City of the Kings-Szmaragd

City of the Kings-Szmaragd Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first saw the name “City of the Kings-Szmaragd,” I had no idea how to pronounce it, and I was a bit skeptical. But this place on Podskale Street actually surprised me in the best way possible. It sits right in Podgórze, which honestly is one of those neighborhoods that locals love but tourists often miss (their loss, really). You’re literally a ten-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz, but without all the tourist chaos – I mean, you can actually hear yourself think here.

The building itself has this understated elegance that feels authentically Polish rather than trying too hard to be something it’s not. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no pretentious marble lobby or staff acting like they’re doing you a favor. The rooms are what I’d call “smart comfortable” – they’ve clearly thought about what travelers actually need. The beds are properly firm (thank god, because nothing ruins a trip like a saggy mattress), and the bathrooms have that satisfying European attention to detail where everything just works. You know what really got me? The windows actually open – seems basic, but you’d be amazed how many hotels seal you in like a tomb. From my room, I could see across to the Vistula and catch glimpses of Wawel Castle in the distance, especially nice in the early morning when the light hits just right.

Here’s the thing about staying in Podgórze – you’re close enough to everything that matters, but far enough from Floriańska Street that you won’t have drunk backpackers stumbling around at 3 AM. There’s this fantastic little café called Café Camelot about fifteen minutes away if you walk through the market square, and honestly, the hotel staff seemed to actually know the neighborhood rather than just rattling off TripAdvisor recommendations. Parking was surprisingly painless too – they’ve got a small lot, and street parking isn’t the nightmare it is in the Old Town. The 9.1 rating makes sense once you’re there; it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Krakow, but everything works, the staff cares, and you wake up feeling like you’re staying somewhere real rather than some generic international chain. If you want to experience Krakow like someone who lives here rather than just passing through, this is honestly where I’d stay again.

The concierge service in Krakow can arrange exclusive castle tours, secure classical concert tickets, and organize visits to nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz Memorial.

City of the Kings-Szmaragd Accommodations

Reviews of City of the Kings-Szmaragd

• Great value – Olga from Poland – April 21, 2025 (9/10)

  The room was modern, the bed comfortable (there were two separate beds). All the necessary appliances were available. It was quiet and the access to the house is well-organized. There's a good bakery in the building. Good Wi-Fi connection. The host helped with a door issue immediately.
  
  What could be improved: Minor things can be improved, such as cleaning (there were breadcrumbs on the chair, hair on the towel). There's coffee, but no tea or sugar. The shower head needs cleaning.

• Fantastic Stay – Vickie from United Kingdom – December 1, 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely beautiful apartment!!!! Met all our needs and the host was fantastic answering queries quickly
  
  What could be improved: Nothing all amazing

• I recommend it – Ewa from Poland – July 3, 2024 (9/10)

  It was clean
  
  What could be improved: Heavy traffic in the area of this property

• Exceptional – Natalia from Poland – July 6, 2025 (10/10)

  Wystrój mieszkania, wygodne łóżko, lokalizacja, sprawna klimatyzacja

• Very Good – Paulina from Poland – June 23, 2025 (8/10)

  Fajnie przygotowany apartament, przyjazna okolica wraz z dobrym połączeniem tramwajowym. Jasna instrukcja wejścia. Mimo ruchliwej lokalizacji -okna fajnie wyciszone
  
  What could be improved: Weszliśmy do mieszkania chyba po dłuższym okresie, gdzie mieszkanie nie było użytkowane. Odczuwalny były nieprzyjemne zapachy z rur, cale szczęście po przelaniu trochę wodą zapach ustał. Trochę brudne firanki i okna, ale to aż tak nie rzucalo sie w oczy jak zasłoniło sie okna.

• Exceptional – Milana from Russia – May 22, 2025 (10/10)

  Отличное месторасположение, очень красивые апартаменты со всем необходимым. И рядом магазины, остановки

• Wonderful – Justyna from Poland – April 17, 2025 (9/10)

  Mimo że mieszkanie znajduje się bardzo blisko tramwajów, to nie było głośno. Zameldowanie bezproblemowe, łatwy kontakt z gospodarzem, super lokalizacja.
  
  What could be improved: W łazience połowa żarówek była spalona, przez co było dość ciemno.

• Very Good – Dorota from United Kingdom – April 2, 2025 (8/10)

  Mieszkanie bardzo ładne i funkcjonalne, w sam raz dla pary.
  Jednak jeśli ktoś ceni ciszę i spokój zwłaszcza w nocy to lokalizacja niestety jest zła pod tym względem. Bardzo głośno jest od ulicy.

• Wystarczający w pełni wyposażony – Khalija from Poland – August 8, 2024 (10/10)

  Super wyposażone polecam
  
  What could be improved: Lokalizacja

• Exceptional – Zaniour from Italy – June 30, 2024 (10/10)

  Camera molto carina e ben attrezzata, ci siamo trovati benissimo

Surroundings