Hotel Pod Wawelem, whose name means Below Wawel, sits on Plac na Groblach between the castle hill and the Vistula boulevards, one of the most scenic spots in the city. It is a modern building of six floors and 48 rooms, and many of them look straight at the walls and towers of Wawel. The style is classic and comfortable rather than cutting-edge, with room service, coffee makers and fridges in the rooms, and on-site parking, which is rare this close to the centre. The location is the selling point: Wawel is a couple of minutes away, the riverside paths start across the road, Kanonicza Street leads up to the Main Market Square in about fifteen minutes, and Kazimierz is a short walk to the south.
Choosing a room: ask for a room facing Wawel; the castle view, especially at night when the walls are lit, is the reason to stay here. Higher floors give the best outlook.
What the stay is like: friendly, practical and good value for the position, with a quieter feel than hotels on the main square. Riverside walks in the morning are a bonus.
Who it suits: first-timers who want to be between the Old Town and Kazimierz, families who appreciate parking and easy access, and anyone who wants Wawel as their view.
Why stay here
- ✓Wawel Castle views
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Room service
- ✓Coffee maker in rooms
- ✓In-room fridge
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- ✓Non-smoking rooms
- ✓Steps from the Vistula boulevards
Good questions
How close is Hotel Pod Wawelem to Wawel Castle?+
Very close. The hotel stands at the foot of Wawel Hill on Plac na Groblach, a couple of minutes' walk from the castle entrance.
Does Hotel Pod Wawelem have parking?+
Yes, the hotel has on-site parking, which is unusual this close to the Old Town.
Can I walk to the Main Market Square from Hotel Pod Wawelem?+
Yes, it is about fifteen minutes on foot via Kanonicza and Grodzka streets.