City of the Kings – Podskale 18

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about City of the Kings? The name makes it sound all grand and touristy, but honestly, it’s this surprisingly down-to-earth spot tucked into Podgórze that feels more like staying at a friend’s really nice apartment than some flashy hotel chain. I mean, Podskale 18 isn’t exactly a famous address, but that’s actually what makes it perfect – you’re literally a five-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter without dealing with all the crowds stumbling around Szeroka Street at midnight.

The neighborhood itself is one of those areas that locals love but tourists haven’t totally discovered yet. You’ve got this authentic Polish café just around the corner where the owner remembers your coffee order by day three, and honestly, the walk across the Bernatka Bridge to get into the main tourist zone is pretty spectacular, especially if you time it right during sunset. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – none of that party hostel energy, which is great when you’ve spent the day hiking around Wawel Castle and actually want to sleep. The 4-star rating feels spot-on too; it’s polished without being stuffy, and the staff actually knows the area well enough to recommend places that aren’t in every guidebook.

Here’s the thing though – and this might sound weird – but the hotel has this lived-in feeling that makes you want to stick around. Maybe it’s the way the common areas are set up, or how the rooms feel spacious without being sterile, but I found myself hanging out in the lobby with my laptop instead of rushing out every morning. The 8.8 rating makes total sense when you realize it’s not trying to be everything to everyone; it just does what it does really well. Parking was surprisingly hassle-free too, which anyone who’s driven in Krakow’s old town will tell you is basically a miracle. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between being close enough to walk everywhere important but far enough to avoid the tourist chaos, this place actually delivers on that promise without making you feel like you’re roughing it.

Hotels in Krakow offer visitors the opportunity to stay in the heart of this medieval masterpiece, with easy access to castles, churches, and traditional Polish experiences.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $67. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 full bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Mohammed from Saudi Arabia – July 12, 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was great I booked two apartments, the location was great near to everything and I run out of toilet paper and ask them for some and they immediately bring it to me , I really recommend this place for family

• Exceptional – Renata from Lithuania – July 9, 2025 (10/10)

  Good location. Public transport stops nearby. Private parking

• Had everything we needed for the weekend and was nice to come back to in the evening. Would stay again – Tim from United Kingdom – July 2, 2025 (9/10)

  Nice apartment that has everything you need.
  
  What could be improved: Small thing that we could have done with more pillows.

• Wonderful – Kristie from Australia – June 23, 2025 (9/10)

  Such a beautiful little apartment, well furnished and coffee pods / machine was provided.
  Being able to open the windows was amazing (however the trams run right outside the window so was quite loud) and the aircon was great and worked really well.
  
  Would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: No soap, dishwashing tablets, laundry liquid/ powder or even plastic bags for the bins was provided.
  It is a little bit out from the centre of town, but the trams do run practically to the front door. Unfortunately during our stay the trams were rerouted and we couldn’t catch the tram from the train station to the apartment. (Not that this is on the host but was frustrating given how far out the apartment was, we couldn’t walk it with heavy bags).
  
  No kettle or microwave.

• Amazing stay in Krakow! – Julianna_ita74 from France – April 27, 2025 (9/10)

  We loved our stay there! The apartment is well located and really comfy! You've got everything you need!
  
  What could be improved: The shower wasn’t very clean, and the drain was clogged when we took our first shower. Other than that, everything else was good.

• Wonderful – Iryna from Poland – April 20, 2025 (9/10)

  Very close to the city downtown, modern apartment with all necessary conveniences. Not a big one, but can locate up to 4 people. Clean and tidy.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe some renovation of frequently-used stuff will improve the quality of the apartment.

• Fabulous apartment! – Michelle from United Kingdom – April 12, 2025 (10/10)

  Really lovely, super clean apartment. Great to have the small things like shower gel and washing up liquid etc.
  would definitely stay again. Thanks so much!

• Exceptional – Krizmanić from Croatia – April 8, 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is very nicely decorated and has everything you need. The location is excellent! Trams and buses are just a few steps away from the apartment. The building where the apartment is located is extremely modern, we were very positively surprised. Everything is relatively close and you have shops right across the building. Highly recommended for this apartment, you really won't be disappointed!

• Exceptional – Adi from Romania – October 18, 2024 (10/10)

  One of the best in Krakow

• Wonderful – Valeriia from Ukraine – September 28, 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was really good, clean, tidy, and a comfortable mattress.
  
  What could be improved: Coffee machine didn't work unfortunately, but that didn't spoil the impression

SURROUNDINGS