Hotel Santi

Located in the historic center, Hotel Santi's building dates to the 18th century and has traditional interiors that hint at its past. The sophisticated lobby has illuminated vaulted ceilings over mosaic-tiled floors and flower decorations. Original stone at the small 24-hour front desk has old-fashioned charm and a few striped period chairs and coffee tables offer a place to relax and utilize the free all-day coffee and hot chocolate. Expect exposed brick and stone in the cellar bar, where original arches combine with soft orange lighting and striped armchairs. The bar can feel abandoned, as many guests opt to head out for drinks, but the atmosphere is intimate and cozy. The simple, though pleasant, breakfast room has elegant white-clothed tables and canary-yellow cushions on wood-framed chairs. Note that trams pass right in front of the property, which can cause noise and crossing issues until they stop at night. Guests are predominantly couples on vacation, choosing the hotel for its location and large rooms. 

The hotel is in a great location, just a four-minute walk from the Main Square and near lots of shopping and dining. St. Mary's Basilica and Cloth Hall are also a four-minute walk, while Krakow's Historic Museum is a seven-minute walk and Wawel Royal Castle is 10 minutes. A former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz's newly hip vibes and its Plac Nowy street food are a 15-minute walk; the area is known for its nightlife thanks to endless bars and clubs. Schindler's Factory is a 12-minute drive and it's a half-hour drive for Wieliczka Salt Mine. A supermarket and ATM can be reached in one minute on foot and the nearest Plac Wszystkich Swietych tram stop is just one minute farther. The famous "Black Duck" Czarna Kaczka Restaurant is a two-minute walk. Krakow-Balice Airport is a 30-minute drive and trains from it run to Krakow's main station, a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Rooms in Krakow tend to be small, so guests are in luck at the Santi, where Single and Standard Rooms start at 22 square meters (237 square feet) and larger triples, quadruple, and Deluxe Rooms are available. It's classic elegance all around, with distinguished rugs on parquet floors and some rooms have original stove-tile wall touches and either fresco or coffered ceilings. Burgundy accents from seating areas match bed runners, pillow tops, and fabrics on desk chairs. Rooms come with phones, kettles, free bottled water, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, although there aren't many English-language channels. Wardrobes have electronic safes and sewing and shoe-shine kits, but not all rooms are air-conditioned and some just have portable fans. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Deluxe Rooms add minibars, slippers, and bathrobes, plus welcome flowers and wine. Rooms can be fitted with cribs and guests should note noise and vibration from passing trams is significant (less so in rooms facing the back). Management provides earplugs, although trams stop at night. Views are of the street and some back-facing rooms have less-than-pleasant views of dilapidated buildings. Attractive bathrooms have textured marble and come with shower/tub combos or stall showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries.

Given this is a boutique hotel with a central location, it's not surprising that amenities are limited here. Although there's no full restaurant, a free buffet breakfast offers cooked-to-order eggs and bacon, plus a wide selection of cold fare. Polish salads are served alongside breads, croissants, meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit, as well as cereals, granola, and even champagne. The intimate cellar bar has a good drinks selection, but  prices are higher than nearby bars. Paid parking next door is handy but limited, and must be reserved in advance. The hotel can arrange airport transfers and tours for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.