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Homestay · Krakow · Lesser Poland

Words & Swords

A 9-room homestay near Krakow's old town, with garden views and a shared kitchen, a five-minute walk from the Barbican.

  • 5-minute walk to Krakow Barbican
  • 9-minute walk to Main Square
  • Shared kitchen and washing machine
8.5 Great 1417 reviews Booking.com 8.5 · 1417 reviews

About

Words & Swords

Words & Swords is a small 9-room apartment in central Krakow, close to the historic Barbican and within easy walking distance of the Main Square. The property has a garden and rooms with parquet floors, tea and coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs.

Guests share a kitchen equipped with cookware and utensils, and can use the laundry facilities. Check-in is available from 14:00 until 22:00, and check-out is by 11:00. No pets are allowed.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed

In brief

What works, what to weigh

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Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Exceptional location in central Krakow — Within a 5-minute walk of the Barbican and a 9-minute walk from Main Square, with easy access to the tram and train/bus station.
  • High guest ratings across categories — Rated 8.5 overall, with standout scores of 9.5 and 9.2 in certain categories, plus strong marks for staff (8.9) and rooms (8.8).
  • Welcoming and attentive host — Guests repeatedly highlight the owner Magdalena's friendliness and responsiveness, from early check-in to assistance during the stay.
  • Well-equipped shared spaces — Shared kitchen with cookware, washing machine, tea/coffee facilities, and a dining table in rooms – practical for longer stays.
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Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Limited in-room privacy — The only listed room type is a Shared Bathroom Double Room, so bathroom facilities are shared rather than en-suite.
  • Small scale, fewer amenities — With just 9 rooms, there's no full-service hotel offering like a restaurant or gym; breakfast is available but not a full buffet.
  • Check-in window is narrow — Check-in is only from 14:00 to 22:00, so late-night arrivals may need to coordinate with the host.
  • No pets allowed — The property does not permit pets, which may be a drawback for travellers with animals.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Shared Bathroom Double Room

  • 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Essentials

  • Wi-Fi
  • Heating
  • No smoking on site

Check-in & Services

  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Laundry

Kitchen & Dining

  • Shared kitchen
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
  • Free toiletries

Room Features

  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Parquet floor
  • Washing machine

Activities & Outdoors

  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Garden views

Safety & Access

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.5
Great 1417 reviews

Guest-rated 8.5/10 from 1,417 reviews

Booking.com · 8.5 · 1417 reviews
8.5Verified guest

“The place was tidy and the owner was genuinely lovely – friendly staff who helped with everything.”

8.5Verified guest

“Clean rooms and a spacious layout.”

8.5Verified guest

“Fairly clean and charming, with a host who stayed in touch and made us feel at home.”

8.5Verified guest

“Clean and beautiful, with an exceptionally comfortable bed and nice garden views. Breakfast was savoury with fresh sandwiches and salad. It had everything we needed and we'd happily recommend it.”

8.5Verified guest

“The apartment was spotless and perfectly located a short walk from the centre and the square. Early check-in was a bonus – my entire stay was amazing.”

8.5Verified guest

“An amazing place we'd return to – we loved every moment. Easy check-in and late check-out, exceptional service, lovely furniture, tidy rooms, and a good breakfast.”

04 — Location

Getting around Krakow

The property sits in Krakow.

Old Town: Main Square is a 9-minute walk away, where you'll find the Cloth Hall and the heart of Krakow's historic centre.

Kazimierz: The former Jewish district lies about a 25-minute walk from the property, offering a different quarter of the city.

Transport links: The property is close to the tram and train/bus station, making it easy to explore beyond the city centre.

Basztowa 1, Krakow, Lesser Poland, 31-134, Poland

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-22:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
9 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00, and check-out is by 11:00.

Is parking available at Words & Swords?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity, and one guest noted that parking was easy to access for a reasonable price.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Does the property offer breakfast?

Yes, guests have mentioned that breakfast includes savoury items like fresh sandwiches and salad, and sometimes yogurt.

What type of room is available?

The property has a Shared Bathroom Double Room, which can accommodate either 2 single beds or 1 double bed.

Nearby

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The bottom line

Words & Swords earns its strong reputation through a central location, a genuinely welcoming host, and consistently clean rooms – all at a very reasonable price. For travellers who prioritise location, a homely feel, and value over hotel-style extras, this is a reliable choice.

8.5Based on 1,417 reviews and a guest rating of 8.5.

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