Spatz Aparthotel

On a quiet street in the heart of the historic, former Jewish quarter, Aparthotel Spatz attracts couples, families, and groups with its excellent location. Built in 1922, it's surrounded by residential and small hotel buildings, typical of the local architecture. The entryway's scarlet-red walls and wrought-iron gates make for a striking impression, but the actual hotel is largely generic and filled with characterless. Additionally, despite the Aparthotel name, there are no kitchen-equipped rooms. Also be aware that there's no elevator. Refurbished in 2017, the restaurant has an elegant black-and-white color scheme with a pistachio-green accent from backsplash tiling. A bar offers outdoor seating in the warmer months, though guests largely spend their time outside of the property. It's mostly quiet here, except for occasional late-night noise from revelers. 

The hotel has a fantastic location in the historic Kazimierz district, formerly the Jewish Quarter. The area's Jewish history is reflected in the multiple prayer temples that dot it, and Galicia Jewish Museum is an eight-minute walk away. Plac Nowy's buzzing street-food stands are a three-minute walk, as is a supermarket. The now-trendy neighborhood is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The nearest Stradom tram stop is five minutes away on foot. Walks to Krakow's historic center take around 15 minutes, including to sights such as Wawel Royal Castle, the Main Square, and Cloth Hall. Schindler's Factory is a half-hour walk (or 10-minute drive) as is Krakow Glowny main train station. Wieliczka Salt Mine is a 20-minute drive, and the drive to Krakow-Balice Airport is just five minutes longer. 

Rooms are largely contemporary, albeit a bit bland and featuring dated orange satin linens. Dark-wood furniture, wood floors, and white walls with minimal black-and-white photos give spaces a clean, well-maintained look. Single Rooms are tiny at 10 to 15 square meters (108 to 161 square feet), while Deluxe Rooms measure 20 to 25 square meters (215 to 269 square feet). Triple and Quadruple Rooms are also available. Sufficient amenities consist of desks, flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, minibars, and wardrobes with electronic safes. Upgraded units add sitting areas, slippers, and robes, and some come with balconies. Views are of the street or courtyard, but noise can occasional be an issue, particularly for front-facing rooms. Only rooms on the third floor are air-conditioned. Bland beige bathrooms have small curved shower stalls, small wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries.

Limited features at Aparthotel Spatz include a Polish restaurant and bar that's open all day. The buffet breakfast includes hot options of bacon, frankfurters, and scrambled eggs, as well as breads, cheese and meat platters, cereal, fruit, and yogurt. Kids under 4 eat free. Lunch and dinner menus include pierogis and gefilte fish soup. The bar has reasonably priced cocktails and an outdoor terrace available in warmer months. No fitness or wellness facilities are on-site, though in-room massages can be arranged. All at a fee, the hotel can arrange tours (including Auschwitz), airport transfers, bicycle rentals, and nearby secure parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.