Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Hotel Sign

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Review: Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Hotel [Poland]

 

PositivesNegatives
Located inside Krakow Old TownElevator noise can be bothersome
Affordable ratesRoom descriptions felt inaccurate
Unique and pleasing Art Deco theme
Enjoyable breakfast

Overall Rating

 

My stay at Krakow, Poland brought me to Garamond hotel. It’s a part of the Tribute Portfolio by Marriott, a brand of independent boutique hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This hotel inserted itself into the Marriott Bonvoy program just recently in 2022, so I was looking forward to trying it out.

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Booking

I’ve booked 2 separate rooms at this hotel for 2 nights since none of the rooms in this hotel can occupy more than 2 guests. Even still, the prices were reasonable for us all at 491 PLN/ night (~$115) thanks to the small discount from the AAA rate.

It’s a Category 5 hotel, so expect to pay 31-69k points per night for award redemption.

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Location

The hotel is located right next to Planty Park, a park with plenty of plants that encircle Krakow Old Town. You’re pretty much at the center of the action in Krakow with the town square, Wawel Castle just a walk away. You can then take a nice stroll along the Vistula River south of the old town.

We took a Bolt taxi and costed us around $12, which wasn’t bad at all! We did the right choice of ordering a taxi because the old town’s roads are mostly cobbled, which would be a pain to walk through with luggage.

But, if you want to order a taxi on your way out of the hotel, the rideshare apps wouldn’t let you pick the hotel as a pickup point, and you must use the nearest street outside of Planty Park. The pathways in Planty Park are not cobbled, so cutting through there would be best to not put stress on your luggages’ wheels.

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Check-in

We’ve arrived at the hotel at around noon from KRK airport. The hotel is inside an unassuming old tenement building, but the interior tells a different story.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Building
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Building

As I entered, I noticed plenty of displays relating to newspapers (Kuryer Codzienny), typewriters, and Marian Dabrowski, an influential Polish press magnate. I soon learned that the building used for this hotel is the former editorial office for Kuryer Codzienny since 1938. But, the last issue of the newspaper was published in 1939 where the Germans replaced it during World War II. Dabrowski already had left Poland to Florida before the war struck. Fascinating piece of history that I never knew about, but also sad that it was very short-lived.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby Typewriter Displays
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby Typewriter Displays

The hotel also has an Art Deco theme which fits with the time in history. The navy blue and gold/bronze color palettes are really pleasing to look at. Garamond is apparently an old-style font that’s popular for publication uses! You learn new things everyday.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Lobby

Check-in process was smooth, and I was greeted by the manager of the hotel who just happened to be working at the front desk when I arrived. While he noted that we arrived earlier than expected, luckily he managed to find 2 rooms just across from each other and let us in early. I chose free breakfast for the welcome benefit for Titanium Elite, but it only applies for 1 room.

The hotel only has 1 elevator that’s a tight squeeze for the three of us plus our baggage, but I like how the way the staircases carpet looks.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Elevator
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Elevator
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Staircase
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Staircase
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Floor Hallway Entrance
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Floor Hallway Entrance

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Standard Room

We were assigned to Room 201 and 202 on the second floor. I took Room 202 while my parents took 201. It’s quite spacious and nicely furnished. Gray and blue really go well together.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room

The bed was on the firmer side, but felt really great!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Double Bed
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Double Bed

There’s a door hanger left on top of the bed that would let you choose to deny housekeeping for the following rewards each night:

  • Free prosecco glass in Kuryer Restaurant
  • 50 Marriott points
  • 10% discount at Kuryer Restaurant

It’s a little neat thing for sure, but 50 Marriott points just doesn’t compare to the other rewards you’d get from the restaurant. Other hotels should offer this, in my opinion.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Housekeeping Choices
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Housekeeping Choices
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room View
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room View
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Chairs
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Chairs
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room TV
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room TV

Sparkling and still water are complimentary and are replenished after housekeeping.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Pantry
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Pantry
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Minibar
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Standard Room Minibar
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Luggage Rack
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Luggage Rack
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Closet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Closet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Closet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Closet

Shortly after, a staff comes in to give me another welcome gift. They’re ice cream with mango syrup and chocolate flakes. The two plates were for both of the rooms I would guess. My parents didn’t want it, so I indulged in both!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Welcome Gift
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Welcome Gift

The bathroom is nice, and comes with a heated towel rack!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Bathroom
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Bathroom
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Vanity
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Vanity

Shower pressure was excellent!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Showers
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Showers

I’ve never heard of Guest Love toiletries, but I really enjoyed them.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Toiletries
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Toiletries

Overall, the room is quite beautiful and function well. However, there’s one issue I had with how the hotel assigned room categories, which I found out the next day after my parents noted how small the room was. It was my fault also for not seeing the floor plan at the door in time.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Floor Plan
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Floor Plan

Room 201, the room my parents were on was clearly a lot smaller than the room I had (202). Also, my room has a King Bed while the floor plan for the bigger rooms show 2 Twins instead. Had I known beforehand that Room 201 would be smaller, I would’ve chose it. There are only 3 room types from Marriott’s site.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Room Types
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Room Types

From the looks of it, I was assigned to the Standard Twin room, but with 1 Double Bed instead? There was no change in my Marriott booking also that indicated I was upgraded. Room categorization/description is something the hotel should improve on.

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Breakfast

The breakfast in Kuryer Restaurant is located at the basement level just below the lobby. The Art Deco decors are just splendid, and the bronze cutleries!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant

The breakfast has a buffet spread of small bites plus one a la carte dish you can order with coffee or tea.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast A La Carte Menu
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast A La Carte Menu

I chose the Polish breakfast since I’m in Poland. Scrambled eggs with Polish sausages, though I expected the sausages to be bigger. But, they tasted really good regardless.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Polish Breakfast
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Polish Breakfast

Assorted plates of meat, cheese, cakes, fruits, and vegetables were also given.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Assorted Plates
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Assorted Plates

From the buffet spread, I quite enjoyed the herring in pickles and goat cheese salad.

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Buffet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Buffet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Buffet
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Breakfast Buffet

Great breakfast experience overall, and I got more than what I’d expect from a small boutique hotel! The ambiance really sold me.

The Kuryer Restaurant also has a bar, but I didn’t have the time to check it out. A beautiful looking bar for sure!

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant Bar
Garamond, Tribute Portfolio Kuryer Restaurant Bar

 

Garamond, Tribute Portfolio- Fitness Center

The hotel does not have a gym or a pool. But, if you’re into jogging, then you’ll have a much better running experience in Planty Park just next door! But, the lack of gym can be a dealbreaker for some guests, though.

 

Conclusion

I had a really great stay at the Garamond! The Art Deco theme is very eye-catching, and the location is superb as it’s inside the Krakow Old Town. Room features were pretty modern and functional, and the color palettes go well with one another. Breakfast experience was more than what I’d expect from a small boutique hotel.

The hotel does not have a gym though, but it’s located right next to a large park encircling the Old Town. One major criticism I have is that the hotel should improve on the room descriptions’ accuracy to prevent surprises from guests. With that said, I’d be happy to come back if I’m in Krakow again, but am also curious about other Marriott properties just outside of Old Town like the Stradom House or the Sheraton (which are more expensive than the Garamond).

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