Ars Hostel

ARS Hostel is close to everything in Krakow and costs very little for what you get. The owner was a legend, we were joking around within minutes of meeting him. We stayed 2 nights, and it was easily my best hostel experience so far. Would recommend every time!

We got lucky and didn't have roommates. The hostel was clean and quiet while we were there, with bus routes, restaurants, and more close by. We really enjoyed our stay, and the host is a genuinely kind and nice man. He speaks Polish and English fluently, though I'm not sure what other languages.

Slawek, the owner, is a really cool guy, and the location is right in the center. Check-in was easy and our room was clean. I spent 3 days at ARS Hostel and was happy with everything. It's not luxury accommodation, of course, but probably the best deal for this price. Can recommend wholeheartedly.

The mattresses were comfortable, the location near the castle and river was good, and I felt safe. It was also quiet after 11 or 12, which seems reasonable for a hostel. The owner was nice enough and had left us some candy bars, but he clearly can't manage the whole place alone. He needs to hire staff, and the facilities need a remodel. Reception was nonexistent, even on a Saturday afternoon. The room and bedding smelled musty, and the lavender sachets on the radiator didn't help. My mattress had a cover, but the underside of the mattress above me had some mildly alarming stains. I didn't see bed bugs, but I feel like I need to stay vigilant for a couple of weeks. The wooden beds were painted on the outside, but not inside or underneath, where they were starting to decay a little. The room was clean enough apart from those issues, but the bathrooms and kitchen needed attention. The main kitchen lights didn't work, only a very small, dim one. All three bathrooms smelled of sewer. Bathroom 1 had a working toilet, sink, and shower. The water was warm enough but not hot, and the shower shut off every 20-30 seconds unless you kept pressing the button or knob. The pressure wasn't great. Bathroom 2 had a working sink and shower, but the toilet was covered by a toolbox. The shower worked, but its head wasn't mounted, so you had to hold it, and the water was warm rather than hot. Bathroom 3 had a working sink and toilet, but the shower had a “cleaning - don’t use” sign and a large black garbage bag full of unknown items. I couldn't rent a towel until Sunday at 10am because the owner wasn't around. I ended up buying a yoga towel from Flying Tiger so I could shower without losing a whole morning. Cell service in the building is spotty at best, and the wifi is terrible, expect dial-up speeds.