Hotel Podewils is the romantic choice among Gdańsk's smaller hotels, a historic townhouse on the Motława's east bank with a view across the water to the Crane and the roofs of the Main Town. Its name comes from the family that once owned the house, and the building keeps the character of its period, with high ceilings, stylish furnishings and a calm, residential feel that is very different from a large chain hotel. There are relatively few rooms, which gives the hotel a personal, boutique scale, and the best of them look out over the river. Guests usually single out the setting, the quiet at night and the terrace by the water, where you can have a drink or a meal while the lights of the Main Town come on across the river. The restaurant serves local and seasonal dishes, and the staff tend to be attentive and happy to help with tours, tables and tickets.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the same stretch of riverside as Hotel Gdańsk Boutique, a short walk from the footbridge that crosses to the Main Town, so the Long Market, the Royal Route and St Mary's Basilica are all reachable in about ten to fifteen minutes. The boat cruises depart from the quay on the opposite bank, and Granary Island is next door.
Gdańsk Główny station is around twenty minutes on foot or a short taxi ride, and the airport is roughly half an hour away. Because the hotel is small and not on a main road, taxis and drop-offs are best arranged in advance.
The rooms
Rooms vary in size and layout, as you would expect in a historic building, from cosy doubles to larger rooms and suites, and some have more character than others. If you want the river view, ask for it when you book, and be aware that older buildings sometimes have stairs or limited lift access, so check accessibility if it matters for your party. Air conditioning and modern bathrooms are generally provided, but confirm the details for the room category you choose.
Who it suits and good to know: couples, honeymooners, anniversary trips and travellers who prefer atmosphere to scale. It is less suited to groups, to guests who want a gym, a pool or conference facilities, or to those who need to arrive and leave at awkward hours. Breakfast is usually served in the restaurant or on the terrace in summer, and rates can vary widely between the quiet winter months and the peak summer weeks.
Because the hotel has so few rooms, it fills up early for summer weekends and for the Christmas market period, so book well ahead.
Seasons
In summer the terrace is the main attraction, with long evenings on the river. In winter the hotel is a cosy hideaway, with candlelit evenings and a short, easy walk to the Christmas market and the museums. It is one of the best places in Gdańsk for a quiet, romantic stay close to the sights.
Why stay here
- ✓Riverside terrace
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓River views
- ✓Historic building
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Concierge help with tours
- ✓Wifi
- ✓Air conditioning
Good questions
Where is Hotel Podewils?+
It is on the east bank of the Motława, looking across the river to the Main Town, a short walk from the footbridge to the Long Market.
Is Hotel Podewils good for couples?+
Yes. It is a small, historic hotel with river views and a terrace, and it is one of the most romantic places to stay in the city.
Does the hotel have a gym or pool?+
It is a small boutique hotel focused on atmosphere rather than leisure facilities, so check the current list of services if you need a gym or pool.
