Hotel Copernicus

Hotel Copernicus stands on Kanonicza Street, which leads through the Old Town towards Wawel Hill. The hotel occupies a building dating from the early 16th century, and the restoration has kept much of its original fabric, including medieval brickwork, Renaissance carpentry and wall frescoes, some of them painted in the 1510s. It is a five-star boutique hotel run by the Kraków-based LHR group and was the first hotel in Poland to join Relais & Châteaux, the French association of independent luxury hotels and restaurants.

The atmosphere is intimate rather than grand, and that is its appeal. The historic details mean each part of the house has its own character. Up on the roof, a terrace looks out towards Wawel Castle, a fine place to end the day.

Below ground, the medieval cellars hold a swimming pool and the Copernicus Spa by L'Occitane. The Copernicus Restaurant serves gourmet cooking and is a destination in its own right for guests who want a special dinner without leaving the hotel. The hotel's list of former guests includes the American president George W. Bush and the then Prince of Wales, which gives a sense of its standing.

Copernicus suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who prefer a small, characterful hotel to a large international one. The Main Market Square is only about ten minutes away on foot along Grodzka Street. Families should check room sizes before booking, since historic buildings often have smaller rooms than modern hotels.

Because the hotel is small, it pays to book early for weekends, the summer season and December. When reserving, it is worth asking for a room with historic features if the character of the building matters to you, and checking whether pool and spa access is included in your rate. A table at the restaurant is also best reserved in advance if you plan to dine in on your first night.

The hotel's position at the foot of Wawel is ideal for sightseeing. The castle and cathedral are a few minutes' walk away, Kazimierz is a short stroll to the south. The LHR group's website also lists its other Kraków hotels, Hotel Stary and Hotel Pod Różą.