Stay in Style: Discover Poland’s Best Hotels Where Design Meets History

Pałac Ciekocinko Hotel Resort & Wellness (1 MICHELIN Key)

Ciekocinko, Poland

Style: Traditional Elegance
Atmosphere: Quiet

Hidden among forests near the Baltic coast, Pałac Ciekocinko is one of Poland’s most enchanting historic residences transformed into a luxury hotel. Built originally as an aristocratic home in East Pomerania, over the decades it fell into disrepair — but thanks to an ambitious and painstaking restoration, it has regained its former splendor, welcoming guests once again.

Original stucco ceilings, ornate woodwork, antique furniture and vintage wallpapers were restored or recreated so that the interiors evoke the grandeur of the past. Each room is individually decorated with carefully curated period pieces, art and bespoke fabrics, creating a sense of authenticity combined with comfort. The overall effect gives the feeling of staying at a distant family estate and not just another hotel.

Beyond the main palace, the estate includes gardens, stables and nearly 2,000 acres of parkland, perfect for relaxing. To please your body and soul, a whole spa center awaits, offering a curated selection of treatments and massages.

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Hotel Stary

Krakow, Poland

Style: Modern Design & Lively
Atmosphere: Lively

Krakow is known for its spectacular historical architecture, and staying at Hotel Stary will certainly help you experience it at its fullest. The townhouse that’s today home to a five-star boutique hotel dates back to the 14th century (hence the name: “stary” means “old’). Although it suffered periods of destruction, it was respectfully adapted and restored at the end of the last century, allowing present-day guests to enjoy the beauty of bygone architecture harmoniously blended with contemporary design. The restoration preserved as many historical elements as possible, including 17th-century frescoes adorning the walls of some apartments.

This unique approach to heritage and design was recognized by the prestigious Parisian Prix Villégiature, which awarded Hotel Stary the title of Best Hotel Interior Design in Europe. Beyond the stylish rooms and grand common spaces, the property offers an atmospheric spa hidden in its medieval cellars, where saunas and a pool under brick vaults invite guests to enjoy a moment of relaxation.

Zinar Castle

Przegorzały (Krakow), Poland

Style: Modern Design 
Atmosphere: Lively

This is one of the newest arrivals on Krakow’s hotel scene — and already one of the most extraordinary. Zinar Castle rises on a cliff above the Vistula River valley, its monumental silhouette watching over the picturesque landscape. The castle’s majestic character is emphasized by symmetrical avant-corpses and sweeping terraces that run along the main façade of the three-storey building. Built during World War II as the residence of a German commandant, the castle, then known as Schloss Wartenberg, was converted to a hospital after the war and later was occupied by Poland’s Ministry of Forestry.

In its new incarnation, it has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere within its grand walls. Interiors are finished in light, elegant colors and are framed by sweeping limestone terraces and majestic views. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Wolski Forest, the castle exudes the feeling of being far away in some enchanted land — yet in reality, it is just a 15-minute ride from Krakow’s city center. This proximity allows guests to enjoy both the lively rhythm of the city and the serene ambience of their castle retreat.

Zamek Łeba (1 MICHELIN Key)

Łeba, Poland

Style: Contemporary Classic 
Atmosphere: Quiet

Sitting on the white sandy dunes of Słowiński National Park, Zamek Łeba is a unique spot for your seaside stay. Opened in 1907 as a luxury spa house for guests to benefit from the Baltic Sea microclimate, today — after a thorough restoration a few years ago — you can experience its original charm and grandeur. The renovation preserved all the distinctive features of the building, from the wide staircase leading to the main entrance to the spectacular sea-facing terrace connected to the hotel’s restaurant to the round towers flanking the central body of the castle.

The guest rooms have been individually decorated, respecting the history of the place while often reinterpreting it in a contemporary key with pastel colors, geometric furniture and statement headboards that give a Wes Anderson vibe. Some rooms feature private balconies overlooking the beach, and on sunny days guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool hidden among the pine trees.

Blow Up Hall 5050 

Poznań, Poland

Style: Cutting-Edge 
Atmosphere: Lively

When it first opened, it was considered one of the most striking and talked-about hotels in Poland. Now, after a change of owners and a full renovation, Blow Up Hall 5050 is once again at the pinnacle of attention for design-oriented travelers. Located within the red-brick walls of a 19th-century brewery in the heart of Poznań, this stylish hotel offers just 22 rooms, making it a truly boutique experience.

The historical exterior of the building has been paired with avant-garde interior design, drawn with bold strokes and unique details to create a truly distinctive atmosphere. Despite the monumental character of the building, the rooms are warm and inviting, fitted with state-of-the-art amenities to provide every comfort to guests. Art lovers will also appreciate the installations and contemporary works scattered throughout — from the rooms to the hotel’s restaurant, Arte — that come from the private collection of the owners, focusing on Polish contemporary artists. To unwind after a busy day discovering the city, an intimate spa area awaits.

Raffles Europejski Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland

Style: Contemporary Classic 
Atmosphere: Lively

This gem is one of Warsaw’s grande dame hotels and one of the most famous in Poland, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. The property was brought back to life in 2018, reopening as Raffles Europejski. A meticulous restoration not only preserved the original historical structure but also paid tribute to the hotel’s rich past — as well as to Polish art and design of the last century.
Inside, guests can admire historical artifacts uncovered during the renovation, now incorporated into the decor — old letters, fashion accessories and pieces of decorated china. Some of the most iconic design elements can be found in the main lobby: a monumental chandelier transformed into a contemporary art installation adorning one of the walls, and a sculptural, spiral-shaped sofa finished in plush crimson red.

In the hall connecting the lobby with the hotel’s Long Bar and the Europejski Grill restaurant, guests will find a painting by Leon Tarasewicz, one of Poland’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Art also fills the guest rooms, with Polish photography and design pieces from the 1950s and ’60s enriching the interiors.

The Bridge Wroclaw - MGallery

Wrocław, Poland

Style: Modern Design
Atmosphere:  Lively

If location is key, The Bridge delivers — and in great style. Nestled in the very heart of Ostrów Tumski, Wrocław’s historic island quarter, known for its unique sacred architecture and picturesque location, this design hotel lets you soak in the city’s Old Town atmosphere without even leaving your room.

With its sharp lines, red-brick facade and tall windows, the architecture cleverly echoes the Gothic buildings surrounding it. Inside, contemporary design takes center stage, with original features such as an indoor water wall, a reminder of the rivers that cut through Wrocław. The rooms welcome guests with beds adorned with artistic framings (and even candle-like lighting, another reference to the Gothic era) and stylish, contemporary furniture. It is perfect for business travelers as well as for an experiential city break where the hotel is part of the overall feel of the place. Despite being in the very heart of the city, you can relax in the serene ambience of Ostrów Tumski after a day full of adventures. Don’t miss The Bridge’s rooftop and relaxation areas, both offering sweeping views over the magnificent skyline of the historical part of town.

Hotel Altus Palace (1 MICHELIN Key)

This plush hotel is a perfect choice for those who want to experience the elegance of old Wrocław — but with all the modern comforts. Hotel Altus Palace is located in the 19th-century Leipziger Palace, one of the city’s architectural marvels. Originally designed as a private residence by Carl Schmidt, the architect behind Wrocław’s City Theater (today’s Opera House), the building was admired for its prestigious character and classic style.

Thanks to a careful restoration, much of this splendor can now be enjoyed by Altus Palace guests — including a majestic staircase adorned with ornate railings, Carrara marble finishings, stuccos and even a ballroom that was brought back to its full glory. Though it might be tempting to linger in the comfort of its rooms, the hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the attractions of Wrocław’s Old Town, being just a short walk away from sights like the Main Square, flanked with colorful townhouses, and the magnificent structure of the Town Hall. It’s also worth checking out the hotel’s restaurant, Wierzbowa 15, which has received a recommendation from The MICHELIN Guide.

Illustration Image: Hotel Stary, Krakow