 m², a 160 cm double and a 120 cm single bed, plus both a bath and shower; its windows face a corridor.
- Family Luxury Suite60–80 m², separate bedroom and living room with a fold-out sofa, and a bathroom with both bath and shower.
Hotel facilities & services
- WellnessComplimentary wellness facilities, open 09:00–21:00, include Finnish and steam saunas, horizontal and Vichy showers, heated stones and cardio equipment. Hammam, massages and Sodashi treatments cost extra.
- Restaurant and breakfastThe restaurant offers children's dishes and selected dietary adaptations with advance notice; breakfast combines buffet and à la carte service.
- Partner parking and valetNearby partner parking and valet service replace on-site hotel parking.
Why choose it
- The Family Luxury Suite provides separate living space.
- The wellness facilities suit a sauna-focused break between walks around the centre.
What to consider
- The cold-water basins are for cooling after the sauna, not swimming.
- The Family Room's corridor-facing windows differ from the street or patio outlook of the Double.
For two people who need one bedroom, start with the Double. The Family Luxury Suite adds a separate living room for evenings in.
Grand Hotel
Sławkowska
Best for Grand puts the emphasis on historic interiors, with baths in each of the room categories below.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Sławkowska 5/7
- Room to book
- Deluxe Room
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Deluxe RoomCombines a sofa and armchairs with a bathroom containing a bath.
- Classic RoomLooks towards Old Town streets or the historic courtyard and also has a bath.
- Palace SuiteApproximately 100 m², antique panelling, a marble fireplace, seating and a bath.
Hotel facilities & services
- WellnessThe wellness area includes a Finnish sauna, Japanese ganbanyoku heated stone plates and a fitness room. Book sauna sessions through reception; personal coaching is available on special request.
- Grand Signature Resto and CafeGrand Signature Resto and Cafe provides restaurant, café and bar settings.
Why choose it
- The Deluxe offers seating beyond the bed without moving up to the Palace Suite.
- The Palace Suite's panelling and fireplace make the interior itself a reason to stay.
What to consider
- Sauna use needs planning with reception.
- Classic rooms have different outlooks, including the courtyard.
There is no need to book a suite simply to have somewhere to sit together: the Deluxe has a sofa and armchairs. The Palace Suite is for a stay where antique panelling, a fireplace and more space are part of the occasion.
Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem
Pijarska
Best for Traditional room décor and a Pijarska address make Polski Pod Białym Orłem a good fit for a heritage stay near the old city's northern edge.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Pijarska 17
- Room to book
- Superior Double
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Superior DoubleAccommodates two with a double bed or twins, an anteroom and a bath.
- Standard DoubleSleeps two, but has either a shower or bath.
- DeluxeSeparates a double bedroom from a living area with a fold-out sofa.
- Princely SuiteFirst-floor suite adds two lounges and two bathrooms, with views over Pijarska and Floriańska.
Hotel facilities & services
- Pijarska 17 restaurantPijarska 17 restaurant serves Polish dishes and wines.
- Room facilities and decorationRooms include tea and coffee facilities, and individual decoration draws on the hotel's art and heritage setting.
Why choose it
- Superior is a clear choice when you want a bath in a room for two.
- The Princely Suite gives more than one place to sit and two bathrooms.
What to consider
- Double and twin arrangements should be confirmed with reception.
- Standard rooms do not all have baths.
If your days will be spent sightseeing, Superior keeps the useful bath and anteroom in a room for two. The Princely Suite suits a stay with more time indoors, especially when separate sitting areas would be welcome.
H15 Hotel Francuski
Pijarska
Best for Francuski combines a Pijarska address with a brasserie and a generously sized double room.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Pijarska 13
- Room to book
- Deluxe Double
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Deluxe Double35 m² for two guests, one bed, and sleeping and living zones.
- Comfort with two single bedsA twin arrangement for two.
- Apartaments45 m² with a separate living room containing a sofa and armchairs.
Hotel facilities & services
- Brasserie L'OlympiqueBrasserie L'Olympique serves breakfast dishes including house-baked bread, brioche and omelettes.
- Parking serviceDrivers can unload at Pijarska 13 before moving the car; porter assistance and parking service cost PLN 120 per day, with limited spaces.
Why choose it
- The Deluxe's two zones give a couple more room to spread out.
- The brasserie offers a convenient breakfast setting at the hotel.
What to consider
- Parking is off site and a space is not guaranteed.
- Francuski and H15 Palace are separate properties; choose between their own room and facility offers.
Francuski's Deluxe suits a couple who want space for coffee or reading in the room. Apartaments adds a separate living room; Comfort is the option for two travellers who each want a single bed.
Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sławkowska
Best for Saski provides one of the clearest family arrangements here: a named connecting category sleeping four, with two bathrooms.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Sławkowska 3
- Room to book
- King Courtyard Room
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- King Courtyard Room20–30 m², a king bed and space for two, looking towards the courtyard or green copper rooftops.
- King Old Town RoomSleeps two and offers a city view.
- King–King Beds Family Connecting RoomTwo rooms, each with a king bed and bathroom, across 48–62 m². For four; book through the Confirmed Connecting Rooms offer, subject to availability.
- King Accessible Courtyard RoomSpecifically provides a roll-in shower and wheelchair clearance.
Hotel facilities & services
- Indoor pool, fitness and spaThe indoor pool is included in the stay; the hotel also has a fitness centre and spa.
- Breakfast and diningBuffet breakfast is available for a fee, alongside a restaurant and room service.
- Family servicesCots and a children's menu are available. Childcare is not provided.
- Valet parkingValet parking costs PLN 180; self-parking is unavailable.
Why choose it
- Connecting rooms give a party of four two proper bedrooms and two bathrooms.
- The pool adds an activity within the hotel.
What to consider
- Childcare is not provided.
- The accessible features described belong to the named room category.
The connecting arrangement gives a family two rooms while keeping an internal door between them. Couples can focus on the outlook instead: courtyard and rooftops, or an Old Town city view.
The Bonerowski Palace Boutique Hotel
Św. Jana, by the square
Best for For a balcony overlooking the Main Market Square, Bonerowski has a category that names exactly that feature.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Św. Jana 1
- Room to book
- Luxury Suite with a View of the Main Market Square with a Balcony
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Luxury Suite with a View of the Main Market Square with a Balcony112 m², maximum occupancy of three, separate bedroom and living space. Its outlook includes the square, St Mary's and the Cloth Hall, with a bath in the bathroom.
- Studio Deluxe24–34 m² for up to two, faces St John Street and has a shower.
- Luxury Suite — 401Within the separate Luxury Suite category, unit 401 includes a full-sized kitchenette.
- Luxury Suite — 501Top-floor unit 501 has a bedroom bath and a separate shower bathroom.
Hotel facilities & services
- Restaurant and St John's Cocktail ClubThe hotel has a restaurant and St John's Cocktail Club.
- Arrival and parkingCar access is brief; a porter can take the vehicle to nearby parking, approximately PLN 150 per day.
Why choose it
- The balcony suite makes the square view part of the room choice.
- Suite 401 provides a specific kitchenette option for travellers who want one.
What to consider
- For a kitchenette, select suite 401 rather than relying on the general suite name.
- The Studio's St John Street outlook differs from the balcony suite's square view.
The balcony suite suits a trip centred on the square, with space to enjoy the outlook from your own room. If preparing something to eat matters more, suite 401 is the specific kitchenette option to consider.
Balthazar Design Hotel
Grodzka
Best for Balthazar suits a couple who want a design-focused room on Grodzka, near the Wawel end of the historic core.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Grodzka 63
- Room to book
- Deluxe Double
- Room features
- Five stars
- Booking conditions
- Check-in is at 15:00 and checkout at 12:00. Pets are not accepted.
Room options
- Deluxe Double20–25 m² for up to two, on the first or second floor, with a 180 × 200 cm bed and shower. Views vary between Wawel, Grodzka and the Fiorentina patio. Only two Deluxe rooms can convert to twin beds, on request.
- Classic Double18 m² on the third floor; its double bed cannot split.
- Royal Suite50 m², accommodates up to four across two connected rooms with two bathrooms and a Grodzka outlook.
Hotel facilities & services
- Fiorentina and breakfast offersFiorentina is the hotel's restaurant. Room-only and breakfast offers are available, so the meal arrangement depends on the rate selected.
- Room facilities and laundryRooms have coffee and tea facilities; laundry service is available.
Why choose it
- Deluxe gives a couple more floor space than Classic.
- The Royal Suite's second bathroom is useful when sharing with more people.
What to consider
- A Wawel view is not included in every Deluxe room.
- Twin-bed availability is limited to two convertible Deluxe rooms.
For a couple sharing one bed, Classic keeps the room compact while Deluxe adds floor space. Confirm a convertible Deluxe before booking if you need twins.
Unicus Palace Old Town
Sławkowska
Best for The current Unicus Palace is on Sławkowska, with roomy doubles and twins and a sauna.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Sławkowska 13/15
- Room to book
- Superior Room
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Superior Room30–36 m² for two, with one bed, a shower, desk and armchair.
- Standard Twin Room30–36 m² for two guests with two beds.
- Suite Room45 m², with seating and work areas.
Hotel facilities & services
- Sauna relaxation areaThe hotel has a sauna relaxation area.
- Breakfast and gluten-free mealsThe hotel serves breakfast. Certified gluten-free meals prepared off site can be supplied in jars with at least three days' notice, to eat in the restaurant or take away.
- Parking and arrivalParking is about 300 metres away, costs PLN 120 per day and has limited spaces. Drivers are directed to Św. Marka 13 for navigation, with the entrance on Sławkowska.
Why choose it
- The twin category provides two beds without reducing the published room-size range.
- The advance-order gluten-free meal option may help travellers planning meals carefully.
What to consider
- Parking spaces are not guaranteed; unload before moving the car.
- The externally prepared gluten-free meals require at least three days' notice.
The Superior and Standard Twin offer the same published size range, so the bed arrangement is the useful deciding factor for two people. Match the Sławkowska address when comparing reservations; Wyndham Grand on Floriańska is a separate hotel.
Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town
Floriańska
Best for Wyndham Grand combines a Floriańska address with an indoor pool and a named suite for four.
At a glance
- Arrival
- Floriańska 28
- Room to book
- Premium
- Room features
- Five stars
Room options
- Premium25–33 m² for two, a queen bed and a shower.
- Deluxe Suite50 m², accommodates four and has two rooms with two beds. Select the full Deluxe Suite name when comparing offers.
Hotel facilities & services
- Water facilitiesThe water facilities include an indoor pool, jacuzzi and salt grotto.
- Saunas and exercise roomThere are also dry and steam saunas and an exercise room.
- Restaurants and breakfastTrattoria Degusti serves Italian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan choices, with an upper terrace for warm evenings. Unique Taste hosts the breakfast buffet.
Why choose it
- The Deluxe Suite offers a defined four-person option within the historic core.
- Pool facilities and on-site dining give you reasons to return between outings.
What to consider
- Premium uses a queen bed; choose a different arrangement if you need separate beds.
- The dining terrace is a warm-weather option.
Premium works for a couple sharing a queen bed. For four travellers, the Deluxe Suite offers two rooms; Saski's connecting category is the alternative when two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms are priorities.
Choosing your room and arrival plan
For a pool stay, start with Stary, Copernicus, H15 Palace, Saski or Wyndham Grand. Pod Różą's sauna facilities are a different proposition: its cooling basins are not a swimming pool. H15 Palace's under-16 wellness hours also matter if an evening swim is part of a family trip.
For four people, Saski's connecting rooms offer the clearest separation into two bedrooms and bathrooms. Wyndham's Deluxe Suite and Balthazar's Royal Suite are also listed for four, with different layouts. A suite's floor area alone does not tell you whether it is suitable for your party: H15 Palace's 70 m² Royal Suite is for two.
For a particular view, book the category or unit that delivers it. Bonerowski's balcony suite overlooks the Main Market Square; Copernicus suite 301 faces Wawel. A central address alone does not promise either outlook.
If driving, arrange the hotel's unloading instructions and off-site parking before arrival. Several properties allow a brief stop at the door, while Copernicus distinguishes restricted private-car access from round-the-clock taxi access. Compare breakfast and cancellation conditions alongside the room category when choosing your rate.
Frequently asked questions
Does Old Town mean the whole Stare Miasto district?
No. This guide uses the historic core within the Planty and former city walls, including the inner Grodzka and Kanonicza approach to Wawel. The administrative district is wider; a hotel can be in Stare Miasto without being inside this smaller area.
Which five-star Old Town hotel suits a family of four?
Hotel Saski's King–King Beds Family Connecting Room sleeps four in two connecting rooms with two bathrooms. Wyndham Grand's Deluxe Suite and Balthazar's Royal Suite also accommodate four, but have different room layouts.
Which hotels have a swimming pool?
Stary, Copernicus, H15 Palace, Saski and Wyndham Grand have pools. Pod Różą has wellness facilities and cooling basins, but no swimming pool.
Where should I book for a balcony facing the Main Market Square?
Choose Bonerowski Palace's Luxury Suite with a View of the Main Market Square with a Balcony. Its 112 m² layout includes separate bedroom and living space; other room categories have different outlooks and facilities.
Are Unicus Palace and Wyndham Grand the same hotel?
They are separate current properties: Unicus Palace is at Sławkowska 13/15, and Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town is at Floriańska 28. Match the address as well as the hotel name when comparing a reservation.
Is breakfast included in every five-star hotel rate?
No. Breakfast service does not mean every offer includes it. Balthazar advertises both room-only and breakfast offers, while Saski lists buffet breakfast for a fee; compare the meal plan attached to your chosen room and rate.
