Friendhouse Apartments Vistula&Wawel

Hotel Description

So here’s the thing about Friendhouse Apartments – you know how some places sound better on paper than they actually are? Well, this one’s the opposite. When I first walked up to the building on Sandomierska Street, I was honestly a bit skeptical. It’s tucked away in Dębniki, which if you don’t know Krakow well, might seem like you’re staying “outside” the action. But here’s what I figured out pretty quickly – you’re actually in one of the best spots possible, and most tourists have no clue about it.

The Vistula River is literally right there (hence the name), and I mean right there – you can hear it if you open your windows at night, which is surprisingly soothing. What really got me though was realizing how close Wawel Castle actually is. You just walk across the Dębniki Bridge, maybe ten minutes tops, and boom – you’re at the base of the castle hill. No crowds of tourists stumbling around with their phones out because they haven’t discovered this route yet. The apartment itself feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in typical hotel accommodation. The kitchen actually works (shocking, I know), and there’s this lived-in quality that makes you want to brew coffee in the morning instead of rushing out immediately. The 4-star rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be fancy, but everything you need is there and done well.

What I really appreciated was the parking situation – there’s actually space, unlike trying to navigate Old Town with a rental car, which is basically impossible. The neighborhood has this authentic Polish residential vibe where you’ll see locals walking their dogs and old ladies chatting on benches, not street performers and souvenir shops every ten feet. You’re close enough to walk to Kazimierz (the Jewish quarter) without dealing with the main tourist thoroughfares, and honestly, that’s worth the slightly longer walk to the main square. The 8.5 rating makes total sense once you’ve stayed there a few days – it’s not perfect (the WiFi can be spotty, and don’t expect hotel-level service), but it gives you that rare thing where you feel like you’re actually experiencing Krakow instead of just visiting it. Plus, there’s a decent grocery store about three blocks away, and trust me, having the option to grab fresh bread and local cheese instead of eating every meal out is clutch, especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $77. One-Bedroom Premium Apartment with 1 full bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 4
• Estimated price from: $162. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 queen bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 8

Reviews

• Exceptional – Radzio996 from Poland – August 18, 2024 (10/10)

  What could be improved: No dedicated parking spot available

• the apartment was in a great location across from the castle approx 10/15 walk. the apartment is clean and fresh and – Ben from United Kingdom – October 16, 2022 (10/10)

  very modern and clean through out
  
  What could be improved: the blind in the front room bedroom didn’t close completely. and it came off the wall very easily

• Good – Kristofers from Latvia – June 30, 2025 (7/10)

  Great location at the centre of Krakow.
  All the necessary amenities were there.
  
  What could be improved: The windows face a big street with a lot of traffic.

• Fine short stay and visit on new year – Vilmantas from Lithuania – February 7, 2025 (9/10)

  Easy information
  
  What could be improved: Parking spot when arrive or return. Even payed parking lot was not easy to find at some point

• Very Good – Nikita from Latvia – November 12, 2023 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Comfort of bedsheets and only one bathroom, everything else was great

• Great location. – Rachel from United Kingdom – March 26, 2023 (9/10)

  Great location. Lovely apartment, would use again.
  
  What could be improved: Apartment was very hot, air con didn't help.
  Beds are quite squeaky.

• Very Good – Emily from United Kingdom – December 20, 2022 (8/10)

  Lovely looking apartment, great location.
  
  What could be improved: No staff on site and when I tried to call no one to speak to. Limited parking also which resulted in one guest getting a parking ticket

• Can’t say we’d go back – Fabien from Netherlands – May 31, 2025 (6/10)

  Location and parking
  
  What could be improved: Bad mattresses, too thin and soft
  Noisy next to large avenue
  Stifling hot and airco no delivering

• Great location and a simple apartment, perfect if you just need it for somewhere to store your bags – Sonya from United Kingdom – July 25, 2025 (6/10)

  Great location along the river with fantastic views. Arrival was easy and very straight forward.
  
  What could be improved: The decor is tired and in need of a refresh. The sofa was broken and half collapsing. The beds were just ply wood with a thin mattress topper and some bedding didnt seem very clean.

• Not recommended at all – Hameed from Bahrain – May 19, 2024 (1/10)

  Nothing,
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was not clean and the photos are not reflecting the fact of many details such as the below:
  1- No air conditioning in rooms (only in the living room.
  2- No soundproofing for windows and the apartment near main road which made it very noisy
  3- Beds are small and can’t be enough for two adults.
  4- The breakfast only few options and dose not deserve to include it
  5- The owner was not cooperative who made us book another apartment.
  6- some walls are broken and not clean

SURROUNDINGS