Hilton Garden Inn Krakow

The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Krakow is an attractive, reliable chain property that draws business travelers and tourists. The stark, dark-gray stone-and-glass building stands in contrast to the warmly lit interior with a lobby fireplace, striated wood finishes, neutral-tone carpeting, and pops of red on leather tub chairs and sofas. Hallways are carpeted, and contemporary art, some of which is for sale, decorates the walls -- many of the pieces are by a hotel employee. The property has two restaurants: a formal space with white-leather chairs, pine tables, and charcoal-gray upholstered banquette seating beneath oversize black drum lights, and a less-formal lounge-like restaurant with several TVs turned to sports channels. There's also a modern bar. The common spaces, including some of the meeting rooms, have big windows -- on the first floor that sometimes means parking-lot views, which the hotel covers with sheer curtains. The property bustles in the morning and at day's end, when guests gather around the fire.

The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Krakow is outside the historic city center on the Vistula River in a safe but somewhat gritty-looking neighborhood, where businesses have begun to move in. The hotel is about a five-minute walk to the Krakow Convention Center and to a tram and bus stop, but a car is recommended. The National Museum of Krakow is a four-minute drive, and the Kazimierz District is a six-minute drive away. Bonarka Shopping Mall and Cinema are eight minutes away by car. The Renaissance-era Cloth Hall, Wawel Royal Castle, Market Square, and the hip Rynek-Glowny neighborhood are nine-minutes away by car, and the Krakow-Bonarka train station is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The former factory of Oskar Schindler (now a museum) and the 14th century Gothic St. Mary's Basilica are both an 11-minute drive away. Krakow's Old Town is a 16-minute drive. The John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport is a 20 minute drive.

The 154 rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel have large windows overlooking a castle, a river, or a cityscape. The same striated wood in the lobby is used on the armoires and as part of the leather-tufted headboards. There are several thoughtful touches: ergonomic desk chairs, black-out drapes, and little seating areas. Huge mirrors are propped opposite the beds, and walls are a warm beige. Earth-toned decor includes striped carpets, and beds have the chain's signature mattresses and all-cotton sheets. All rooms have air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, 32-inch flat-screen TVs (Suites have 42-inch screens), safes, and irons and boards. Depending on the room size, there are upholstered chairs or sofas. Wi-Fi is free but guests say the signal can be spotty. Beige bathrooms with dusty yellow and dark orange accents have either tubs or showers. Large, white vessel sinks sit on counters, and toiletries are Peter Thomas Roth. 

Amenities at the Hilton Garden Inn are relatively comprehensive, including a full-service fitness center with treadmills, stair climbers, fitness balls, and free weights. There are two restaurants, one serving international and Polish cuisine in an airy room. The Globe Cafe, which is slightly more relaxed, has red and brown tub chairs and 11 TVs tuned to sports programs. There's also a small bar with counter and lounge seating. Breakfast is available for a fee. A 24-hour convenience store off the lobby sells a few snacks, and each floor of the hotel is equipped with ice machines and microwaves. For business travelers, the hotel has four flexible conference rooms with audio-visual equipment, and some rooms have natural light. There's also a business center with counter-style desks, laptops to borrow, and a fax and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The lobby has a fireplace and free newspapers as well. A coin-operated laundry room is on-site, and laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee. The front desk offers luggage storage and can arrange for babysitting. Wedding services are available. Parking is free as well.