Amidst Krakow’s numerous ancient monuments and architectural marvels, there’s something else that deserves your attention – its age-old hotels. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit, you need to know about the hotels that have been standing tall in Krakow for centuries.
Krakow is a city that will absolutely charm you with its rich tapestry of history. Imagine a place that was once the heartbeat of Poland, its capital, and home to our revered Polish kings. But what’s really impressive, and let me say, rare, is that Krakow remains untouched by the ravages of war, retaining its historical face in a way that other cities like Warsaw couldn’t.
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The Charm of Krakow’s Oldest Hotel – Be a Guest at „Pod Różą„
The reigning champion of Krakow’s hotels in terms of age is the Hotel Pod Różą. Now, this isn’t just a hotel that’s been hosting guests since the 17th century, it’s a hotel that’s hosted historical personalities.
Tsar Alexander I, Honoré de Balzac, and Grand Duke Constantine all have graced its halls. I can tell you, these walls ooze history and stories you wouldn't believe!
These days, it’s not just its impressive guest list and history that make it stnd out. It has two incredible glass-roofed restaurants that you absolutely must dine in.
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Pod Różą Hotel – A Blend of Luxury and History
This five-star establishment, Hotel Pod Różą, is practically a living testament to almost 150 years of history. I think it’s worth to say, the hotel’s classicist interiors are nothing short of beautiful.
This place has everything you could want – 56 rooms and suites, 2 top-notch restaurants, and a conference room.
In 2020, they gave this grand old dame a complete makeover. I am convinced it’s the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity. If you’re looking for a place to stay that offers both luxury and a window into Krakow’s history.
Journey Through the Past – Hotel Pod Różą History
The tale of Krakow’s oldest hotel begins around the year 1300 with the construction of a building in the shape of the letter L. In the late Middle Ages, it underwent a transformation, blossoming into an awe-inspiring palace tenement house. In the 1500s, the proud Provan family claimed ownership. If you want to imagine it during that time, picture a magnificent palace reborn in the chic Renaissance style, all happening in the heart of the sixteenth century.
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Over the years, this grand building changed hands among the elite, including the likes of the castellan of Biecz A. Dembiński, starost of Środa P. Grudziński, and even the Grand Marshal of the Crown Józef Wandalin Mniszch. But by 1750, the tenement house had suffered partial destruction.
A Hotel’s Rebirth in the 18th Century
Now, here’s where the story gets really interesting. In the latter half of the 18th century, a man named A. Burczyński brought this gem back to life. He added a third floor, built a single-storey outbuilding at the rear, and erected wooden outbuildings.
Between 1799 and 1823, the property was owned by J. Szydłowski, who turned it into an inn named Szydłowski Inn House. In 1807, it morphed once again, this time into the Hotel de Russie. At the dawn of the 19th century, a neo-classical makeover, based on the design by Joseph Le Brun, gave the building a new lease on life. The 1820s saw further reconstruction under the expert eye of Szczepan Humbert.
A New Identity – The Birth of Hotel Pod Różą
By 1829, the property had a new owner, H. Meciszewski, and by 1864, it had a new name – Hotel Pod Różą. It passed into the hands of F. Starzewska from 1883 to 1920, who launched a series of conservation and modernization projects.
However, the shadows of World War II cast a dark period over the hotel as it was occupied by German officials.
Nationalization followed in 1950, and the building became the headquarters of the Management of Municipal Hotels and later the Krakow Tourist Enterprise „Wawel-Tourist”.
Between 1970 and 1979, the hotel was again renovated, this time by the Municipal Design Office. Glass galleries were added to the yard-facing façades, equipment was replaced, and cellars were repurposed. Finally, in 1998, the crowning jewel was added – a stunning glass roof that covers the yard.
Exploring More Time-Tested Hotels in Krakow
Hotel Pod Różą isn’t the only one carrying the torch of history in Krakow. There are other time-honored hotels that have seen the passage of centuries and continue to serve guests with elegance.
Take for instance the four-star Hotel Warszawski, which has been standing in the heart of the city for over a hundred years. Or the venerable European Hotel, which flung open its doors to the public way back in the 19th century. Beyond just being a 3-star hotel, it also has a spa, a pub, a rstaurant, and even a grand ballroom to host those special celebrations.
Hotel Polonia and Hotel Francuski – The Magic of Heritage
Adding to the list of Krakow’s heritage hotels, we’ve got the century-old Hotel Polonia, and the four-star Hotel Francuski residing in a historic edifice and welcoming guests since the early 1900s. I believe it’s evident that hotels have been deeply woven into the fabric of Krakow for a long, long time.
Krakow’s significance, especially in days of yore as the country’s capital and the primary seat of Polish kings, can’t be overstated. I am convinced that this position and prestige played a huge role in its popularity and the constant influx of visitors.
These historic hotels continue to thrive and offer a unique glimpse into the past. But don't be fooled by their age. Most of them, despite their antiquity, are modern marvels offering a range of amenities. Be it air conditioning, gourmet restaurants, lively pubs, or tranquil spas, they've got it all!
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What sets these time-honored Krakow hotels apart from their younger counterparts isn’t just the age, but the style and class they exude. They not only match the offerings of newer establishments, but in many aspects, they outclass them. So, if you’re planning a visit, don’t miss the chance to soak up the history and luxury they offer. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
References:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategoria:Zabytkowe_hotele_w_Krakowie
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Polonia_w_Krakowie
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Francuski_w_Krakowie
