Apartament Wałowa

Apartament Wałowa Overview

Apartament Wałowa comes across like a hidden gem when you step up from the tram stop on Stary Smok. The building itself is a neat, two‑storey Polish apartment block, but the lobby is surprisingly airy — a big cracked, whitewashed wall with a few potted plants that give a hint of the sea breeze. The reception desk is manned by a young woman who greeted us with a quick, “Witaj w Apartament Wałowa!” and practically handed us the keys before we could even ask about the elevator. Check‑in was smooth; she pointed out the small, separate entrance for guests, which is handy if you’re trying to avoid the usual tourist crowds. Parking is a bit of a mystery – the block has a tiny underground space, but you’ll need to ask the front desk for the code; otherwise the nearest surface lot is on Ulica Słowackiego, just a two‑minute walk, and it’s usually full during peak season.

The apartment itself is a tidy, mid‑size unit that feels like a home, not a hotel room. The living area is bright, with a big window that looks over a quiet residential street (you can see the old wooden houses of the Żabianka district in the distance). I was pleasantly surprised by the soundproofing – even the distant traffic from the nearby highway is muffled. The bed is a generous queen with a tufted headboard that looks like a piece of furniture from a 1950s Polish design showroom. The mattress is firm but not hard, and the sheets feel like they were made from a soft cotton blend, which is a relief after a long train ride. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, kettle, and a couple of pots and pans – just enough for a quick breakfast or a cup of tea. The bathroom is modern, with a rain shower that has a decent flow; the tiles are a subtle grey that echoes the building’s exterior. You’ll notice the little touches, like a small bouquet of dried lavender in the corner, which adds a pleasant scent without being overpowering.

When I stepped outside, the first thing that hit me was the smell of the Baltic Sea mingling with the scent of fresh-cut grass from the nearby park on Gdańsk’s southern edge. Apartament Wałowa is tucked a few streets away from the bustling Main Market (Rynek), but the noise level here is surprisingly low, especially after 10 pm. That said, the winter months can be chilly, so be sure to bring a warm coat if you plan on exploring the old town on foot; the cobblestones are slick and the streets can get pretty dramatic. If you’re a foodie, a quick walk south takes you to a small trattoria on Ulica Karskiego, where the pizza is cooked in a wood‑fired oven and the tomato sauce is made from locally grown tomatoes. For a more authentically Polish experience, head over to the market near Gdańsk’s main square – you’ll find fresh pierogi and a friendly vendor who’ll swear you can’t get better dumplings in the city.

When it comes to the rating, the 8.9 on the review site is not just a number; it’s a reflection of the way the staff remember guests’ names (I was called by my first name at the front desk), the cleanliness of the rooms, and the overall vibe that feels less “tourist hotel” and more “home away from home.” The only critique I’d give is that the Wi‑Fi password is buried in a small card under the welcome board, so it might take a minute to find if you’re not patient. But honestly, that’s a minor hiccup that becomes a good story to tell. In short, Apartament Wałowa is a place that feels lived in and loved, with a touch of local charm that’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret part of Gdańsk. If you’re planning a trip to the city, drop by this spot and let the simple, warm hospitality of the place draw you in.

Facilities