Hotel Kossak

Located next to the Vistula River, Hotel Kossak has a prime location in the city center with striking views of Wawel Royal Castle from its rooms and rooftop restaurant. The building dates back to 1931 and officially opened as the current seven-story hotel in 2009, and interiors are modern. Glossy floors and a black-and-maroon desk make up the front entrance, while further in guests will find the lobby lounge that doubles as a bar. It has modern purple armchairs, tables, a display of brochures and maps, and a quirky black horse lamp. One of the most attractive spaces is the rooftop restaurant, which has gray tile floors, red and tan contemporary chairs pulled up to tables topped with white linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular city views -- it's one of the most popular features with the hotel's past guests. The clientele here is composed largely of couples, though business travelers are catered to as well. Note that there have been reports of problems with lost reservations -- and the same occurred to us when we arrived. 

The hotel is centrally located within walking distance of most tourist sites and close to the Vistula River. The immediate area itself is filled with some restaurants and stores. Krakow's lovely Old Town is less than a 10-minute walk away, including the city's main square. Wawel Royal Castle is also an 11-minute walk away, while it takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach Kazmierz, the Jewish District. For those who prefer to cab it, the Jewish District is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Krakow Glowny, the main train station, is about an eight-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. Balice International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive, or a 20-minute train ride from the main train station.  

Rooms at the Hotel Kossak are fairly spacious, with modern decor that's a bit chain-like. Details include cream walls, wooden furniture, and purple accents like velour bed runners and striped curtains. Still, they’re clean and pleasant, with suites offering more space in the form of separate living rooms with futuristic purple chairs and loveseats. Some might find it worth booking rooms with views of the Wawel Royal Castle. All rooms include amenities like flat-screen TVs, kettles, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, and mini-fridges, while Suites are equipped with minibars. Bathrooms are similarly modern, with cream tiles, porcelain white sinks, shower/tub combos with glass dividers, as well as hairdryers and toiletries.

Hotel Kossak's best feature is its rooftop restaurant, Cafe Oranzeria, which provides stunning views of Wawel Royal Castle. It serves European cuisine and has a lovely terrace with even lovelier views of the Castle and Old Town. Percheron Restaurant is another on-site dining option, with an intimate vibe and a menu of European and international dishes. The chic lobby bar serves coffee, cocktails, and desserts throughout the day. A breakfast buffet of meats, cheeses, fruit, and pastries is offered in the mornings, with made-to-order omelets and pancakes available as well; it's included in some room rates. Room service is also available. 

Though there’s no pool or full-service spa, the hotel provides a sauna, showers, and baths, plus a tiny fitness room with three cardio machines, a few free weights, and step boards. Business travelers are catered to with three meeting rooms, a public computer, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Garage parking is available for a fee.