Poland - Eastern Europe - page 423

Grodzka 9. & 012/429-54-10. Fax [phone]. www.rthotels.pl. 59 units. 400 zl ($133/£70) double. MC, V.
Amenities: Nonsmoking rooms. In room:Some A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.

MODERATE
Hotel Eden A good second choice in Kazimierz at this price level if you can't
get in at the Karmel (see below). It's similar in many ways, well maintained and quiet,
but not quite as immediately charming. The rooms are modestly furnished and on the
plain side, more functional than inspiring. Uniquely, the Eden has a “salt grotto” spa
in the basement, using salt brought in from Pakistan. The idea is for you to sit in the
special saline air for 45 minutes to reduce stress and heal a multitude of ills, ranging
from asthma to tonsillitis to acne. Once you've cured whatever ails you, head around
the corner to the local pub called (not kidding): “Ye Olde Goat.”
Ciemna 15. & 012/430-65-65. Fax [phone]. www.hoteleden.pl. 15 units. 350 zl ($117/£65) double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; spa; room service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Hotel Karmel By far the most charming and inviting of Kazimierz's
hotels and pensions. Maybe it's the quiet location, in a forgotten spot in the former
ghetto, or the flowers hanging off the house windows, or the cute Italian restaurant on
the ground floor. Something about the hotel says “home.” Parquet flooring through-
out. Splurge on a “comfort” room, with a big double bed and a couple of sofas in the
room.
Kupa 15. & 012/430-66-97. Fax [phone]. www.karmel.com.pl. 15 units. 300 zl ($100/£55) double; 360 zl
($120/£65) double “comfort.” AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; room service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C,
TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Hotel Kazimierz Probably the most popular hotel in Kraków's former Jewish
quarter, but not necessarily the best. The plain lobby and public areas are redeemed
somewhat by a beautiful, enclosed inner courtyard. The rooms too are nothing spe-
cial, but are clean and comfortable. The location is superb, near the entrance to the
former Jewish quarter, but also not far from Wawel and the Old Town. They some-
times lower the rates on weekends, so ask when you book.
Miodowo 16. & 012/421-66-29. Fax [phone]. www.hk.com.pl. 35 units. 280 zl ($93/£48) double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; room service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:Some A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Hotel Saski Kraków residents might laugh at this hotel being labeled a
“find” since it's one of the best-known hotels in the city, right off the main square. But
what many don't realize is that it's at least 100 z l ($33/£18) a night less than other
hotels in its class and location. So if you're looking for a glorious old hotel, with a
tiled-floor lobby and chandeliers, in the center of town and don't want to shell out
major cash, this your place. Ask to see several rooms since they are all different—some
are quite modern and border on the plain, while others are in high period style with
quaint, old-fashioned beds and tables.
Slawkowska 3. & 012/421-42-22. Fax [phone]. www.hotel-saski.com.pl. 20 units. 265 zl ($88/£48) double
without bathroom; 360 zl ($120/£65) with bathroom. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; room service; nonsmok-
ing rooms. In room:Some A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
INEXPENSIVE
Nathan's Villa Hostel The American owner of this well-run and highly
regarded hostel just across from Wawel Castle says his aim is to combine the social
aspects of a hostel with the amenities you'd expect from a hotel. And at this price he

Finds

Finds