Rynek Głowny 11, Old Town, Krakow, Poland | (888) 273-7116
In a heritage townhouse on the Main Market Square
Within walking distance of must-see sites
Units redone in 2017 with an airy modern look
All feature functional kitchenettes or full kitchens
Air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs are standard issue
Attractive cafe/bar with terrace and courtyard seating
Suites sleeping up to four are family-friendly
Affordable rates include daily housekeeping
Free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities
Entry-level options are comfy but on the small side
No business center, fitness room, or full-scale lobby
In a pedestrian area, so no parking or vehicle access
Breakfast is an extra fee
Billed as the only apartment-style hotel on the Main Market Square, this three-and-a-half pearl option offers 34 kitchen- or kitchenette-equipped units in the heart of Krakow’s heavily-touristed Old Town. Being located in a 16th-century building, rooms have good “bones” (picture high ceilings and large windows overlooking the square or an internal courtyard). And thanks to a recent makeover, completed in early 2017, rooms now have a calming contemporary style as well. Modern conveniences -- like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi -- coupled with reasonable rates make them even more attractive. The caveat is that, save for a terraced cafe/bar and little reception area, there are very few on-site facilities. Hotel-like amenities are also in short supply, though daily housekeeping is provided. If you’d prefer apartment-style digs that aren’t directly on the square, consider the Topolowa Residence as an alternative.
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Scene
An attractive -- and practical -- alternative for cost-conscious leisure travelers
Located in a creamy 16th-century townhouse that’s blessed with a quiet internal courtyard, Venetian House is a smart choice for value-loving vacationers who want the convenience of apartment living without sacrificing a postcard-worthy setting. The square it faces is crammed with shops, bars, and restaurants (one of which belongs to the property itself). Inevitably, there are hordes of tourists there, too. Inside, though, guests can enjoy relative tranquility. The relaxing units with their soothing decor, double-glazed windows and thick doors is one reason why; posted “quiet hours” and a dearth of common spaces where guests could potentially gather and create a commotion are others. That said, street noise can still creep up into front-facing accommodations on the lower floors.
Location
On Krakow’s main square, within walking distance of top sights
Surrounded by centuries-old buildings, Venetian House sits on Rynek Glowny (aka the Main Market Square) -- which means St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower are just out the front door. Moreover, you can stroll to popular attractions like Wawel Castle and the National Museum in 15 minutes or less and hit the historic Jewish Quarter in under 20. Walking, of course, is something of a non-negotiable at this property: after all, the hotel is in a car-free zone. But horse-drawn “droshky” carriages are available on the square itself, and hop-on/hop-off shuttles await weary tourists nearby. Note that city tours and excursions to outlying areas can be arranged through the property, as can airport transfers and off-site parking.- One-minute walk to St. Mary's Basilica
Rooms
Bright units, redesigned in 2017, that marry style with practicality
The units here -- from the smallest economy-class room to the largest one-bedroom suite, covering 161 to 689 square meters respectively -- all benefit from high ceilings and big windows that lend them a light, airy feel. All also share a calm contemporary decorating scheme, their soft gray palette being accented by blond-wood floors and furnishings, crisp white linens, and the occasional splash of chartreuse or turquoise. They are similarly equipped as well, featuring air-conditioning, iron/ironing boards, digital safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bright tiled bathrooms with glass-door showers and pedestal sinks across the board. Better still, all come with either compact kitchenettes or, in the case of suites, full kitchens outfitted with microwaves, four-burner stovetops, mini fridges, dishwashers plus the requisite small appliances and cookware. That combination makes Venetian House particularly good for families: free laundry facilities and on-request cots, cribs or high chairs are an added bonus. Ditto for the daily housekeeping, which isn’t always a given in properties of this kind.
Features
A handsome cafe/bar is the property’s prime asset.
Decorated in the same tones as the accommodations upstairs, the Urban Garden Bar and Cafe is a hip-meets-historic sort of place where brick walls and carefully curated industrial elements play off against posh banquettes and blond-wood tables. In addition to the main indoor dining area, it boasts a broad terrace out front on the square plus a comparatively peaceful garden courtyard. Breakfast (not included in the rate) is served each morning, while salads, sandwiches and other light bites dominate the menu during the rest of the day. There’s also an impressive selection of sweet treats; however, guests looking to balance those indulgences with a workout will be disappointed by the lack of an on-site fitness room. There isn’t a business center here either, or, for that matter, any other common areas save for the wee reception area, which is manned 24/7 by friendly, multilingual staffers. Freebies include property-wide Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.
