Poland - Eastern Europe - page 420

John Paul II International Airport ( & 012/285-53-41; daily 10am-6pm)
Szpitalna 25 (Old Town) ( & 012/432-01-10; Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun
9am-5pm)
Józefa 7 (Kazimierz) ( & 012/422-04-71; Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
WHERE TO STAY
Kraków has some beautiful hotels, and if you've got the cash and want to splurge, you
can do so in real style. Most of the stunning properties are located in the Old Town,
along the streets running off the Main Square or tucked in a quiet park location off
the Planty. A second cluster of decent places to stay is in Kazimierz. You won't find the
five-star luxury class here like in the Old Town, but there are a number of nice three-
and four-star properties that are, on balance, a little cheaper and quieter than their
Old Town counterparts. As for location, both are excellent. An Old Town property
puts you just a few steps away from the restaurants and cafes around the square, as
well as Kraków's main museums and sites. On the other hand, if you're into bars,
clubs, and trendy restaurants, then Kazimierz is where you want to be. Either way, the
distances between the two are not great, just a 15-minute walk or short cab ride.
Rates are generally highest between April 1 and October 31, as well as over the
Christmas and New Year's holidays. Room prices drop by 10% to 20% from Novem-
ber through March. The prices below are for a standard double room (twin beds) in
high season (outside of the Christmas and New Year's holiday season).
VERY EXPENSIVE
Amadeus A fully modern hotel, working hard—and succeeding—at re-cre-
ating an 18th-century feel. For the room interiors, think Colonial Williamsburg, with
intricately carved white woodworking in the beds and nightstands, chandeliers, and
floor-to-ceiling floral print drapes. Mozart could actually drop by and feel quite at
home. The service is top-notch and the location, just a couple feet off the main square,
is ideal. A perfect choice if you want a hotel that will stick in your mind as long as
Kraków's main square does.
Mikolajska 20. & 012/429-60-70. Fax [phone]. www.hotel-amadeus.pl. 22 units. 540 zl ($180/£95) double.
AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; fitness club; sauna; limited room service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV,
dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Copernicus Widely considered the best address in town; certainly the best of
the boutique-size properties. Managed by the international Relais & Châteaux chain,
and the polish shows. You'll be charmed immediately by the enormous Renaissance
atrium shooting to the ceiling, and the period detailing—from the 16th century—that
extends throughout the hotel and to the wood-beamed ceilings in the rooms on the
first and second floors. A fresco, the Four Fathers of the Church, dating from the year
1500, covers the wall in room no. 101. U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife,
Laura, stayed here in 2003.
Kanonicza 16. & 012/424-34-00. Fax [phone]. www.hotel.com.pl. 29 units. 850 zl ($283/£150) double. AE,
DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; indoor pool; sauna; room service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, dataport,
minibar, hair dryer, safe.
Sheraton Kraków This is a relatively recent addition to the high-end cor-
porate market, but is already setting standards as arguably the best business hotel in
the city. Everything is conceived with comfort and convenience in mind all the way