How is Hotel Stary rated?

Hotel Stary scores 9.2/10 on Booking.com and 4.7/5 on Google.

How many guest reviews were analysed for Hotel Stary?

HotelShortlist analysed 500 guest reviews for Hotel Stary to build this verified profile.

Is Hotel Stary a 5-star hotel?

Yes — Hotel Stary is a 5-star property in Kraków.

How do I get the member rate?

HotelShortlist is a private members’ club. Ask for an introduction and, once admitted, member rates are unlocked on every verified hotel.

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HotelShortlist rating

1.5/5

Not on the HotelShortlist: Noise complaints in 5% of guest reviews; Guests report hidden fees.

Kraków

Hotel Stary

Name: Hotel Stary
Address: Kraków

★★★★★

9.2

Booking score

4.7

Google rating

1,249

Total reviews

★★★★★

Star rating

Highest floor guests reported

Noise mentions

Engine scores ·Location 4.7

Member rate

€—,———

Booking.com shows the public rate for the same room and dates

Members see this rate in full. It is typically lower than the public price on this property — the same room, the same hotel, the same confirmation.

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Verdict

Is Hotel Stary Worth It? The Honest Verdict

9.2/10 Booking.com4.7/5 Google500 reviews read5-star

As of 8 October 2026, 500 guest reviews give Hotel Stary 9.2/10 on Booking.com and 4.7/5 on Google.

Most-repeated praise: Stunning spa facilities located in medieval cellars featuring multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt caves, and professional massage treatments that guests consistently describe as one of the best wellness experiences they've encountered 87 reviews.

Complaints

Noise and Room Complaints at Hotel Stary: Which Rooms to Avoid

Poor sound insulation and thin walls allowing noise from hallways, neighboring rooms, elevators, and street nightlife to penetrate rooms, especially rooms facing the main square and near rooftop bar, making sleep difficult for light sleepers 23 reviews
Rooms are excessively dark with inadequate lighting throughout, making basic tasks like showering, eating dinner, and reading difficult without bathroom light; deliberately low mood lighting sacrifices practicality 18 reviews
Inconsistent and unprofessional service from some staff members including rude front desk managers, slow breakfast service with forgotten orders, unhelpful concierge, and lack of accountability when problems occur 16 reviews

Rooms to avoid

Room 101: directly exposed to street noise from nightclubs and revelers
Rooms 09-ending: corner/end-units with poor privacy from elevator
Lower ground floors: vulnerable to street noise and bar patrons
Rooms near rooftop terrace bar: affected by party noise until 2-5 AM
Rooms above function spaces: affected by wedding receptions and events

What guests praise

Hotel Stary Reviews — What Guests Actually Say vs the Marketing

Hotel Stary sells itself as a 5-star hotel. What guests repeat most:

Stunning spa facilities located in medieval cellars featuring multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt caves, and professional massage treatments that guests consistently describe as one of the best wellness experiences they've encountered 87 reviews
Exceptional location literally steps from Rynek Główny (main market square) making it perfect for exploring Old Town, restaurants, shopping, and major attractions on foot 142 reviews
Beautiful and sophisticated interior design blending historic 14th-15th century architecture with modern luxury elements, creating a unique romantic atmosphere that guests find exceptionally photogenic 78 reviews

Room requests

Which Room Should You Ask For at Hotel Stary?

Ask for

Back rooms away from main square are quieter
Interior courtyard-facing rooms away from street noise
Higher floors away from ground-level nightlife

Method

How HotelShortlist Researched Hotel Stary

We read 500 public guest reviews of Hotel Stary, grouped repeated findings and counted how often each one appears. Pest figures are guest reports, not inspection results. Member-only detail is blurred on this page. Research updated 2026-10-08. If you represent Hotel Stary and believe something here is wrong, write to members@hotelshortlist.com and we will review it.

What guests love

Stunning spa facilities located in medieval cellars featuring multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt caves, and professional massage treatments that guests consistently describe as one of the best wellness experiences they've encountered (87×)

Exceptional location literally steps from Rynek Główny (main market square) making it perfect for exploring Old Town, restaurants, shopping, and major attractions on foot (142×)

Beautiful and sophisticated interior design blending historic 14th-15th century architecture with modern luxury elements, creating a unique romantic atmosphere that guests find exceptionally photogenic (78×)

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5 more positive findings visible to members.

Watch-outs · 8 recorded

Poor sound insulation and thin walls allowing noise from hallways, neighboring rooms, elevators, and street nightlife to penetrate rooms, especially rooms facing the main square and near rooftop bar, making sleep difficult for light sleepers (23×)

Rooms are excessively dark with inadequate lighting throughout, making basic tasks like showering, eating dinner, and reading difficult without bathroom light; deliberately low mood lighting sacrifices practicality (18×)

Inconsistent and unprofessional service from some staff members including rude front desk managers, slow breakfast service with forgotten orders, unhelpful concierge, and lack of accountability when problems occur (16×)

Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this fin (4×)

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Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in (9×)

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5 more watch-outs are visible to members.

Parking note. Adequate — Valet parking available and generally reliable, though one guest reported significant delays retrieving their car causing missed tour appointments.

What guests report

View

Rooftop rooms and Sky Bar facing main square offer stunning views; ground floor courtyard-facing rooms are dark and overlooked by elevator landings

Bed & mattress

Large, comfortable, and high-quality mattresses praised frequently; however, some guests found beds too soft or too firm depending on preference, with insufficient pillows (only one) and undersized duvets for king beds

Bathroom & water

Luxurious with Occitane/Aqua di Parma products, heated floors, powerful showerheads, and spacious layouts in suites; however, slippery tub floors, elevated showers, missing/partial shower doors, and poor water pressure in some rooms create hazards and functionality issues

Wi-Fi

Spotty and unreliable in rooms due to thick medieval walls; strong signal in lobby and bar areas but frustrating for business travelers

Breakfast

High-quality buffet with fresh items, egg station, and à la carte options; reasonably generous portions but expensive as add-on and limited dietary accommodations for allergies; nearby coffee shops offer better value

AC / heating

Inconsistent performance with some units stuck at 23°C unable to cool further, poor maintenance, and staff initially dismissive of complaints; some rooms have adequate temperature control

Elevator

Unreliable

Local knowledge

Request a room away from elevator, rooftop terrace bar, and street-facing lower floors to minimize noise and disruption

Book breakfast in advance or inquire about takeaway options for early departures; staff may not volunteer alternatives

The Sky Bar rooftop is quieter and offers better views during daytime; avoid late-night weekend visits for peace

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Room intel

Quiet rooms / wings

Back rooms away from main square are quieter
Interior courtyard-facing rooms away from street noise
Higher floors away from ground-level nightlife

Noisy rooms to avoid

Room 101: directly exposed to street noise from nightclubs and revelers
Rooms 09-ending: corner/end-units with poor privacy from elevator
Lower ground floors: vulnerable to street noise and bar patrons
Rooms near rooftop terrace bar: affected by party noise until 2-5 AM
Rooms above function spaces: affected by wedding receptions and events

Extra charges guests were surprised by

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Character & facilities

Design & character 16% of reviews mention design

Unique fusion of 14th-15th century Gothic architecture with contemporary luxury elements and moody atmospheric lighting
Medieval cellar spa with Roman bath inspiration and grotto-like ambiance featuring vaulted brick ceilings
Hand-painted walls, ornate wood elements, marble accents, and carefully curated modern minimalist touches creating theatrical sophistication

Gym & fitness Basic

Small fitness corner with minimal equipment described as lacking proper weights, benches, and cardio machines
Located awkwardly in front of reception desk creating visibility and privacy issues for users
Token gym rather than dedicated facility, inadequate for serious fitness needs

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