Hotel Grodek, Krakow

Expect quiet rooms throughout the hotel, thanks to its side-street, cul-de-sac location and good soundproofing.

Request a top-floor room for more light and air, larger rooms, and convenient access to the sauna and terrace.

Request a rear-facing room for the quietest stay; front-facing rooms get more sunlight but remain fairly quiet.

Book a deluxe room for extra space; standard and single rooms can be quite small.

Choose room 309 for a large, quiet, Chinese-themed room beside the sauna and rooftop terrace; it has a shower but no bath.

Choose room 306 for a light, airy, comfortable room that works especially well for couples.

Choose room 310 for a very large, quiet room directly beside the rooftop terrace and sauna.

Request a third-floor room to avoid footsteps from above, but note that these rooms adjoin the smokers’ terrace.

Request Suite 201 for its spacious lounge and connection with the President of Poland’s 2006 stay.

Walk through nearby Planty Park and use the central location to reach Krakow’s historic sights.

Choose room 302 for a spacious single with a small double bed; expect a rooftop rather than scenic view.

Avoid rooms on the terrace floor if you prefer not to be beside the rooftop space.

Request room 102 for a comfortable double bed, luxury bathroom, stocked minibar, and courtyard setting.

Use the sauna; access may be free but requires a request.

Try the hotel’s library bar.

Consider a suite for a special occasion.

Email the hotel with your room preference before arrival.

Book directly through the hotel’s website.

Mention Rick Steves when reserving to request a 15% discount.

Ask about bathroom configuration if you require a bathtub rather than a shower.

Book a single room when traveling alone; some have comfortable small double beds and good soundproofing.

Check room photos before booking because each room is individually decorated and views vary.

Request a room with a new mattress if bed comfort is important.

Ask for a room away from the laundry cupboard.

Request a room without internal steps if you use a walking stick.

Avoid room 101 if you need step-free access, because the bed sits on a raised platform reached by three steps.

Avoid room 103 if kitchen air-conditioning noise bothers you.

Ask about mirrors when confirming your room.

Choose a low floor if you prefer minimizing stairs and rooftop-terrace access.

Bring smaller złoty notes because the front desk may not exchange a 100-zloty note.

Ask the hotel to stamp your parking paperwork for free parking in a lot about five minutes away on foot.

Ask the hotel to arrange a direct airport transfer to the door; an eight-person transfer was quoted at £24 one way.

Use the hotel bar and restaurant for convenient drinks and meals.