Krakow

Fourteenth-century townhouses on Kanonicza, the street leading to Wawel — frescoed rooms, a pool in the Gothic cellars and a rooftop view of the castle.

An 18th-century palace a minute from the Main Market Square — two cellar pools, exposed medieval brick and a rooftop bar looking straight at St. Mary's towers.

A restored gothic-renaissance palace directly on the Main Market Square — some suites look onto the Cloth Hall, and the trumpet call is your alarm clock.

The Polish design-hotel brand's Old Town outpost by Galeria Krakowska — tablet-controlled rooms, great coffee and the Rynek eight minutes on foot.

Conran-designed interiors, a sauna floor and one of Krakow's best breakfasts — right where Kazimierz's café streets begin.

A warm, brick-and-timber boutique on the calm edge of Kazimierz — praised for its breakfast and service, ten minutes' walk from both the Rynek and Plac Nowy.

Family-run comfort on Poselska street between the Rynek and Wawel Castle — a small garden, generous breakfast and unbeatable mid-range value for the address.

Riverside business-class hotel with a top-floor pool and sauna overlooking the Vistula — Kazimierz is just across the Bernatek footbridge.

Bright, spotless rooms just outside the Planty ring, halfway between the Old Town and Kazimierz — a favourite of returning budget-savvy travellers.

Award-winning hostel near the main station with free hot dinners on some nights — sociable without being a party hostel, and scrupulously clean.

Bare-bones but dependable chain rooms next to the station and Galeria Krakowska — when you just need a clean bed five minutes from the Old Town.