Hotel Pod RóżąOld World elegance and modern comfort
Carved into the portal of the Pod Roza hotel one finds a charming Latin inscription. It reads: 'May this house stand until the ant drinks the waters of the oceans and the tortoise encircles the earth.' The sculptor who carved those words (way back during the Renaissance) would surely be pleased to know that his work still stands in all its glory. And after an empty spell during the Cold War days, the hotel is now itself experiencing something of a renaissance, leaving guests with many warm memories of the city. The Pod Roza, which means 'under the rose', was Krakow's first hotel, and in times gone by Balzac, Liszt and Tsar Alexander II were amongst the guests. Today's owners have continued the tradition of elegance, and at Pod Roza you will find understated old world charm, combined with light modern touches throughout. Each room has been individually furnished, simply and with care. Besides the attractive, well-appointed bathrooms, you will find modern touches such as satellite television. There are also suites which are more antique in character, offering a flavour of the Krakow of yesteryear.
Downstairs there are two enticing restaurants, and they offer some unique dining experiences in this city. The larger, which serves international cuisine, has a light, contemporary feel, with a glass roof that comes into its own during the Summer months. On the other hand the Italian, Amarone, will transport you away to the charms of Tuscany. Here you''ll find a string of cosy rooms that would be ideal for a romantic dinner.
Krakow is also a city of cellars and you 'll find that Pod Roza has one of its own. Painstakingly restored, this charming medieval hideaway is a lovely place for a quiet drink, with a host of Italian wines on hand. And of course, being right in the heart of the Old Town, all the delights of the city are just a stone's throw away. The legendary Cafe Camelot, described by the Washington Post as the best cafe in the world, is just over the road. If the lure of Krakow - an enchanting city - has intrigued you, the Pod Roza would be a lovely base from which to explore the city.
