Penthouse – Heart of Cracow – Balcony – AC

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked into this penthouse on Retoryka Street, I wasn’t expecting much – I mean, it’s tucked away on a side street that most tourists probably walk right past. But you know what? That’s actually perfect, because you’re literally a two-minute stroll from the Main Square without dealing with the constant stream of tour groups right outside your window.

The apartment itself feels like someone’s stylish friend let you crash at their place for the week. The balcony – and this is key – actually faces away from the street, so you’re not staring at other buildings or listening to late-night revelers stumbling back from the bars on Floriańska. Instead, you get this surprisingly peaceful courtyard view where the biggest noise issue is maybe some pigeons having territorial disputes in the morning. The AC was a godsend during my July visit because, well, hot air rises and penthouse life can get pretty toasty even in Krakow. The unit’s not whisper-quiet, but it does the job without sounding like a jet engine.

What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to keep the old Krakow character – those thick walls and high ceilings that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere with actual history – while adding modern touches that actually work. The kitchen’s small but functional (I made coffee every morning and even attempted pierogi one evening, though let’s not talk about how that turned out). Getting in was straightforward enough, though the building entrance is one of those classic European setups where you need to know which buzzer to press and the door feels like it weighs about 200 pounds. Once you’re up the stairs though – and yes, there are stairs, this is Old Town after all – you’re golden. The location means you can walk to Wawel Castle in about eight minutes, hit up the morning flower market in the square, then duck back for an afternoon nap without it being a whole production. I found myself popping back throughout the day just because it was so easy, which honestly made the whole trip feel less rushed. The 8.4 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be some luxury hotel experience, but for the price point and location, it delivers exactly what you’d want from a Krakow base camp.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $85. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 full bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 2

Reviews

• Very Good – Brenda from Netherlands – June 9, 2025 (8/10)

  Mooi en groot
  
  What could be improved: Weinig handdoeken, geen keukendoeken. Alleen vaatdoek.

• BINE – Cristina from Romania – May 28, 2025 (9/10)

  Poziția locației ne-a permis sa ne deplasam pe jos la toate obiectivele. Este la 5 minute de faleza care e un loc de plimbare minunat. Priveliștea de pe balcon către Piata Centrală. Bucătăria dotata cu strictul necesar.
  
  What could be improved: Urcatul pe scări a celor 5 etaje și faptul ca nu exista jaluzele sau rolete la geamuri ; exista ceva pe geamuri dar nu obtureza deloc lumina.

• Fair – Beata from Sweden – October 25, 2024 (5/10)

  Vi fick sängkläder och täcken för 2 personer och bokningen var för 3
  
  What could be improved: lägenheten låg på översta våningen, ingen hiss

• Exceptional – Offlow from United Kingdom – January 12, 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Loránd from Hungary – November 8, 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS