Grand Ascot Hotel, Krakow

Use Bolt or Uber for inexpensive, reliable journeys around Krakow and to or from the airport.

Request a takeaway breakfast for an early tour; the hotel provides a generous variety.

Book Auschwitz and salt-mine excursions through Krakow Direct, contacting the hotel ahead if needed.

Dine at the hotel restaurant for an excellent evening meal at reasonable prices.

Eat before 9:00 or after 9:30 to avoid the busiest breakfast period.

Avoid rear-facing rooms if you want a view, and avoid rooms overlooking the inner courtyard.

Request room 403 for a balcony with sun from morning to evening.

Allow six to seven hours for an Auschwitz excursion, and consider booking Auschwitz and Birkenau separately from the salt mines.

Walk to the main square in about five minutes and to the large indoor shopping centre in about ten minutes.

Choose this hotel for quiet surroundings within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Ask for lactose-free or vegan breakfast choices if required.

Use the airport train to reach Krakow centre, then take inexpensive trams around the city.

Book the sauna at least 30 minutes ahead; it is a relaxing half-hour experience.

Book the hotel breakfast; it is highly regarded and offers good value.

Choose a front-facing room for a balcony and relatively quiet road outlook.

Avoid driving in Krakow’s old city and use the nearby trams instead.

Reserve Auschwitz tours well in advance because spaces are limited.

Explore restaurants about five minutes from the main square for cheaper dining options.

Request room 408.

Email the hotel before arrival with any special requests.

Request a top-floor room for greater quiet.

Request room 116 for a quiet side-facing position.

Choose a quiet rear room on level 2.

Choose a room with a terrace if outdoor space is important.

Keep room 303’s windows closed to block street noise.

Pair the herbal vodka with beef tartare, but monitor your bar spending.

Try the Tropical Sapphire cocktail.

Walk around Krakow during busy evenings, when taxi traffic can be slow.

Request late checkout until 12:00, and leave luggage with the hotel after checkout.

Try the Sioux restaurant in the square for steak.

Exchange cash and small change at a Kantor for better rates.

Ask for a fourth-floor room with a balcony.

Eat at CK Browar near the top of the road toward the main square.

Try the nearby street-food plaza for excellent-value meals.

Reserve a parking space because nearby on-street parking is limited.

Request an adjoining-room setup for groups needing connected double rooms.

Use the garden tables, and take care around trams when walking through partly pedestrianised streets.

Arrange an airport taxi or hotel transfer in advance if you prefer not to use Bolt or Uber.

Bring a torch to illuminate the wardrobe.

Request late-arrival food in advance; the hotel can prepare a lunch-box-style meal after the restaurant closes.

Request room 110 for a quiet stay.

Get cash from the ATM across the road at Cafe Nero.

Visit M22 for home-cooked food at reasonable prices, and try Cafe Nero for coffee.

Book a family room when you need two bedrooms.

Book through the hotel website if you want the best chance of receiving a better room.