Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments

Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments Overview

Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments sits at 73 Chmielna, right where the river meets the city’s heartbeat. I first spotted it while strolling down the cobblestones of the Old Town—just a block from the bustling market square and a quick hop over the historic bridge that connects the Gdańsk island to the mainland. The building’s façade is a soft blend of brick and glass, giving off a relaxed, almost bohemian vibe that feels like a welcome hug after a long flight. The river itself is a constant companion, its gentle lapping against the quay a soothing soundtrack that masks the occasional traffic rumble from the nearby Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments’s street.

The check‑in process was surprisingly breezy. The front desk clerk, a friendly local who could recommend a hidden pier for sunset photos, greeted me with a warm smile and a quick scan of my passport. I was handed a keycard that looked like a sleek, minimalist key—no paper, no fuss. The lobby is a cozy mix of exposed wooden beams and soft lighting, with a corner café that serves the best pierogi you’ll find in the city. They’re not overly pricey, but the broth is rich enough to make you forget you’re on a budget.

Room-wise, the hotel keeps things simple yet stylish. I booked a standard room on the third floor, which means a balcony overlooking the river. The bed? A king‑size with a mattress that’s firm but forgiving—perfect for a full night’s rest after exploring. The bathroom has a rain shower that’s surprisingly intense, a small touch that makes you feel like you’re in a spa. The furnishings are modern, but there are small nods to the area: a framed watercolor of the Gdańsk skyline and a set of local spice jars that smell like the sea breeze. I was pleasantly surprised to find a small library corner with a few books on the region’s history—great for a quiet evening when the city lights start to flicker.

Parking is one of those practical things that can make or break a stay. The hotel offers a paid underground garage—just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance, and the valet service is quick and helpful. I parked the morning after a night of sightseeing and the car was ready as soon as I stepped out, which was a lifesaver. Noise levels are decent; the river keeps the city’s hustle at bay, and the building’s soundproofing is solid, so I woke up refreshed even though the street outside was bustling with cyclists and scooters. If you’re a light sleeper, the only thing that might rattle you is the occasional distant echo of a boat’s horn during the early morning hours, but honestly, it’s almost like a lullaby.

When it comes to the neighborhood, the area feels like a secret pocket of Gdańsk. There’s a tiny bookstore tucked into a side street—yes, a side street, not the main thoroughfare—where you can snag a Polish novel for a few zlotys. The next block features a small market square that hosts a farmers’ market on Wednesdays; the scent of fresh bread and smoked fish is irresistible. If you’re up for a short walk, the famous St. Lawrence Church is just a ten‑minute stroll away, and you’ll find a quiet spot on the hill with a panoramic view of the entire city. The hotel’s proximity to the river also means you can catch a ferry at dawn, which is a magical way to start the day.

All in all, staying at Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments felt like having a local’s home close by, with a touch of comfort that’s easy on the wallet. The blend of a relaxed atmosphere, thoughtful touches, and the sheer beauty of the riverfront makes it a standout choice for anyone who wants to experience Gdańsk beyond the usual tourist trail. If you’re planning a trip, bring a notebook—there are so many little discoveries to make, from the best pierogi spot to the quietest corner by the water, and this hotel’s little quirks are the perfect launchpad for your own adventures.

Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments Accommodations

Reviews of Aura Island Riverside by Downtown Apartments

• Vaidas from Lithuania – 12 March 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Everything is fine, just hard to find a parking space.

• Tim from Ireland – 22 November 2024 (9/10)

  The place was comfortable and very good value. I'm lucky enough to travel quite a bit and it compares extremely well with anything at this or any price. I marked it down 1point just because nothing is perfect.

• Tim from Ireland – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: The mattress will need replacing at some point but it was fine really

• Magdalena from United Kingdom – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  Very good location walking distance from the city centre. The apartment was nicely decorated and clean. It had all the kitchen essentials for making small meals for our short stay. The instructions were easy to follow, we were able to get the keys from the office that was nearby. the bed was comfortable and the sofa was a nice addition and place to relax. The balcony was small but comfortable with a place to sit.
  
  What could be improved: Sometimes, neighbours could be quite noisy, but that is to be expected in apartment buildings especially during weekends.

• Piotr from Poland – 26 July 2024 (9/10)

  perfect location near city center but in a calm neighborhood, nice new architecture
  
  What could be improved: the view from the balcony could be better, it was just facing another part of the building

• Kalicharan from United Kingdom – 14 July 2024 (8/10)

  Clean, comfortable windows provided natural light
  
  What could be improved: Unable to open window for fresh air and no view from window. I requested early check-in way in advance but was not accommodated.

• Martins from Latvia – 22 January 2024 (8/10)

  Location is close to city center, walking distance to a railway station and shopping mall. Building and apartment is quite fresh and clean.
  
  What could be improved: It was not that easy to collect keys. First, the address in our reservation was neither the one for the office, nor the actual apartment. We received e-mail notification with the instructions how to collect the key. The e-mail contained two attachments – one with the navigation instructions for the apartment and another – key collection instructions. However there was some issue with that as well and finally we had to collect keys from the office. Luckily all these locations are nearby. All in all it sounds more dramatic than it was, however it was already getting late, it was snowing and we wanted to get to the apartment without delays. Sound insulation for our apartment was not great – we could here child crying somewhere nearby and washing machine running during night. Apart from this – apartment was nice and well equipped.

• Tamar from Georgia – 7 January 2024 (7/10)

  Very cozy and comfortable apartment
  Good location
  
  What could be improved: The refrigerator was not working and we weren’t warned about this.
  Got delayed answers from host.

• Michal from United Kingdom – 29 July 2023 (8/10)

  Space
  
  What could be improved: Uncomfortable beds, mattresses

• Pylyp from Ukraine – 9 July 2023 (7/10)

  clean, good design, a lot of little things in kitchen, nice bed, good location
  
  What could be improved: it was hard to open a lock and after few times also, I didn't get enough instructions how to reach the apartment from the staff, and had to go to them (in separate building) again.
  the qr code with instructions inside doesn't work.
  the deposit (500zl) was unexpactable, or I searched bad, but I didn't find information about that before it was tried to charge.
  
  very long delay in response in booking chat

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