Holiday Inn Krakow City Center

The Holiday Inn Krakow is composed of three buildings: two modern glass annexes and a central building originally constructed in the 19th century as a nobleman’s home. The cream-colored central building offers that quintessential Krakow Old-World charm with elegant window molding, top dormer windows, and sconce lanterns. The lobby features tasteful contemporary decor with neutral cream-colored walls, white tiles, and dark wood furniture. Black leather couches and armchairs, chandelier lights, and central tables accented in red add a slightly chic feel. Hallways feature similarly neutral decor, with sconce lighting, beige carpeting, and cream-colored walls. Throughout, the decor is somewhat generic, as one might expect of a chain hotel, but it also maintains a classy feel. The hotel’s proximity to Krakow’s main sights as well as to business centers makes it ideal for both tourists and corporate guests. Families stay here too, as kids eat free.

One of The Holiday Inn Krakow’s best assets is its location in the heart of Krakow. The hotel sits on a small street full of 19th century buildings, just a minute’s walk from the chain of gardens that encircles the city’s historic center and a five-minute walk from Main Market Square. It’s in easy walking distance to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and sights -- including the Jewish Quarter, Wawel Royal Castle, and the Krakow Glowny train hub. Underground parking is available at the hotel, but it costs an extra fee.

• Five-minute walk to Rynek Glówny (Main Market Square) and St. Mary’s Basilica
• 15-minute walk to Jewish Quarter
• 15-minute walk to Wawel Royal Castle
• 15-minute walk or six-minute drive to Krakow Glowny (train hub) 
• Five-minute drive to ICE Krakow Congress Center
• Seven-minute drive to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
• 18-minute drive to Wieliczka Salt Mine
• 18-minute drive to Kracow’s Balice Airport

Rooms at the Holiday Inn Krakow are clean, well-maintained, and spacious, though the decor is somewhat dated. The style is more classic than modern, with standard rooms that feature cream-colored walls, dark wood furniture, white bedding, and wall-to-wall carpeting. But rooms do vary -- the Deluxe Suite features a red accent wall, a plush brown leather headboard, and a hanging chandelier light. The Presidential Suite has luxurious hardwood floors. Rooms are well-sized, especially for a city hotel, and each includes a work desk with a lamp, a wardrobe, and a small sitting area with a chair, lamp, and table.

All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable, air-conditioning, and double-glazed windows to keep city noises out. Electrical adapters and power converters are available. Rooms also include electric kettles with tea- and coffee-making supplies, free bottled water, minibars, and irons and ironing boards.

Bathrooms are also roomy but dated. They're fully tiled in neutral colors with simple sinks, mirrors, toilets, and shower/tub combos covered with shower curtains. Amenities include hairdryers, scales, and hampers as well as individual toiletries and in-shower dispensers. 

The Holiday Inn Krakow has a range of property features for business guests and tourists alike. One if the best features is the classy on-site Impresja Restaurant and Reflections Lobby Bar & Cafe. The restaurant has neutral but sophisticated decor with tufted red leather seating, hardwood floors, and moody lighting. Most guests find the prices at the restaurant and bar fair and the food tasty. As is customary with the Holiday Inn brand, kids eat free. Kosher fare is available and blessed by a Rabbi. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

The City Restaurant is more generic but tasteful with a tiled floor, inset lighting, and wood tables. This area is used solely for the breakfast buffet, which guests find plentiful and full of options -- from pirogies to cooked-to-order eggs to bread, fruit, yogurt, meat, and pastries. While guests find the breakfast generous and satisfying, it’s not included in the room rate, and some complain that it’s overpriced.

The fitness center is small but clean and stylish with gray walls, light wood accents, and patterned carpeting. It has seven cardio machines, including two treadmills, as well as two weight-lifting benches, free weights, yoga mats, and a balance ball. The gym bathrooms are chic with stone-tiled walls and floors and light wood accents.

A small business center features two work desks with personal computers and a printer/copier. Faxing and courier services are also available. On-site event and venue rooms include boardrooms, classrooms, and a theater that can host up to 400 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

The hotel also offers dry cleaning and laundry services, shoe shines, and in-room massage.