Radisson Blu Hotel Kraków

The Radisson Blu in Krakow is situated in a six-floor concrete and glass building built in 2003. The reception area feels sophisticated and high-end with clean lines, white tile floors, wooden reception desks, and an inset ceiling. It's still a chain hotel though, and decor throughout can feel a bit impersonal. As far as common areas go, Milk & Co. is a standout. Inspired by classic Polish milk bars, the restaurant features wooden floors accented with black-and-white checkered tiling. A big part of the luxury here is the service, and guests tend to find staff friendly and accommodating. Because of its central location in Krakow, this hotel attracts a wide range of guests, including business travelers, tourists, and couples. Kid-friendly amenities make it a good choice for families too.

The hotel is situated along a main road that runs parallel to parkland that encircles the Old Town. The neighborhood is high-end and the hotel is surrounded by nice 20th-century buildings. It's an exceptional location for tourists, with Old Town just across the park and Main Market Square as well as Wawel Royal Castle only a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Secure underground parking is available, but it costs an extra fee. A round-trip airport shuttle is also available for an extra fee.

• Seven-minute walk to Rynek Glówny (Main Market Square) and St. Mary’s Basilica
• 15-minute walk to Jewish Quarter
• 18-minute walk to ICE Krakow Congress Center (or four-minute drive)
• 20-minute walk to Galeria Krakowska (large shopping mall)
• 21-minute walk to Dworzec Glowny (Main Railway Station)
• 12-minute drive to Schindler's Factory
• 16-minute drive to Krakow’s Balice Airport
• 20-minute drive to Wieliczka Salt Mine

The 196 guest rooms include Standard and Business Class Rooms and Suites in two simple, contemporary design themes. The first features light blue wall-to-wall carpeting, beige headboards and accents, wood furniture, and blue and white walls. The second has beige wall-to-wall carpeting, red fabric and light wood accents, and subtle red/brown accent walls. Rooms are clean, fresh, and comfortable, though decor lacks some of the personality of smaller luxury properties. Bathrooms are simple but modern, fully tiled in beige with wood and granite vanities. They feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, scales, and free individual toiletries. 

Rooms have air-conditioning, desks, and wardrobes with iron and ironing boards, coffee/tea facilities, minibars, storage space, and safes. In-room amenities include LCD TVs with satellite channels and free on-demand movies as well as and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms may include free breakfast buffets. Suites have extras like Nespresso coffeemakers.

The Radisson Blu Hotel has the amenities travelers would expect of this luxury brand, but extra fees can apply. Guests tend to enjoy the food at Milk & Co., the hotel's restaurant that serves Polish and international fare for lunch and dinner -- the weekly Surf & Turf buffet is particularly popular. Salt & Co. is the small lobby bar and lounge serving drinks and light snacks from morning until late evening. And Solfez serves up the daily breakfast buffet, which isn't always included in room rates. Guests usually find it satisfying, with a wide range of hot and cold options, though it doesn't vary from day to day.

The hotel has a small, modern spa with a sauna and relaxation area, locker room, and treatment room -- but there's no pool. An extensive menu of services includes massages, manicures, pedicures, and other body and beauty treatments. There's a nice fitness center with a range of modern cardio and weightlifting equipment along with dumbbells and exercise balls. The hotel also offers free bike rentals and has maps of jogging and bike routes near the hotel. 

Kid-friendly amenities include a children's menu and kids' dinnerware, high chairs, coloring books, toys, cribs, bottle heaters, diapers, children's toiletries, and a host of other extras. Dogs are welcome for an extra fee. The hotel has venues for weddings, meetings, and other events, and audiovisual equipment is available for rental. The hotel has an attentive staff with a concierge, a 24-hour front desk, and 24-hour room service. Three-hour express laundry service can be arranged, as well as other services like in-room childcare and airport transfers. Underground parking is available for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.