Plantonia: Best Hotels in Krakow
Planning a trip to Poland? Whether you want to explore ancient castles, underground caves or rich thermal waters, Plantonia serves as the ideal base. Here’s everything you need to know about my stay at one of the best hotels in Krakow.
Poland is a country that’s carved with captivating culture, cuisine and tradition. From the misty mountaintops to the buzzing cities, every corner of this Eastern European gem is dowsed with delights.
If you’re planning a Krakow escape, you may be wondering where to stay. From modern apartments to high-end hotels, there sure is a lot to choose from.
In my search to find the best hotels in Krakow, I came across a vegan-friendly find that was striking to the eye but subtle in the environment.
Plantonia’s pastel-coloured style, sumptuous design and eco-friendly efforts immediately caught my attention. As someone who travels frequently, I’m well aware of the impacts of mass tourism.
In 2023, I’ve pushed myself to uncover authentic experiences and locally-run hotels, from hot air balloon rides in Barcelona to unique day tours in Morocco.
Gone are the days of speeding through a city just to tick off all the must-see sights. I believe in the value of slow, sustainable travel and seeing things through the eyes of a local. And that’s why I felt so drawn to this Krakow hotel.
As one of the best hotels in Krakow, Poland, Plantonia proudly pins itself as a vegan escape. This aparthotel is arrayed with locally-made products, non-animal-based natural materials and recycled and eco-friendly furniture.
With responsibility and sustainability at its heart, I can honestly say that the core values fall perfectly in line with mine.
If you’re looking for boutique hotels in Krakow, Plantonia is a standout from the selection. Situated in the city centre, this is a contemporary and cost-effective spot that’s worth every penny. Better yet, it won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know - from rooms and amenities to my personal experience.
My Experience at Plantonia
Growing up in Australia, I was fortunate enough to have a mix of friends from abroad - Vietnam, Ireland, Greece, Italy, you name it... Among that multicultural melting pot, one of my best friends, Claudia, was from Poland.
Over a decade ago, we dreamt about exploring her home turf together. So recently, when the opportunity arose, we jumped at the chance to meet up across the globe.
Being a fanatical explorer and self-proclaimed culture vulture, I dove deep into the research process. I wanted to uncover the most authentic sites and local experiences on offer, and I didn’t think it was going to be hard (considering I would be travelling with a local).
After getting a basic breakdown, I browsed the seemingly never-ending selection of hotels in Krakow city centre. When I stumbled across Plantonia, I was immediately taken aback by the concept. An eco-friendly, vegan aparthotel that straddles spacious design? Yes, please.
There are many hotels in Krakow, but none of them stood out like this one. So, I reached out and organised a stay. I’m not going to lie, I was intrigued to see how things would play out.
When the day came to pack my bags and layer up for Polish winter, I felt a spring in my step. I’d anticipated the awe-worthy sights, snow-capped peaks and frosty air. I’d dreamt about the vibrant lights of the Christmas markets and mouth-watering cuisine. All that felt within reach, especially as the plane disembarked.
After arriving at Plantonia, I was struck by the dazzling design, warm air and spaciousness. We were greeted with a warmhearted welcome and a quick breakdown of the neighbourhood and highlights. We trodded up to the room, pushed open the door and made our way in.
Coming straight from the Mediterranean, I went straight to the heater... Priorities, right? I took a look around and felt gratitude gush through me. These experiences never get old. I’m beyond grateful for experiences like these, and that’s why I love what I do. But I promise I won’t get too off track today. So, let’s get back into it.
Having stayed in a huge haul of hotels around the world, I’d say I know a thing or two about unique finds. Plantonia is coined with contemporary amenities, colourful art pieces and lush plants aplenty. From the matte-finished kitchen and sparkling white bathroom to the premium bedding and play of natural light, this property is practically picture-perfect.
There are many luxury hotels in Krakow, but not all are accessible to the average traveller. I’d say that Plantonia offers a slice of the lavish life but at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a high-end experience that won’t break the bank, this is an ideal option.
As one of the best hotels near Krakow Old Town, it’s the perfect place to be close to the action. You can take a leisurely stroll down to the city centre, escape to the lush meadow or feel the breeze by the Vistula River. The best hotels in Krakow don’t usually offer all three.
I spent my time in Plantonia dabbling in the diversity of experiences. I got my daily caffeine fix from the downstairs coffee machine, typed up a storm in the coworking area and made use of the eco-friendly laundry facilities.
If I had more time, I would’ve read a book in the salt room and got sweaty in the gym.
I did, however, have plenty of time to lock lips with the vegan breakfast. Each morning, we ordered each one of the plates on offer - the savoury, the sweet and the granola.
The savoury option was a standout for me, with tofu, pickles, vegan chorizo and butter accompanied by drool-worthy bread.
I’ve been a vegetarian for the past four years and I know how hard it can be to find nourishing food when you travel.
That’s one of the things I love about Plantonia - they make it easy and accessible for people like me to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine abroad. All of the breakfast options are also made fresh daily at the local bakery.
Feasting never tasted so good, especially knowing that you’re supporting sustainable travel and local businesses.
Considering the array of amenities, stylish design and delectable gastronomy on offer, this hotel is an absolute steal.
Not only is Plantonia one of the best hotels in Krakow, but it’s also the perfect fit for the eco-conscious traveller. If you want to contribute to a sustainable future in the travel industry, this stay ushers in unique experiences at every level.
From the delectable cuisine to the warm-hearted staff, this Krakow hotel honestly feels like a home away from home.
Rooms at Plantonia
As one of the best hotels in Krakow, Plantonia is painted with pastel colours, modern amenities and striking art pieces. From the plant-lined windows to the sumptuous bedding, each room boasts something unique.
Whether you’re looking for a two-bedroom apartment or a simple studio, Plantonia has something to suit your style, budget and personal preferences. Each apartment comes with a well-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, air purifier, bedrooms and bathrooms with natural cosmetics.
All packaging is made from recycled plastic and sugar cane-printed labels, making it one of the best eco-friendly hotels in Krakow. If you’re an environmentally-conscious traveller, this hotel is a standout. Here are the range of rooms on offer in this Krakow hotel:
Studio with Balcony
Occupancy: Max 2 people
Area: 23-25 m2
One-bedroom Apartment
Occupancy: Max 4 people
Area: 33-50 m2
Two-bedroom Apartment
Occupancy: Max 6 people
Area: 48-59 m2
Three-bedroom Apartment with Mezzanine
Occupancy: Max 8 people
Area: 69 m2
Amenities at Plantonia
So, you’re up to speed on what to expect at Plantonia. Now, let’s dive into what’s on offer. Having stayed at three other hotels in Krakow, I can honestly say that Plantonia steals the show.
The pastel-hued common space is home to a diverse array of amenities. Get your daily caffeine fix at the coffee machine, feel zen in a yoga class or dabble in an abstract painting class. Whatever your style, there’s something here for you. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Salt room
Yoga classes
Abstract painting classes
Coworking space
Fitness centre
Free coffee machine and tea
Free laundry and dryer facilities
Additional services: Bike rental, massages, parking
Merchandise: drink bottles, tote bags, t-shirts, posters, etc.
Location of Plantonia
Wondering where to find this Krakow hotel? Here’s everything you need to know about the neighbourhood.
Plantonia is nestled in the Salwator district, a picturesque part of Kraków. Sitting on the cusp of the Vistula River, the breezy boulevards offer a mix of nature meets cosmopolitan. This Krakow hotel is just a stone’s throw from highlights like the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. You can easily escape the inner city buzz without being too far. Making it a must-see for those looking to dabble in both.
In the warmer months, you can explore the nearby urban meadow. This leafy landscape poses the perfect spot for a summertime picnic or a spring stroll. And just a little further out is the Wolski Forest and Kosciuszko Mound which boast breathtaking views of the city.
You can also get a taste of local life in the marketplace, Plac Targowy na Stawach. This bustling spot is frequented by locals and is fringed with fresh fruit, vegetables and Polish delicacies.
Best Hotels in Krakow, and Beyond!
Whether you’re a first-timer, an eco-conscious traveller or a seasoned globetrotter, Poland is pinned with picturesque finds aplenty. This vegan aparthotel in Krakow is a standout option, from the unique salt room and sumptuous style to the boutique design and breezy yoga classes.
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Krakow, be sure to add Plantonia to your travel bucket list. Dziękuję!