Hotel Amber

The three-star Hotel Amber, a small boutique hotel located just a few minutes from Market Square, is on the pricier end of the Krakow EuroCheapo spectrum. It’s also one of the most appealing properties we visited in Krakow.

And for once, the lobby does not outpace the 18 guest rooms. The latter are quite wonderful: Sleek and modern, they are mostly outfitted in blacks and beiges. Even the sliding-door closet and shelving is attractive. The rooms are light and welcoming, and could easily pass muster at a much pricier upscale hotel. The real design coup emerges in the utterly gorgeous embroidered duvet covers and logo-bearing towels. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a telephone, cable television and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature lovely tiling and appropriately modern sinks and toilets.

Though Hotel Amber is not a steal, it's a good value among Krakow's small crop of stylish boutique hotels. Frankly, we're hard pressed to think of another hotel this finely designed anywhere at this reasonable a nightly rate.

The lobby and breakfast lounge are both airy and light, with lovely black leather couches and fantastic details. From the banisters to the art deco wall-mounted lamps, this is one hotel with a unified design concept.

Breakfast is included.