ibis Krakow Centrum

The hotel's boxy gray-stone exterior is uninspiring, but bold interiors are cheerful and modern. The chain's signature reds, whites, and blacks come from retro chairs and cozy sofas in the lobby, where oversized wall panels and ceiling structures have funky whiteboard-esque drawings and text. Bright reds, blues, and yellows pop under the bar's black ceilings, where graffiti motifs and chalkboards add a quirky touch. Its terrace is a popular outdoor space, and potted geraniums here add some color to slate-gray wicker seating. Guests are mostly leisure and tourist travelers, plus some corporate guests here for the next door Novotel's conference facilities. Not minding the slightly off-the-beaten-path location, they're here for the chain's reliable level of comfort and affordable rates.

The hotel's location is in part reflected by the price and though not downtown, it's by the Vistula River and has a few restaurants and bars in the immediate surrounds. Many of the city's attractions can be reached on foot or from the handy Jubilat bus and tram stop, a two-minute walk away. Wawel Royal Castle, the Main Square's Cloth Hall, and Szczepanski Square's galleries and quaint cafes are all roughly an 18-minute walk away, or 10 minutes by tram. St. Mary's Basilica and Planty Park's wide open spaces are a 20-minute walk. It's three minutes farther on foot for the buzzing former-Jewish district Kazimierz, which is packed with bars, clubs, and daytime street food. Trams from the Jubilat stop also run directly to Krakow Glowny main train station in about 10 minutes. Schindler's Factory is a 20-minute drive and it's 25 minutes by car to Wieliczka Salt Mine. Krakow-Balice Airport is a 20-minute drive or an hour by bus, which stops at the nearby Jubilat stop.

Rooms are larger than average for the chain and though they lack character, they're clean, bright, and decent for the price. Amenities are limited, as rooms lack fridges, kettles, and safes, though reception can store valuables. The chain's "Sweet" beds have blonde-wood headboards with built-in bedside lamps, while desks and chairs match exposed shelving that's built into walls to save space. Cushioned benches and drapes in russets, browns, and reds make for slim pickings color-wise, but air-conditioning, phones, flat-screen TVs, and full-length mirrors provide some comfort. Higher floors afford better views, with some rooms overlooking Wawel Castle, but most face the street or inner courtyard. All are soundproofed and have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Cribs are available for free. White-tiled bathrooms have shower stalls and dated green-plastic sinks. Toiletries are limited to wall dispensers, but hairdryers are provided and towels are replaced daily.

Though the hotel lacks a gym and conference facilities, there are still a sufficient array of amenities for guests. The restaurant's lacquered tables and chairs alongside leather sofas under industrial hanging lamps evoke a diner vibe. It serves a buffet breakfast (at a fee) consisting of scrambled eggs, frankfurters, typical continental fare, and traditional Polish cakes. For lunch and dinner, Ibis Kitchen has some local dishes on offer, plus burgers, pastas, and salads, while the bar serves wine, beer, and Polish vodkas. Internet buzz words on the lobby's wall panels point toward two guest computers that are free to use, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout. Pets are allowed for a fee and underground parking is also available at a charge.