S18 Boutique Residence – Krakow Old Town

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me most about S18 Boutique Residence? It’s actually tucked away enough that you feel like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t found yet, but you’re still right in the heart of Old Town. I mean, step outside and you can practically smell the obwarzanek (those twisted bread rings) from the vendors in the main square – honestly, that became my breakfast routine pretty quickly.

The place has this understated elegance that I wasn’t expecting from a 3-star spot. Sure, it’s not going to blow you away with fancy amenities, but there’s something refreshing about a hotel that just does the basics really well. The rooms feel more like a stylish friend’s apartment than a typical hotel – you’ll find thoughtful touches like proper reading lights (finally!) and blackout curtains that actually work. I stayed there during one of those white nights when Krakow buzzes until dawn, and I could barely hear the revelry from Floriańska Street. The soundproofing is surprisingly solid for a building in this part of town.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to genuinely know their city. When I asked about avoiding the crowds at Wawel Castle, the front desk guy – I think his name was Tomasz – gave me this detailed breakdown of timing that clearly came from local experience, not a tourism handbook. He was right, too. The 8.2 rating makes total sense once you realize this isn’t trying to be a luxury palace competing with the big chains near the river. Instead, it’s nailing that sweet spot where you get character, comfort, and a location that lets you stumble back from dinner at Pod Aniołami without needing a taxi. The breakfast spread is nothing fancy, but they serve it until 11 AM (thank you), and there’s this little courtyard where you can actually sit with coffee and plan your day without feeling rushed. Just don’t expect a pool or gym – this is all about being a comfortable base for exploring one of Europe’s most walkable cities.

Hotel in Krakow booking should be done early, especially during summer season when the city hosts internationally acclaimed cultural festivals and medieval celebrations.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with City View with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 6 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony and City View with 4 × 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 6 children
• Studio Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults, 4 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 6 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with City View with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 6 children

Reviews

• Matthew from United States (9/10)

  Very nice two bedroom apartment, recently renovated with great appliances and space. Fantastic location next to Old Town, short walk to restaurants, bars, shops, main square. Reception was helpful and friendly. Private parking was quite close and very accessible for a large vehicle. Would definitely stay again. Highly Recommend?

• Barbara from Austria (9/10)

  Good site. Enough space. Good beds

• Peter from Norway (9/10)

  The ladys at the reception are definitely the most service friendly you can imagine and it gives a real premium touch to the whole stay. I came 2 hrs before check in and they did all they could to make my room ready before the time. Also I got a personal guided tour between the reception, the apartment and the car parking!
  The apartment was perfectly clean and although it needs some minor maintenance you will get a premium feeling while staying there. The location couldn't be better and the noise from the street is easily eliminated by closing the balcony door and turning on the aircon, that worked great. Definitely a spot I will return to and the value for what you get is fair. All the previously reported issues with the apartment were fixed. The only thing that was missing was the capsules for the coffee machine. The stairs to the apartment are wide but there are many of them, so its not the best spot for people that are not fit.

• Luba from Ukraine (9/10)

  A beautiful spacious minimalistic place, very clean, equipped with everything you need for a stay. I especially liked books used as decoration in the bedroom. Good kitchen. Very clean bathroom. Overall, great place.

• Zahid_altunel from Turkey (9/10)

  Clean and very close to the city centre

• Radovan from Czech Republic (9/10)

  The apartment was small but cosy. It was very clean and well equipped. Communication with the receptionist was perfect. Very close to the city centre and the Jewish quarter. The available parking space nearby was handy.

• Serhii from Ukraine (9/10)

  overall quite good apartment with a good price

• Amir from Canada (8/10)

  Welcoming professionnel reception. Very cooperative. Excellent customer service.
  We needed to find out where to buy coffee for the coffee machine. They offered us as many as we needed for our stay.

• Bethany from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Very spacious apartment, we stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment and it had everything we needed, staff were lovely and always on hand to help, especially as we had a problem with our boiler twice and we didn’t have any hot water/ heating but the receptionist on shift sorted it out very quickly both times! Lovely apartment beds were so comfortable!

• Ngwenya from South Africa (8/10)

  prime location in old town, a comfortable location, safety, and great value for money

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities