Pollera

Very convenient...and a taste of what once was....

It's called 'Hotel Pollera', not just 'Pollera'....but I can't change the name in the box.

You couldn't ask for a better location, in my opinion. 5 minutes walk from the station, opposite the wedding-cake Opera House/theatre, 2 minutes walk from Rynek Glowny (the main square in the Old Town) but far away from the routes taken by Krakow's many night-time revellers (many from the UK). The road in front can be busy, but only at busy times of day; mostly there was just the odd car passing by. Ask for a room at the back and you'll overlook a courtyard with a tree or two, and hear only the pigeons and the hourly hejnal (bugle call) from the Basilica (and some bells and very muffled traffic noise).

The Pollera was once a wonderfully swish hotel, and it is still family-owned. there's the sort of central staircase one descends wearing a floaty ball-gown, and two wonderful Art Nouveau stained-glass windows by Stanislaw Wyspianski.

The decor is still somewhat old-fashioned....wooden furniture, swirly carpet, red velvet curtains and bed cover in my room, along with a potted plant and a crucifix. But I loved it.

My single room as larger than most, the bathroom huge and sparkling-clean. The bed was comfortable and had two huge square pillows into which I gladly sank each night. No fancy double-glazing here, but two sets of proper window-panes, with a deep windowsill between them. I think this hotel would be very warm in winter. No air con either, but having the windows wide open served to cool the room sufficiently.

There is a perfectly modern lift, and internet access in the foyer (you'll have to pay). Safe deposit boxes in the foyer are free of charge.

The room was well-cleaned daily, towels and linen changed as one would expect. The only minor quibble I had was that the hot water supply was rather intermittent, although there was plenty first thing in the morning.

Breakfast was good: juices, coffee, tea, rolls, preserves,. cheeses, cold meats, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yoghurts and a variety of Polish salads and breakfast concoctions.

Staff were efficient and courteous, with good English.

All in all, I had a very pleasant stay in a comfortable hotel at a good price. Recommended.

Unique Quality: The stained-glass windows are beautiful (see photos).

The location and facilities just cannot be beaten for the price.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Singles, Seniors, Family Travel

Pollera Photo: Hotel exterior

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