Hotel Pod Wawelem

The three-star Hotel Pod Wawelem inhabits one of the boldest, most modern buildings in our survey of Krakow hotels, located in a central location at the base of Krakow's castle and just beyond the Stare Miasto greenbelt.

After the exterior and cool lobby build-up, the hotel’s 48 rooms are a slight disappointment. Nonetheless, they manage to be more interesting than Krakow's legions of newly renovated mid-range rooms. They are uncluttered, with white walls and smart—if Ikea-esque—furnishings. We liked the original paintings and desk lamps. Silver flat-panel televisions are a nice additional touch, and rooms also feature air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, though tiny, are well-appointed. Sinks and toilets have a contemporary flair.

The building itself, from its flat roof to its windows that appear to simply wrap around it, extends an enticing invitation to the modernism junkie in a city better known for its medieval and baroque heritage. Inside, the lobby features a massive, illuminated map of Krakow. The restaurant, which inhabits a corner of the hotel's ground floor, is a stylish little place featuring particularly attentive waitstaff and quirky dishware. The highlight, though, is the roof terrace, where guests can enjoy cocktails or a meal with sweeping views of the city.

Breakfast is included, as is free access to the sauna.