Hotel Name: Novotel Krakow Centrum
Star Rating: ****
Location: Tadeusza Kościuszki 5, 30-105 Kraków
Rooms: 198 rooms and suites
Top Tip: Check out the breakfast options to start your day off healthy, then begin a short a walk along the river right outside the hotel to admire the views.

Novotel Krakow Centrum

If you’re looking for a short two-night city break, Krakow, Poland is the perfect place. Novotel Krakow Centrum is an ideal hotel for your solo retreat or family vacation. There are 198 rooms and suites at Novotel Krakow Centrum, 21 family rooms, and 38 connecting rooms. The hotel offers various options for each and every guest – indoor heated pool, fitness room, spa, gaming area (Xbox 360 + Kinect) with interactive table for children, bicycle rental and Novo Square lounge bar – a combination of a bar and a restaurant, the perfect place to rest.

Location:

Krakow is a popular location for tourists, there’s plenty of history and landmarks to see. Novotel Krakow Centrum is just a short walk from the Old Town and is positioned right in front of River Wista.

On my first night staying in Krakow, after checking in at Novotel, I explored the local areas and due to most of Krakow’s attractions being in walking distance, the location of this hotel was ideal. It took me less than 14 minutes to walk to Wawel Cathedral from this location. There is no need for public transport, and I would recommend walking as you’ll see much more. A walk along the river is definitely recommended – it’s very beautiful at night with the various buildings all lit up!

The Standard Room:

Upon arriving at Novotel, I checked in within minutes. There was no queue, I was straight up and the check-in process was simple. I was given Room 317, Novotel’s Standard room that accommodates up to two adults and 2 children.

After stepping a foot inside, I was very pleased with the room – it was very spacious, had a great view from the front of the hotel right above the entrance (the windows are huge – pretty cool!) The Standard room includes free WIFI, LCD TV, air-conditioning, bathroom with shower, minibar, basic tea and coffee facilities (didn’t come across any milk) and a pretty big safe with plenty of room.

I’m pleased to report the room was equipped with the essentials for a short enjoyable stay.

Dining at Novotel Krakow Centrum:

Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum has 1 restaurant and a bar. Novo Square is a modern interior designed lounge bar with a restaurant serving light and healthy foods from all over the world.

The food available for breakfast at Novotel’s restaurant included scrambled eggs, sausages, tomatoes and beans, boiled eggs, vegetables, fruit, cereals, toast and bread, and croissants. Whilst, not the biggest selection, there was a good variety to choose from to start your day off healthy. Bacon along with other food is available upon request. Some of the dishes are also available 24/7 via Room Service. Novo Square’s menu includes alcohol and soft drinks along with a selection of interesting regional beers.

Amenities & Entertainment:

The hotel has one swimming pool (heated), a wellness centre which includes a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, beauty parlor and also massages. Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum also has a children’s play area which consists of an Xbox 360 with Kinect, along with an interactive table for children. They also have a chill-out lounge in the lobby with charging units allowing you to take a rest after your day’s exploring.

All facilities and services:

• Free WIFI
• Online Check-In
• Parking
• 24 Hour Reception
• 24 Hour Room Service
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Fitness Centre
• Restaurant and Bar
• 24 Hour Security

Pros:

• Quick and easy check-in and check-out
• The room was very spacious and comfortable
• Nice design for sink and bathroom layout
• A complimentary breakfast was included with my stay – the food was tasty! Great selection of drinks, however, the glasses were a little small, so I did find myself going up for more after a few sips.
• The location is spot on, the majority of attractions are within walking distance
• Huge window with a great view of the river and surrounding areas
• The service was fantastic, front desk was very helpful
• The bedding was comfy for a standard room
• Received a helpful interesting Krakow pocket guide and map
• Variety of food and drink to choose from at the Novo Square Restaurant and Bar

Cons:

• The room only featured one image, it could do with some more decoration – different style of modern photography or art. This would make the rooms more vibrant.
• The LCD TV was limited to a few channels
• There was no milk provided with the tea and coffee facilities

The wrap up:

If you want to explore Krakow and have the majority of attractions within walking distance of fewer than 20 minutes, yet stay in a quiet clean location with great facilities at reasonable prices, shopping centres on your doorstep and plenty of restaurants nearby, I recommend staying at Hotel Novotel Kraków Centrum.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Novotel Kraków Centrum, AccorHotels, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 1 night, Saturday 11th November 2017