Hotel Wentzl occupies a townhouse at number 19 on the Main Market Square, which makes it one of the very few hotels in the city where you can step out of the front door straight into the centre of the Old Town. The building is historic and the hotel is intimate, with a small number of individually decorated rooms and a restaurant that has long been one of the best-known addresses on the square. Many rooms and the dining room look out over the open space of the market, the Cloth Hall and the twin towers of St Mary's Basilica, so the view is a large part of the appeal. Inside, the style is traditional, with warm colours, period details and comfortable bedding, rather than a minimalist design. The location means that almost every major sight is within a short walk, from the Rynek Underground and St Mary's to the Planty park and the road to Wawel Hill.
Choosing a room
Rooms facing the square have the best views and the most atmosphere, but they can also hear music and conversation from the square on busy evenings, especially in summer and during festivals. Rooms at the back are quieter. Because the building is a historic townhouse, room sizes and layouts vary, and some rooms are compact, so check the details when you book. Light sleepers should ask for a quiet room.
What the stay is like
It feels like staying in a private house in the middle of the action. The restaurant is the focus of the building, and guests often dine downstairs or take a table with a view over the square. The Old Town's cafes, bars and shops are all around you, and the hourly bugle call from St Mary's is a charming feature for some guests and a wake-up call for others.
If you plan to arrive by car, ask about parking, as vehicles are heavily restricted in the Old Town centre and most guests arrive by taxi or on foot from the station.
Who it suits
Couples, first-time visitors who want the best possible location and travellers who value character over modern facilities. The trade-offs are limited space, a lack of large-hotel amenities such as a pool or a gym and the noise of the square. For a similar setting with more luxury, look at the five-star hotels nearby; for a quieter stay, consider the Kazimierz hotels. Book early for weekends, Christmas market season and summer, since a small hotel on the main square sells out quickly.
Why stay here
- ✓On the Main Market Square
- ✓Historic townhouse
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Rooms with square views
- ✓Steps from St Mary's Basilica
- ✓Walk to Wawel Hill
- ✓Walk to Planty park
- ✓Tours and tickets nearby
Good questions
Where is Hotel Wentzl?+
On the Main Market Square in the Old Town, at the heart of the historic centre.
Are the rooms quiet?+
Rooms facing the square have the views but can be lively on busy evenings. Ask for a back room if you prefer quiet.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes, a well-known restaurant is part of the hotel, with views over the square.
