Overlooking the Rynek, Krakow’s Grand Central Square and the hub of city life, Hotel Wentzl can safely brag about having the most romantic views in the city – one of the biggest medieval squares in Europe. Housed in a 17th-century building known as ‘Under the Painting’ for its Madonna and Child on the façade, this is one of the most beautifully preserved buildings on the square, and became a restaurant when John Wentzl opened his establishment in 1792.
The hotel itself opened a little more recently than that, and now offers 18 comfortable and stylish rooms, each perfect for loved-up weekend-breaking couples. Spread across three floors, they boast a wealth of period features, such as four-poster beds, high oak-beamed ceilings, and a general air of medieval decadence.
The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant is situated on the first floor overlooking the Old Square and serves a delicious selection of traditional Polish and European cuisine including crayfish with trout dumplings. And after a chilled cherry vodka in one of the candlelit bars of the Kazimierz district, it makes for the perfect place to settle in for a long (and wonderfully cosy) dinner.
What’s hot?
- Location, location, location
- Free WiFi is available in the rooms
- The views
- The lovely old restaurant
What’s not?
- The decor isn’t for minimalists
Need to Know: Hotel Wentzl
Number of rooms: 18
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 12noon
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: Yes
Eating and drinking: The restaurant at Hotel Wentzl is one of the best in Krakow. Expect the rather grand (and meaty) likes of roast beef roulades, venison fillet, wild boar tenderloin and crayfish with trout dumplings to crop up on the menu.
Near to? When you’ve exhausted the minibar, you can take a potentially cheesy, yet somehow totally appropriate horse and carriage ride, mulled wine in hand, to the nearby Wawel Castle. Attractions within walking distance include the Cloth Hall, the world’s oldest shopping mall, and St Mary’s Church, but Rynek is also the main entertainment area of Krakow.
Getting there: Krakow’s Glowny railway station is only a 10-minute walk away and Krakow international airport is 10km, about a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
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