Kraków Kazimierz was once the diverse hub of a bustling cultural community. Long-neglected, this historic Jewish district is currently experiencing a creative reawakening, as local bohemians spill out from cosy cafes and into hidden art galleries.
At the heart of this creative renaissance is PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Just like the old Jewish workshops that inspired it, PURO Kraków Kazimierz is driven by a love for design artistry, and has brought onboard a wealth of international designers to craft a clean, comfortable and contemporary living experience for guests. Each room and suite has its own individual curation of modern visual art, created by the freshest young talent from Kazimierz and across the continent.
Culinary choices come courtesy of two independent eateries, including an in-house team of artisanal bakers. The community of staff are as knowledgable about Kazimierz culture as they are about the hotel’s calendar of rejuvenating activities for body and soul. Whether it’s gorgeous art and design, exclusive food and drink, scheduled fitness and wellness, tailor-made spa treatments, or even just an extra-spacious room, PURO’s fifth property offers guests the vintage Kazimierz experience: creativity, community and culture.
Throughout the 228 rooms and suites, guests are greeted by Golran 1898’s Italian hand-knotted rugs, the warm glow of &Tradition’s Danish heritage lighting, and interiors designed under the watchful eye of London’s Conran and Partners. PURO’s distinct hygge style has been refined through longstanding collaborations with a range of European designers. In PURO Kraków Kazimierz, guests can find furniture crafted by Denmark’s Carl Hansen & Son, Fritz Hansen, ByLassen, Mater and Gubi, Italy’s Moroso and Baxter, Sweden’s Fogia, and Spain’s Kettal. The result is a peaceful environment, housed inside ASW Architects’ stripped-back brickwork building, that encourages guests of all inclinations to sleep, work or play.
Mateusz Szczypiński contributes two of his modernist city-scape collages to the spacious hotel lobby, while Javier Martin’s iconic neon installation watches over arriving guests. PURO Kraków Kazimierz commissioned five Polish illustrators to create three different artworks inspired by their emotional reflections on Kazimierz. These unique creations hang in individual guest rooms, crafting an intimate artistic connection with the guest.
PURO Kraków Kazimierz is home to two exclusive culinary joints: MAK Bread&Coffee and Halicka Eatery&Bar. MAK’s baristas take care of guests’ wake-up needs, while their in-house bakers prepare traditional bagels, fresh loaves and a selection of sweet treats. Halicka serves high-quality, locally-sourced dishes with a sophisticated twist. Thanks to the cultured tastes of the gastronomical team, guests can delve into Polish cuisine with smoked cottage cheese dumplings, or reconnect with Kazimierz’s Jewish roots over bitter chocolate halva.
For guests looking to take a break and connect with their body, soul, or simply other kindred spirits, PURO Kraków Kazimierz offers a seasonal schedule of activities. From the early morning running club to evening pilates via masterclasses in cocktail-making, there’s something for everyone. For solo self-care, PURO’s very own PRISMA Spa welcomes guests to its veritable menu of facials, massages and aromatherapy treatments. Each session is delivered by a personal spa consultant, using potions and lotions from Alba1913, one of Poland’s oldest holistic health and beauty specialists.
Photography: Anna Stathaki