Kraków Klezmer-Hois

During a trip to Eastern Europe, my husband, Eugene, and I stayed at a wonderful, small hotel called the Klezmer-Hois (Ulica Szeroka 6, Kazimierz, 31-053 Kraków, Poland; phone/fax [+48 12] 411 12 45, www.klezmer.pl), May 1-8, 2010.

Located in the Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) of Kraków, it is the epitome of charm, the dining room giving the feel of being in your grandparents’ home — tables covered with crocheted lace cloths, lovely pictures covering the walls, comfortable old furniture, etc.

And the breakfasts, included in the rate of PLN245 (near $86, which included a discount we got for staying a week), were amazing — wonderful fresh breads, cherry preserves, excellent cottage cheese, cold meats, tomatoes and cucumbers, scrambled eggs, etc.

Some of the bedrooms have baths en suite (as we chose), and some share a private bathroom across the hall.

What made the atmosphere most captivating was the klezmer music playing continually. There are several dining rooms where, every evening, lunches and dinners were served and Klezmer concerts were held (for an extra charge). The food was very good and the service, outstanding.

A bit more than a mile from both the train and bus stations, the hotel is well situated for a great deal of sightseeing, including Wawel Castle and Old Town. The staff were most friendly and helpful, and our stay there was certainly a highlight of our trip.

RHINA GRIFFEL

Flint, MI