Sorry for the radio silence and technical issues with my blog (short arms make typing hard). We arrived in Krakow and my photographer caught flu, but it’s OK the wardrobe is big enough for quarantining a human. I’m hoping to get out exploring this beautiful country soon.
City breaks are growing on me, I’ve already been to so many cities this year. Eastern Europe is fast becoming one of my favourite places to visit because it is filled with history, good food and friendly humans. I chose Krakow mainly for the short flight, cheap prices and close proximity to the salt mines (more on that later).
The hotel
Hotel Galaxy is a 4* hotel in the Podgórze district of Krakow, right on the edge of the Kazimierz (historic Jewish quarter) district. A short walk into the city centre, provided me with a calm haven after a day of sightseeing. The hotel itself has simple, modern galaxy themed décor. I love the compass of popular sights in the reception floor.
Hotel Galaxy is a very security conscious, the room keys are needed to to use the lifts and staircases. The hotel also has a security guard and a curfew which meant I could sleep feeling safe. They even looked after my case on my final day of exploring! I had seen negative comments on TripAdvisor about the the staff but I only had positive experience; the reception, restaurant, concierge and spa staff were all very friendly and helpful.
The room
Clean, modern and spacious. There was no balcony but I wasn’t too disappointed because I didn’t spend enough time in the room to miss it. The bed was a sofa bed which was a little uncomfortable and too soft for me. The lavender pillows are a fabulous idea but sadly the ones in my room were dirty.
I also took advantage free tea, coffee and bottled water in the room. The bathroom was freshly decorated and had a powerful shower and lots of space to move around. The hotel has a curfew on a night which meant the hotel was relatively quiet on a night, prior to my stay I was worried about noisy stag and hen parties, but I slept sound.
The food
It’s not often a small hotel has a great restaurant, let alone two. I arrived early evening and was rather hungry, so bravely decided to try the hotel restaurant; Restauracja Andromeda Alfa. Not only was the menu huge, most meals came with a vegan or vegetarian alternative. The waiters kindly brought homemade bread and free appetizers. The restaurant is small which I like because it shows everything is well prepared and not microwaved. The risotto was well made and covered in veggies, the salad was also imaginative and delicious. I wasn’t expecting much but the restaurant was really cheap and served amazing food.
The breakfast buffet was filled to the brim with more food than I had time to make my way around. Everything was labelled and the meat was separated from the vegetarian foods (YAY!). The fruit was so fresh and delicious, as were the cakes. The addition of a coffee percolator was great because I normally end up drinking hotel coffee black, but I could make coffee the way I like it (there was even soy milk available!). A lovely touch was the place mat maps, so I could eat breakfast and choose where to explore.
The pool
The swimming pool is hidden on the floor below the reception. I wasn’t expecting to find a small spa, let alone have the relaxing space to myself (and my photographer). I love how there are buttons in the pool which make waterfalls and bubbles. I have stayed in numerous hotels with large swimming pools, none have been as well kept and have as many facilities as this hotel.
The area around the pool had loungers which I didn’t use, I preferred sitting in the Jacuzzi. If I had more time in Krakow, I would definitely have booked myself a spa treatment since the prices were so reasonable. The changing room is for both men and women, there are cubicles and separate showers. It didn’t bother me since I’m a dinosaur but I know it can make some humans a bit nervous.
The address
A few humans had commented on the distance of the hotel from the centre of Krakow. For me it was the exact right distance from the hustle and bustle of the bars. I like quiet and green spaces, this time I struck lucky with Hotel Galaxy. Over the road from the hotel lies the Vistula river with a great flat path and cycle track along the riverside. There are plenty of seats to enjoy the view as well. There are several routes into the city centre, each taking around half an hour (including photo stops). My favourite route goes past the botanic gardens, past lots of beautiful old buildings.
Anyone not feeling as energetic can jump on a bus or the tram which stops around the corner from the hotel. Even better is the option of getting a taxi, direct from the front door. I am aiming to walk to most places around the city and can’t wait to do some more exploring, stay tuned for my adventures around Krakow!
For a daily dose of dinosaur, feel free to visit my Instagram Vegan0saurus
Rex the Veganosaurus 