Grand Hotel

, Krakow, Poland
Explore Krakow
Review this Hotel
Popular Travel Destinations

Recently Reviewed Hotels Around Krakow

Grand Hotel

, Krakow
4 star

Rooms: 58

5 Ul Slawkowska - Krakow - 31 014 - Poland Hotel Website | | 12 421 72 55
239 Traveller

Reviews - Grand Hotel

1/10
Run by criminals
Submitted by: Simon Golz in 23/07/07
  • Age Group: 26 - 30
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Traveller type: Young Couple
"WARNING TO ALL TOURISTS THIS HOTEL IS RUN BY CRIMINALS!! I Booked a stay with this hotel through this website to stay in Nov 06 and arrived and had a mediocre stay - settled my bill and went on my journeys. Should have been the end of the story right? Wrong. Inexplicably and without warning this hotel charge £245 again on my credit card in April 07. On request my credit card company enquired why this had been done and the response was this charge had been made as according to them I had no turned up in Nov 06. I pointed out to the hotel and my credit card company that I had stayed and infact had paid the bill using the credit card (Of which my cc company can confirm) but the hotel have simply refused to reply to my emails or even refund me back this incorrect charge. NOT THE BEHAVIOUR YOU WOULD EXPECT OF A 5* ESTABLISHMENT - the behaviour of CRIMINALS so anyone choosing this hotel BEWARE!!"
Check Rates and Availability for the Grand Hotel
1/10
Do not stay at the Grand hotel Kracow
Submitted by: Peter Bates in 31/05/05
  • Age Group: 41 - 50
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Traveller type: Business Traveller
I wish to inform you that I stayed at the grand hotel in Krakow May 28th 29th 2005, when we arrived at the hotel we was informed that our rooms (2 sets of guests one usa one uk) had been given away and they asked us to leave??? We had booked these rooms via internet and travel company in March 2005, they then said the rooms did not have water and that was the reason, we then explained that we would take rooms without water, the receptionist then admitted that she was telling LIES and said her manager had told her to do this. I then walked out of the hotel and walked into the hotel next door and asked them to inquire about room availability with the grand etc, and surprisingly yes there was rooms available, how could this happen we asked, we requested to speak to the manager and was informed she was away in Warsaw and the receptionist was laughing on the phone whilst speaking with her, however the manager then appeared some 2 hours later, again she could not have been in Warsaw and again a lie, now please remember this is a 5 star hotel and this is not what you expect from them, especially when they threaten to phone the police because we complain about not having rooms available. We were then given one single room and one double room both rooms the air con did not work and we was moved again. the breakfast was warm and the cheese was seriously off!!!, we requested a wake up call which we never received and missed our trip to Auschwitz!!!!!, we requested an iron only to have the phone put down on us, we requested a final meeting on the last day for 11.00am and the manager arrived at 12:25 and I had a taxi booked for 12:30 leaving no time to discuss the hotels terms and conditions, the managers boss as she described him pretended to not understand us he walked in at 11.45 and went upstairs, all he had to say was "why you no pay" and smiled to me he was taking the **** is he supposed to run a quality hotel with an attitude like this?? I really do not understand his attitude, he actually looked a little gay to me and said if I do not pay he will call the police as I left the hotel the police arrived even though I had paid. Now I can assure you that I will post this information on every website in the world to penalise you and your business and reputation will be ruined unless you credit both myself peter bates and Randall goldring for the shabby disgraceful and insulting stay I had in your hotel, please be assured that I will continue this posting of information for many many many many many years. Over to you!
1/10
A lesson in how not to treat guests!
Submitted by: Mike Ashton in 06/05/05
  • Age Group: 41 - 50
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Traveller type: Mature Couple
As a special treat, I booked five nights at the 'five star' Grand Hotel, confirmed through Central Reservations.
On arrival we were checked in, and after swiping the credit card and receiving my room card we were informed that we could only stay four nights. They said that they had never confirmed five nights with CR. But, they also said, not to worry, there may well be a cancellation and if not, we could stay next door at the Hotel Saski at the same price. This was not what we wanted to hear, but mistakes happen, and at the worst, we only had to move next door.
Every day of our stay we asked for an update on our situation. Every day we were told the same. Don't worry, We haven't had a cancellation yet, but we will let you know. On the fourth morning, we still hadn't been told anything. So - bearing in mind we didn't know whether we were still staying or not, we asked for confirmation only to be told that there were no cancellations, there was no room at the hotel next door and we would have to be out by 12.00 noon. No attempt whatsoever had been made to resolve the situation. Unsurprisingly, we were completely and utterly astonished and asked to see the Manager. At first we were told that he was in a meeting then after further demands, we were told he was not available that day at all, and that there was no-one in charge who we could see. To cut a long and depressing story short reception grudgingly reserved us a room at the Novotel Krakow Centrum, which of course we had to pay for. On the final full day of our holiday this appeared to be the only choice yet to pay for a hotel we didn't want to stay in, in a location that we didn't want to be in. It would have been so easy to solve the situation. Yet despite repeated questions, the staff at the Grand Hotel lied to us on a daily basis.This is supposed to be a five star hotel. If you want to stay here then give it a go, but my advice would be:
Get your reservation cast in stone. Do not believe anything you are told by the hotel. On a more positive note, the hotel is in a great but noisy location, even if there was no bar, or cafe (closed for refurb when we were there).
Oh, and watch out for the mini-bar prices. If you want friendly, helpful staff try the Novotel. The position is not as good and the place not as luxurious, but at least you know where you stand.

Historical Traveller Reviews of Grand Hotel

Very Comfortable, but not luxurious

from Elton_Bear
The hotel, with its wide hallways, high ceilings and sweeping marble, mirrored staircases, has been sensitively modernised, while still retaining much of its former style. However, its claim to be 5 star is a stretch. Some of the expectations of that rating are just not there. The big plus is location, one block from the main square, with loads of cafes and restaurants, and an easy 10 min walk from the station on a virtually vehicle free route. It is warm and cosy, and our "Deluxe Double" room was very spacious, but the dimly lit bathroom was bijou, and the bath tub built for one of Snow White's helpers. The evening turndown service seemed to be limited to provide two chocolates- no straightening or replacing of towels for example. And even the daily maid didn't clear away -twice- a half used water glass on the bedside table. And a very basic domestic television perched on a little table in the corner of the big room. Just lacking in a bit of style.

Breakfast buffet was very comprehensive, especially the cold table items. But the fruit juices were clearly 50% or more diluted with water. The hotel has a gourmet dinner reputation, but we never saw anyone in the elegant dining room, and the bar was a very quiet place too. Clearly, too much good choice in the nearby streets. This is a very quiet, reserved hotel. Don't stay here if you want a funky fun place. Very quiet at night, though we did have some noise from passing revellers in the street, but having no traffic was a real bonus.

All in all though, good value, comfortable enough, and ideally situated to explore a most interesting city centre. But we too had the experience of being held at check out until our room was inspected to see we hadn't stolen the TV or the towels! Odd.

Some travel tips:

Use the newish airport to city train service: 4zl pp. Free shuttle bus or 300m walk from arrivals. Every 30 mins. The conductor was not pleased with my 100zl note just fresh from the ATM in Arrivals! Walk from station following Stare Miasto (Old Town) signs, then along the green Planty Gardens to the hotel street.

Buy your Auschwitz and/or Salt Mine tour tickets from the Tourist Office next to St Mary's Church in Main Sq. They were 5GBP/ 10USD cheaper pp than the ones offered by the Cracow Tour Company. Tour pick up point easy 5 minute stroll from Grand.

Go to the Wawel Castle early and get timed tickets for later in the day for the state apartments etc. Numbers are limited and they soon sell out. We "did" the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter walk while waiting for our visit slot.

For good Polish food eat at Pod Aniolami cellar restaurant, ul Grodzka 35- across the main square. Booking makes sense- we got the last unreserved table. More homely Polish food at one of the three Chlopskie Jadlo places, one of which just in the next street to the Grand, another in ul. Grodzka too. But you are spoilt for choice in Krakow.

Take sensible walking shoes! This is a walk about town, including cobblestones.

good location

from swansfan
Stayed for 4 nights in early March and had a nice time.
Location about 75 yards to main square.
Loads of cheap good quality bars and restaurants around.
Staff were friendly, breakfast was much better than we were expecting.

Only complaint was as we were in the taxi heading home the taxi driver had a call from the hotel accusing us of taking a small calender which quite frankly was a bit of a cheek - I also witnessed an American gentleman who had been charged for premium TV channels which he claimed he didnt authorise.

Since i notice another reviewer had been accused of stealing a towel I wonder whether this is a regular occurance.

The problem seems to be they leave items in the room you can buy and then when you check out the maid has to do a mad dash to see if anythings been taken.

Would recommend though (esp through Easyjet - it was cheap)

Pleasant Surprise

from Wobross
The Grand certainly lives up to it's name, the room we had was the size of a tennis court! Friendly attentive staff and delightful Edwardian surroundings. If you like your hotels with pillars, stained glass and classical details stay here as it will add to your experience of Kracow sleeping right in the heart of the ancient city at a former ducal palace. The bar and restaurant are worth a visit and you should try something Polish of the menus.
Great Weekend

Disappointing end to a great holiday

from Hemma
We stayed in the Grand for a weekend in February 2007. Our initial reaction to the hotel was good. As you walk in it is indeed grand, we had no problems checking in and we were pleasently surprised by our room. It was clean, spacious and on the whole had everything we needed (although to echo some other reviews on here tea/coffee facilities would have been nice). We found the breakfast fine, there was a reasonable amount of choice and everything was satisfying aside from the luke warm coffee.

The only problem came at the end of our stay. I was checking out, whilst my sister and daughter waited in a cab outside that was to take us to the airport. After the housekeeping had checked our room, I was abruptly informed by the receptionist that there was a towel missing. She then proceeded to ask me for 90z. I was absolutely astonished, I was being accused of stealing a low-quality, off-white towel, when I have literally dozens at home. I went out to the cab and proceeded to bring in our cases so as the receptionist could look in them. She simply stayed sitting at the desk looking at us blankly. After much comotion we were finally able to leave, but not before being humiliated in the foyer of a so-called 5* hotel - service of this nature is simply not exceptable!!!

Unfortunately the unprofessional receptionist at the Grand has cast quite a shadow on what was otherwise a fabulous holiday. The location was superb, as were the shops, bars and restraurants. It was a shame I left this lovely city on a bad note. I will certainly not be reccommending this hotel to people in the future!!

Faboulous location, great potential, a few disappointments

from leica
First trip to Krakow. Booked one double and one twin. First impressions excellent. Impressive reception area. We had double room, well furnished and comfortable. The bathroom had biggest bath we have seen. Clean upon arrival but only cleaned once more in six day stay. Complained to reception who told me to fill out complaint form on departure.
Breakfast excellent and staff very attentive here. Reception staff polite but not very knowledgeable about Krakow. Did not have good command of English or German so some misunderstandings.
Fabulous location and although a stone's throw from the beautiful square, there are plenty of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance.
We obtained excellent price via StayPoland website. I would not have wanted to pay hotel rates.
We enjoyed our stay as the city is so beautiful. I would class this hotel as a good 3 star. It does not match 5 stars in Warsaw.

t expect western five star

from artgarfheinkel
A friend and I stayed at the Grand in Feb 2007; cheap enough and really nothing wrong with the place. But just don't expect western-style five star. It's more three and a half or four star. Overall, the place has a look of 'faded grandeur' in the grand european style with lots of chandeliers, marble, busts etc. Our room was large enough but had a view over the hotel's roofs and antennae. Only obvious thing missing was tea/coffeee making facilities. And no trouser press (thank God). Shower was fine, as were the staff and the young women behind reception, who helped us out with train times to Auschwitz. etc. Some people on this site seem to have a problem with the breakfast, giving the impression that it was a frugal 3rd world type affair. It ain't. There's hot food and the usual array of fruit, bread, cheese, meat etc. No problem there. Hotel is also centrally located, just minutes from the central square and perhaps 15 mins walk from the train station. In all, very little to complain about and don't believe the whingers. I often think these people were either very unlucky or just had a bad time in some other way and wanted someone or something to complain about.

Classy and Grand, maybe to a fault

from singo33
Mostly good points, just a few niggles that could be easily sorted.
it is just off the main square with some great bars and restaurants within a minutes walk. The building next door has a restaurant bar ( The Cosmopolitan ) doing a mixture including great pasta and noodle dishes at around £4. There is also a chinese with extremely cheap prices- but did not get a chance to try it.

The Hotel is very grand to the point that you feel special and very comfortable. The decor and lay out of the lounges and various rooms even WCs are superb. But on the down side do not expect a bundle of laughs, particularly at the bar, in fact don't expect anything, there is no draught beer or simple drinks, it is very formal and expensive for Poland, which means you will be paying almost English prices! £ 2 for a bottle of local beer. £3/4 for shorts. Another rather annoying point was that I had booked the hotel for myself and wife and my mother and father. Our room did not have any tea coffee facility and yet my fathers did? When trying to explain that to the reception we were told some rooms did or did not have that facility ?! ( both rooms were same price).
Such a simple thing that could be sorted to very little cost by the hotel, even cheap B+Bs have access to a kettle etc, very strange for a hotel of such calibre so enquire when booking.
Fantastic bed and great bathrooms which really they should be at the price of the rooms. Breakfast very good with some hot English breakfast but not enough of it produced.

Outside the hotel however is a completely different price range. I think Poland may be short for Poundland as a pint of beer or Vodca orange were around the £1 mark. The restaurants are also very cheap.
All in all it is a very cheap place, I have a place in Turkey and it is actually cheaper in Krakow.

Wawel Castle is must- I loved it and it is walkable in 10/ 15 stroll. I did not get to Austwich -but will do next visit together with salt mines.

Great shops and in abundance, great Jazz/ rock bars.

Fantastic architecture, cheap food and drink, all in all I will be going back, just may stay at the Grand again and I would definately recommend it for special occasions as that is how it makes you feel.

Mark

great hotel, perfect location

from sandibarefoot
My husband and I stayed at the Grand for 4 nights, room was really large, sheets and towels were changed every day, staff were really helpful, breakfast was a great selection, but the best thing about it is the location, 2 minutes from the main square, 10 minute walk to bus, train and the massive shopping centre, we would definetly stay there again.

Great Rooms

from NigelStorer
19th January 2007
Like its name ,rather grand! Good size room & bathroom. Tall ceilings make room appear bigger. Excellent friendly staff. Buffet breakfast has good selection although hot dishes limited. Bar very quiet. Fantastic location just off Main Square and 10 minute walk from station. Rooms at front can suffer fron noise of traffic and drunken revellers until the early hours e.g. 4.30 am.

ve stayed in.

from srd79
I stayed here with my fiancee for a week from 10th to 17th December 2006. The hotel was in a great location, just two minutes walk to the main market square. The hotel staff were very friendly and booked day trips for us on request. The breakfast was great and our room was very comfortable. I would have no hesitation in coming back to this hotel.

Top Local Tips for Krakow

buses changed easies way to the old town - take the train & the get a taxi firm the railway station

Station & Trains should be used with extreme caution! Whilst town never felt dangerous be very vigilant at station and on trains. We were travelling 1st class and had a wallet stolen by pickpocket as we boarded train. Whilst police were helpful, don't expect them to understand English. We were offered translator at police station, but this would have entailed 4 hr's and missing our flight. It's not that we hadn't been warned. They were just very good. Didn't realise until 2 hrs later that it had been stolen.

getting around This was one of the best trips we have had, buses and trains are so cheap, dont be afraid use them,it cost us 7 zloty (£1.40) on a bus back from concentration camp, a 1 and 3/4 hour journey. Its an amazing city, so much to see and do.

(hotels)loading

Other names for Grand Hotel

  • grand krakow
  • grand hotel krakow
  • Address: 5 Ul Slawkowska - Krakow - 31 014 - Poland
Travel Library Traveller Rating?
7.9/10

See All 239 reviews

Review this Hotel
Candid Traveller Photos
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
(hotels)loading

Hotels Near Grand Hotel