Hanza Hotel

The Hanza Hotel is situated along the pedestrian street that runs parallel to the Motlawa River and features an eclectic facade with brick and half-timber details. Inside, the lobby welcomes guests with wood walls and large, floor-to-ceiling black-and-white photos. Across from the reception area, a cozy carpeted area offers plush couches with black piping and turquoise pillows set under a crystal chandelier. Standout spots include a nice restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that open onto a pleasant terrace with seating right along the river. To some, room decor feels underwhelming compared to the high-end feel of the common spaces, but this hotel is still a solid choice for travelers who want to be in the heart of Old Town, including business travelers and tourists. 

Hanza Hotel is fantastically located in historic Old Town, just steps from a pedestrian walking street that runs parallel to the Motlawa River. Most of Gdansk's tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, as are shops and restaurants. The city's most popular street, the pedestrian-only Long Market (Dlugi Targ), is about a six-minute walk. Airport transfers are available through the hotel for an extra fee. 

• Four-minute walk to Mariacka Street
• Five-minute walk to St. Mary's Basilica
• Seven-minute walk to Neptune Fountain
• 12-minute walk to Gdańsk Shakespeare Theater
• Five minutes via ferry to Central Maritime Museum
• Seven minutes via ferry to Baltic Philharmonic Hall
• 20-minute drive to Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (without traffic)

The hotel's 60 rooms range from singles to doubles to spacious suites. Decor isn't quite luxurious, but it offers some attractive quirkiness with plaid wall-to-wall carpeting, large black-and-white images behind the beds, and turquoise accents. The mostly bare white walls and upholstered tub chairs can feel a bit characterless, though, and rooms generally lack the same attention to decor details as the hotel's common areas. Simple bathrooms are tiled in white and tend to include combination showers and tubs and small vanities. 

Rooms have individually controlled AC, desks, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. They also include nicely stocked minibars and coffee/tea service. Upgraded rooms might add separate studies or sitting areas, corner tubs, heated bathroom floors, or balconies with river views. Cribs and extra beds are available, but cost extra fees. Guests prefer rooms facing the river -- rear rooms mostly face a parking lot. 

The Hanza Hotel has an admirable number of extra features for a smaller property. Zafishowani, the hotel's restaurant and bar, is a stylish spot with a comfy terrace featuring seating right along the river. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is an extensive buffet, but it's not included in the room rate. Room service is available during limited hours as well.

There's also an on-site spa with three treatment rooms. The spa offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, along with other treatments; it also has a small sauna. The fitness center is sparse with limited but functional equipment: a treadmill, stationary bike, and free weights with a bench. The hotel also has three meeting and event rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 

The front desk is open 24 hours, and staff offer concierge services. Laundry service, airport transfers, and ticket assistance are available. There is no on-site parking, but many guests find parking right outside of the hotel. Extra beds and cribs are available for a nightly fee. Pets are also allowed for an extra fee.