Karmel Hotel

The three-star Hotel Karmel is one of the most gorgeous small hotels in Krakow. Located up a stairway in an impossibly cute corner of Kazimierz, the Karmel is a Cheapo favorite.

What precisely renders Karmel's 10 rooms a cut above many other tourist-class rooms in Krakow? Despite run-of-the-mill faux-antique furnishings—desks and armoires in cherry wood and upholstered chairs—Karmel manages to insert enough unexpected twists to save rooms from total anonymity. Where you might expect an Ethan Allen aesthetic, spunky touches like grass-green curtains and bedspreads, bedside benches and appealing ash blond floors tweak the design palette. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, free wired Internet and minibar.

From the meticulously well-maintained façade to the neatly appointed rooms, there's much to appreciate here. While Karmel is not a luxury property, there's a plain elegance throughout, best exemplified by the high-ceilinged reception area.

Breakfast is included.