Krakow was once the city of Polish kings and queens. That means you shouldn’t have to look too far to find somewhere to stay that’s fit for royalty. Cue this curated selection of 5 star hotels in Krakow. They might sit at the pricier end of the budget spectrum, but that extra cash means extra frills. Yep, here we’re talking swimming pools in medieval cellars, Scandi-style saunas, plush suites with vintage furnishings – you get the idea…
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This is a part of our full guide to booking hotels in Krakow.
A quick look at the top 5 star hotels in Krakow
Radisson Blu Krakow
Best for: Families
The famous name does it again with this chic offering on the very fringes of the Old Town. Big, air-conditioned suites overlook the leafy Planty Park, so location isn’t an issue at all. All Radisson Blu Krakow packages come with robes and slippers, access to a fully fledged gym and a substantial breakfast buffet that’s plenty for fuelling a full day’s sightseeing.
Balthazar Design Hotel
Best for: Stylish travellers who like something a little different
Balthazar flaunts some seriously opulent rooms on the southern end of Grodzka Street. That’s a main artery of the Old Town district, with prime access to the Wawel Castle and the Main Square alike. Inside, prepare to be wowed! Suites come with kitschy furnishings – half regal Krakow, half retro design – and immersive murals on the walls. Breakfast is all hand-cooked and a la carte.
Sheraton Grand Krakow
Best for: All-round luxury
Everyone knows the Sheraton Grand Krakow. It occupies pride of place on the edge of the Vistula River. The upshot? Loads of the best suites here have gorgeous views of the Wawel Castle and the spires of the Wawel Cathedral. Famed chef Jacek Filipczyk offers a menu of curated Polish fine dining in the on-site restaurant. There’s a fantastic sports bar and even a rooftop terrace for those post-sightseeing cocktails above the city. It’s an all-round standout option among 5 star hotels in Krakow.
Hotel Unicus Palace
Best for: Being pampered in the Old Town
The sleek new Hotel Unicus Palace only opened its doors a few years back, but boy is it worthy of those five stars! Marble-clad bathrooms meet walk-in showers meet Victorian baths – and that’s just in one part of the suite. Elsewhere, you’ll catch plush king beds and recliners. The restaurant is one of the hottest additions to Florianska Street, touting tasty Mediterranean dishes. And the icing on the cake? That private spa, with bubbling hot tubs and a Turkish hammam. And relax.
Hotel Dwór Kościuszko
Best for: Escaping the heart of the city
The Hotel Dwór Kościuszko is a deluxe option among the 5 star hotels in Krakow. However, it’s not actually located in the city centre. Instead, it sits on the side of a parkland just to the north of town. You’re looking at about 15 minutes in a taxi before you’re close to the big sites of the Main Square. That means this one’s a top choice for escaping the crowds once you’re done sightseeing. Rooms are big and palatial and guests rate the breakfast spread very highly.
Hotel Gródek
Best for: A taste of the traditional boutique
Hotel Gródek manages to balance location with isolation – it occupies one of the few quiet corners of the Old Town. It’s one of the best boutique 5 star hotels in Krakow, known for its individually designed rooms inspired by traditional Polish country dachas. There’s an onsite library for cosying up during the Krakow winter, where a crackling fireplace flickers between the bookshelves.
Hotel Stary
Best for: Unique features and design
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Hotel Stary is surely among the crème de la crème of 5 star hotels in Krakow. It wows guests with an audacious underground pool and spa, set in medieval cellars with vaulted brick ceilings. Attached is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant (Trzy Rybki), along with an unrivalled rooftop terrace from where you can survey the whole Old Town and the Main Square.
Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection
Best for: Sheer opulence
Just one glance at the pool and spa facility at the Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection and you’ll see that this is real palace of a hotel. Gold leaf adorns the walls. Velveteen curtains swing this way and that. Back-lit seats run through the pine-scented sauna. The rest of the hotel follows suit. The lobby lounge is all vintage leather sofas and antiques. The suites are flamboyant but stylish, with filigrees and ornaments meeting in a tasteful way.
Hotel Copernicus
Best for: Location
We simply love the location of the Hotel Copernicus. Find it nestled under the gaze of the Wawel Castle on what has to be one of the prettiest streets in the whole Old Town. But the joys aren’t just from the outside. They continue within, with elegant suites that have a few touches of medieval charm. You’ll also catch a gorgeous spa facility and a subterranean swimming pool. Folk say the morning croissants are also darn fantastic!
If you think we’ve missed anything from this selection, be sure to get in touch. We’re always looking for first-hand tips to make our articles better. Alternatively, click here for a full selection of the 5 star hotels in Krakow.