Novotel Krakow Centrum Hotel (Review)

When I recently went to Krakow in Poland, I had a number of criteria I wanted from the hotel. I wanted it to be within walking distance to the city centre, breakfast to be included and for it to have both a spa and a swimming pool. Looking back, I probably only really needed the first, but nevertheless, I ended up booking the Novotel Krakow Centrum. It was beautiful.

The hotel was lovely. The staff were so kind and accommodating throughout. I checked in online and was told I wouldn't be able to get into the room until 3pm. When I arrived just before 1pm, I went to the desk and immediately was given access to the room which was perfect. I went up to the room and it was beautiful. Some reviews said it was dated but it absolutely wasn't. I couldn't have asked for a nicer, more spacious and modern area. The only downside was the view out the window, which looked out on a courtyard of hotels and a petrol station. 

I then went down to the restaurant and the meal was amazing. The food was delicious and fast to be served. They provided a complimentary bread and spice butter starter. I even asked for 2 kids meals to be combined, rather than something off the main menu. I loved the restaurant space and it was so modern and peaceful. 

The same could be said for breakfast. If I was with someone else, I probably would have got breakfast in the city centre as there are lots of bakeries scattered around, but I thought for ease it was better for me to eat at the hotel. It was honestly the best complimentary breakfast I've had in years and took me back to the days of all inclusive holidays as a child. They had everything from cereal, yogurts, fruit, salad, bread, cake, pancakes, crepes, porridge and hot food, with omelettes made on request. 

The entire hotel had great facilities. They had a game room but it was quite full when I went as they were hosting the International Handball Championships. I did however take advantage of the spa, gym and swimming pool. The pool was a little on the colder side, despite supposedly being heated, but it was so quiet. I booked myself a facial which was so relaxing, and went to the pool twice during my four-day stay. I had the entire place to myself for hours. I was initially quite disappointed in the pool opening times, as I was told all day when I rang but ended up being closed for large portion of day when I had planned to use it, but it all worked out okay. 

By biggest complaint was that there was unexpectedly a lot of building work. The reception area and downstairs toilets were being renovated when I first arrived. Then the room opposite mine was being redone, with lots of banging, loud noises before 9am and fumes from the works being done. The work men also left the fire escape staircase door open creating a large echo overnight and a massive draught, which was a shame. 


Other than that, I couldn't have asked for a better hotel. It was a lovely stay and the location was perfect. It was situated just on the river and so very picturesque. It was about a 5 minute walk to the backside of Wawel Castle and about 15 minutes from the very centre of Krakow itself. I would defintely recommend it as somewhere to stay in the future! 

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