Willa Murka

The people here were lovely, and the owners were happy to chat, which I appreciated. It also felt calm since the place sits at the end of Kazimierz, away from the crowds. The river is just around the corner, too. I'd definitely recommend staying here.

The restaurant was a big letdown: the pierogi cost like something from an upscale place, yet arrived cold and spoiled. I was worried about eating breakfast the next morning. In the room, the shower water was cold, the mattresses were uncomfortable, and there was a stale-sock smell. It was dark even with the curtains open, and the whole villa felt bleak and cold. The radiators barely warmed the room, and telling the staff didn't change anything. We couldn't open a window because of the electric heaters. People pay for comfort and a chance to relax, and this stay didn't deliver.

The views and surroundings were lovely, but getting here was difficult and it felt a bit far from the market square. The rooms are small, and the beds weren't comfortable: just one room has a mattress, while the rest of the beds in a four-person room are hard, narrow fold-out sofas. Breakfast choices were limited, and the buffet area was so tight that four people felt cramped. How is half the hotel supposed to eat there? I wouldn't recommend the restaurant either. The food looked unappealing, and after the two of us ate potato pancakes, we were both exhausted. The broth was awful, cold, and made from cubes with lots of Maggi. Prices were exorbitant for what they served, even for Kazimierz.

Room 24 was clean, smelled fresh, and had plenty of space for our family of four. The bathroom was roomy and had soap, shower gel, and a hairdryer; we also had mugs, glasses, tea, coffee, and a kettle. I only wished there'd been a fridge. Breakfast was tasty, and my wife, older son, and I all left full. Outside, there's a green area, a volleyball court, and lots of room for kids. The villa is about a 10-minute walk from the center of Kazimierz, either along the Vistula promenade or past the charming buildings. It's a good choice if you want greenery and a break from the crowds without being stranded away from everything.