Hotel Ester

“Nice little hotel in an excellent location”

The hotel is in the Jewish quarter so a reasonable walking distance from the castle and the main square. There is also a tram stop close by, although we didn't use it. We got to the hotel early and they let us check in early, which was good of them. One double bed and one sofa bed, although my frie… more

The hotel is in the Jewish quarter so a reasonable walking distance from the castle and the main square. There is also a tram stop close by, although we didn't use it. We got to the hotel early and they let us check in early, which was good of them. One double bed and one sofa bed, although my friend said it was comfy enough. Breakfast included was lovely, with lots of choices. The bedroom was cleaned regularly, with towels and toilet roll being replaced. The only issue was really down to a miscommunication - we had ordered beers from the bar and asked for them to be added to our hotel bill, but when it came time to pay they hadn't been. Soon sorted though. I do recommend this hotel as being very accommodating.

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“Lovely Hotel”

We are just back from a 5 day trip to Krakow staying at the Hotel Ester. We were a bit apprehensive as we'd read a number of negative reviews but we were greatly surprised as this hotel was lovely. Check in was an easy process and the receptionist was very helpful. Our room was Number 32 and it wa… more

We are just back from a 5 day trip to Krakow staying at the Hotel Ester. We were a bit apprehensive as we'd read a number of negative reviews but we were greatly surprised as this hotel was lovely. Check in was an easy process and the receptionist was very helpful. Our room was Number 32 and it was large, comfortable and had a view over the side street. The furniture was relatively new but made to look old (1930/40's style) and the bathroom had a huge shower. There is a mini bar and the prices are quite reasonable, I noticed a review where the person mentioned having to pay for milk but the price was on display. The breakfast buffet was continental and while there wasn't a large selection of hot food, it was sufficient. There was a selection of breads, fruit, cold meats and cheeses, boiled and scrambled eggs, sausages, baked beans, fruit juices, a large selection of teas and coffee. We ate in the hotel restaurant a couple of times and the food was very good. We wanted to sample Polish food and the restaurant had a lovely selection, the mezze and the Cholent I enjoyed and my husband thought the fish dish was good. It was our anniversary and when the staff found out they gave us a card and cake, again the cake was amazing. From the cleaners to the reception staff, they were all so friendly, cheerful and helpful and nothing was too much bother for them. The hotel was very clean and tidy, the outside pavement cafe area did get busy when the musicians were playing and the waiting staff worked really hard both serving and clearing the area. If we ever go back to Krakow, we'll definitely go back to the Ester.

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“Very nice”

Although we cannot comment on the hotel itself, we stopped off here for a drink one afternoon. Really nice chilled out atmosphere with a Jewish band outside playing cool relaxing music. Ideal place to sit and watch the world go by. Reasonably priced drinks.

“Very disappointing”

I have stayed at this hotel on a few occasions over the years and have always been pretty satisfied with the place, however, on this occasion, not so much. The floors in reception, the lift, and the restaurant all look like they need a good clean. The room furnishings are old and tired, and all of… more

I have stayed at this hotel on a few occasions over the years and have always been pretty satisfied with the place, however, on this occasion, not so much. The floors in reception, the lift, and the restaurant all look like they need a good clean. The room furnishings are old and tired, and all of the carpets look like they need replacing. There is a ‘fusty’, stale, smell, in the rooms, the type of smell you get at a jumble sale. The towels are thin, and worn, and the bed ‘throws’ look stained and dirty. Breakfast has gone up in price, and is very poor, with limited continental options, stale bread, poor choice of cereals, hardly any fruit, and the ‘hot’ options, of which there are few, are warm/cold and never refreshed. No gluten free options for coeliacs. Very disappointing. The reception staff, apart from one young man, are blunt, and really make you feel as if you shouldn’t be there at all. We used the milk which was left in the room for coffee and were charged for it. This hotel used to be quite charming, as you could sit outside and listen to the four piece Jewish band, however, the outside area now looks neglected, tables not cleaned, and no heaters. The band was also absent. Whoever lists this hotel as a four star is wrong, a two star at best these days. Won’t be returning I’m afraid, which is a shame after using the hotel for over twenty years. I can only think that the place has changed hands maybe and standards have dropped. If I come again to Krakow I’ll stay in the Rubenstein, four buildings away. PS - the hotel arranged a taxi for us which drove around the Wrekin to get to our destination and then overcharged us! 🤬

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