Polka Apartment – by Upstairs

Polka Apartment – by Upstairs Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to the second floor of this charming Old Town building, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Polka Apartment – by Upstairs. The name itself hints at something uniquely Polish, and honestly, that’s exactly what you get. This three-star property sits right on Czarnowiejska Street, and I mean right in the thick of things — you’re literally steps from everything that makes Krakow’s Old Town magical. The building has that authentic European apartment feel, which some travelers love and others find a bit intimidating, but once you’re inside, it all makes sense.

Location & Neighborhood

You know what’s impressive about this place? That 9.1 location score isn’t just marketing fluff — it’s genuinely earned. I’ve stayed in plenty of “centrally located” places that still require a 15-minute walk to anything interesting, but Polka Apartment – by Upstairs puts you within a few minutes of the Main Market Square. The neighborhood buzzes with that perfect mix of locals heading to work and tourists discovering hidden cafés. Couples seem to particularly love this spot (and I can see why), since you can easily wander the cobblestone streets hand-in-hand without dealing with the chaos of being directly on the main tourist drag.

The Apartment Experience

This isn’t your typical hotel room setup — it’s actually an apartment, which changes the whole dynamic of your stay. You get a proper living space that feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than checking into a hotel. The furnishings blend modern comfort with touches that nod to Krakow’s character, though I’d say it leans more toward clean and functional than ornate. What I appreciated most was having space to spread out after long days of sightseeing — there’s something refreshing about not living out of a suitcase crammed next to a bed.

Practical Considerations

Being on the second floor means stairs (no elevator), so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or have mobility concerns. The apartment setup also means you’re more independent than in a traditional hotel — which can be liberating if you like doing your own thing, but might feel isolating if you prefer having front desk staff readily available. I found the self-sufficient approach actually enhanced the experience of living like a temporary local. The kitchen facilities, while compact, are genuinely useful for grabbing groceries from the nearby market and preparing simple meals.

Why Guests Love It

That impressive 9.2 rating reflects something real — this place delivers on its promise of putting you in the heart of Krakow without the premium price tag of upscale hotels. Couples consistently rate it highly because it offers privacy and romance without sacrificing location, and honestly, there’s something special about having your own little Polish apartment as a base for exploring the city. You’re close enough to walk to dinner at traditional restaurants, grab morning coffee from local spots, and still retreat to a quiet space that feels like home. For travelers who want authentic Krakow living rather than generic hotel comfort, Polka Apartment – by Upstairs hits that sweet spot perfectly.

Krakow hotels provide guests with luxurious accommodations in Poland’s cultural capital, known for its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and rich royal history.

Polka Apartment – by Upstairs Accommodations

Reviews of Polka Apartment – by Upstairs

• Andrii from Georgia (10/10)

  Comfort, full equipment, cleanliness. Convenient location. Hospitality and attention of personnel.

• Rachel from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location with a lovely cafe nearby. Great value for money and only a ten minute walk to the main square. Comfy beds and very spacious and clean.

• Simone from Australia (10/10)

  How clean everything was and the thoughtfulness of the host. Little touches like coffee was nice.

• Tisa from Germany (9/10)

  The accommodation was very nicely furnished and is very centrally located. It was less than a 10-minute walk to the city center. Communication with the staff was quick, easy and friendly. I can only recommend the apartment and would come again myself.

• Simion from Ireland (8/10)

  The location is perfect as I stayed before in that area and it's 10 minutes from the square. A good few local shops around the area and tram line is near.
  The bed mattress was very comfortable and the kitchen was nice. For 7 people the place was perfect and very homey and the host which is an agency was beyond helpful and accommodating to our requests.

• Kamilė from Lithuania (8/10)

  Interior design, clean, tidy, good location

• Mārtiņš from Latvia (10/10)

  Location is very close to City center. Design is nice. Attitude from hosts is great- all information was provided and nice sugestions what to see in the city.

• Adhideb from Switzerland (9/10)

  – Big spacious well furnished apartment with comfortable beds
  – Very prompt hosts
  – Walking distance from the old town

• Nicholas from Malta (8/10)

  The check-in was smooth and contactless. The apartment was very spacious and comfortable, had all the facilities we needed, and with it's ideal location, it is only a stone throw away from Krakow centre.

• Genesis from Philippines (10/10)

  We were a party of 4 people staying in Polka apartment and we all loved the property! It is exactly like the photos and the cleanliness and the location is great if you dont want any noise right outside of the apartment. It also felt safe to stay there. We recommend the pizza restaurant near the apartment for breakfast/lunch or dinner. The beds were comfortable and very clean like at the hotels. We are very used to stay at hotels and this is the first time booking an apartment and we can say that it was went over our expectations. Higly recommend!!

Surroundings

Facilities