Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow stands on Straszewskiego Street at the southern edge of the Planty, the green ring of parkland that surrounds the Old Town. Its position is one of its best features: it lies between the Old Town and Wawel Hill, so both are within a short walk, and the hotel is on the quieter side of the centre, away from the weekend bar crowds. The building is a modern business-class hotel with a contemporary, clean-lined interior, a spacious lobby, and comfortable rooms that are well soundproofed, with good desks, big windows and well-equipped bathrooms. Facilities cover the usual needs of a city-centre hotel. There is a restaurant and a bar, a fitness area, meeting rooms and a breakfast buffet that is generous and varied, set up to cope with large numbers of guests at busy times. Air conditioning is a real advantage on hot summer days, when many older buildings in the centre can be stuffy. Staff are used to international guests, speak good English, and are helpful with tickets, taxis and tour bookings.
Choosing a room
Standard rooms are comfortable and sensibly sized, and higher floors tend to be quieter and have better views over the Planty and the rooftops. Family rooms and connecting rooms are available on request, and executive rooms add lounge access, which is helpful for longer stays. Check the room description carefully when you book, because layouts vary between floors.
What the stay is like
Smooth and efficient, with fewer surprises than a historic hotel. You will not find carved stone or vaulted cellars here, but you will find a bed that suits tired travellers, a quiet room and a team that knows how to help. The restaurant serves a range of international and Polish dishes, and the bar is a comfortable place for a quiet drink after a day out.
Because the hotel is used by business travellers and groups, it is busy on weekdays and during conferences, so it is worth booking ahead in spring and autumn.
Getting around
This is a walkable base. The Main Market Square is about ten minutes away through the Planty, Wawel Hill is a short stroll in the other direction, and Kazimierz can be reached on foot in about twenty minutes. The main railway station is a fifteen to twenty minute walk along the green belt, or a short tram or taxi ride, so it works well for day trips by train or bus. Taxis are inexpensive and easy to find, and the hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want a well-located, reliable and reasonably priced base, business travellers, families who want space and an on-site restaurant, and anyone who prefers modern comfort to old-world charm. The trade-off is atmosphere, since it is a conventional hotel in a historic city, but the location makes up for it. If you want more character, Hotel Indigo or Hotel Stary will deliver it; for convenience and value, Radisson Blu is a sensible choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Edge-of-Planty location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness area
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Generous breakfast buffet
- ✓Family and connecting rooms
- ✓Meeting rooms
- ✓Walk to the Main Market Square and Wawel
Good questions
Where is Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow?+
On Straszewskiego Street at the edge of the Planty, between the Old Town and Wawel Hill, about ten minutes' walk from the Main Market Square.
Is the hotel air-conditioned?+
Rooms are air-conditioned, which helps on hot summer days. Check room details when you book.
Is it a good base for day trips?+
Yes. The main station and bus stops are a short taxi or tram ride away, and the hotel can help with tickets and transfers.
