This hotel in the old Jewish quarter of Krakow offers something different than the standard fare. Most importantly, it's located in a wonderfully historic, lived-in part of town, Kazimierz--an experience in itself. The streets are narrow, and you mingle with residents, not just tourists. This is what all of Krakow and much of urban Europe looked and functioned like 70 years ago. We loved our room, and the service we received from the desk staff was truly outstanding. They were kind and attentive. Our only complaint is about the beds, which were stiff and a bit uncomfortable. Old town and Wawel Castle are only a short walk away. The value was great. We highly recommend it.

I have chosen to stay in the most magical part of Krakow this year, the wonderful, atmospheric Jewish district - Kazimierz. All the hotels seemed nice when I was doing my research but as a coeliac on a gluten free diet, I had to be really careful about making my choice. While making enquiries, I found that Hotel Karmel was the fastest to reply and the only one who really took my allergy seriously. I have sent many e-mails (I am a fussy one and have plenty of requests when staying away :) ) and every each one of them was replied to almost immediately and I have already felt looked after.

When I arrived, I was very happy to find Hotel Karmel next to my favourite "pub" - Singer. It is near many cafes and bars, in a very lively part of town; however I could not hear any noise at night and I am a light sleeper.

The ladies at reception treated me like a queen from the very moment I arrived. Everybody made sure my stay was the most comfortable. Being one of those who asks too many questions, I am used to reception staff getting tired of me at some point. Not in Hotel Karmel. And they really smile there - not a toothpaste commercial! Even at the very end of my stay, after paying my bills, when I suddenly wished to check my e-mail (who does that in Kazimierz?!!), one of the ladies undusted some ancient laptop while doing acrobatics in order to get wireless for me!

And I have to metion the food. I get poisoned due to cross contamination all the time and I try to avoid eating out as it is almost impossible for a chef to avoid every single bread crumb. Well, in Hotel Karmel they managed to do it. The food was the most delicious, even though I was not having any sauces! If you stay in Krakow, you HAVE TO eat in Pepe Rosso. If you are allergic, just let them know as soon as you can and they will make sure the only thing you are worried about is that your stomach is full. Plus great Room Service.

The room was gorgeous. Perfect size for a single traveller, very clean and cozy. Comfortable bed and extremely powerful shower in a very nice bathroom.

I am trying to think about something bad about Hotel Karmel... OK, got one - when I was there, an orchestra band was staying next door (trumpets, drums, etc) and they were rehearsing in the hotel... Maybe that is why I did not hear any noise from outside?? ...

I am definitely coming back next year!

This hotel is in the Jewish Quarter and about 15 mins from the square - a great place to stay. All the staff were very helpful and friendly. On arrival we booked a trip for 6 of us to go to Auschvitz and then the salt mines. We had a minibus with us the whiole day and guides booked in both. About £24 each for Auschvitz and £30 each for mines but this included entrance etc. Both are well worth a visit. We booked 3 twin rooms which were tiny and yes we slept toe to toe! With hindsight I would have preferred the Komfort rooms which are much bigger but cost more. For about £55 it was good value. Breaklfast was lovely with plenty of choice, orange juice, cereal, rolls and lots of cold platter. You can also order omlettes and scrambled eggs. Take a buggy from the square and do a city tour - you see loads of the backstreets and it was about £30 for the whiole car for the 6 of us - well worth doing. We loved the Singer bar with just candles for lighting. Pint of beer in the square about £2 (look out for the trumpeter in the Tower every hour on the hour) cheaper out in the backstreets. Food in the Hotel restaurant was excellent and not expensive - we had our best meal there - we pre booked a table for our first night.. No lift and as I had broken my foot this was a bit tricky but we managed! Great little hotel in a great location

We were very disappointed with this hotel. I contacted the hotel several months in advance to reserve a room, yet all that was available was a room with twin beds. My wife and I don’t prefer this sleep option, but decided to book the reservation anyway since we were unable to find a suitable room elsewhere. Boy, were we in for a disappointment! Our room was about six feet wide by twelve feet long, with the twin beds situated end to end! The inclusion of a desk and chair further constricted our movement. We were always tripping over something or each other. Furthermore, the sole window and only source of fresh air opened to a catwalk that the cleaning people used for cigarette breaks, as well as access to their linen closet. Since there was no room in the bathroom to change your clothes, I’m sure that the cleaning people periodically got a great view of undressed guests. We asked to change rooms, but were told there were none available. We considered checking out early, but were told we’d still be fully charged for the days we reserved. The catwalk smoking did stop however, after we complained. We couldn’t wait to leave here, and move on. Incidentally, our room was on the third floor, and there are four floors. There is no elevator and the stairs are quite long. You probably will have to carry your luggage up and down the stairs yourself, since there’s no bellman. One the positive side, the hotel was clean and seemed well cared for. The two restaurants at the hotel had great atmosphere, and served very good food, but were pricey. Make sure to get a reservation on weekends. There are many other lively bars and restaurants nearby, so you should easily find something to your liking. Krakow’s market square and Wawel Castle are an easy twenty minute walk from the hotel via the Krakowska / Stradomska Road. I learned a lesson here: Never reserve a room with twin beds until you confirm the size of the room! I won’t forget this lesson.