Black Swan House, Old Town

Black Swan House, Old Town Overview

Black Swan House, Old Town sits right on Długa, the narrow cobblestone spine that snakes through Gdańsk’s historic heart. Walking up to the front door, you’re greeted by a brass plaque that hints at the hotel’s storied past—through the ages it’s been a merchant’s townhouse, a wartime refuge, and now a boutique haven. The lobby feels like a living museum; the vaulted ceiling is punctuated by a single, dramatic chandelier that casts a warm, amber glow over the polished wooden floors. I found the reception staff surprisingly efficient—no long queues, just a quick, friendly check‑in where the manager handed me a small key card and a map of the old quarter with a handwritten note: “Enjoy the sunset over Motława.” (I couldn’t resist pulling a picture on my phone when the sky turned pink.)

The room is a quiet oasis amid the city’s bustle. The bed is a generous, king‑size platform with a tufted headboard that feels almost like a cloud. I slept soundly, thanks to the thick, double‑layered curtains that block out the street noise—though if you’re a light sleeper, it can get a bit lively at 10 pm when the nearby cafés spill their music onto the cobbles. The ensuite bathroom is surprisingly contemporary: a walk‑in rain shower, a deep soaking tub, and a plush, white bathrobe that feels almost absurdly luxurious for a 4‑star hotel. The real star, though, is the view from the window—an uninterrupted 180‑degree panorama of the Motława River and the medieval rooftops, with the iconic Golden Gate in the distance. I spent a good hour just watching the boats glide by, sipping a latte from the tiny kitchenette that has a single espresso machine, a mini fridge, and a breadbox that’s always stocked with fresh rye.

Breakfast at Black Swan House is a delightful surprise. The menu is a mix of Polish classics—pierogi stuffed with mushrooms and cheese, a steaming bowl of barszcz (beet soup) served with a dollop of sour cream, and a selection of freshly baked challah—paired with hand‑picked coffee from a local roastery. The table setting is simple but clean, with a few sprigs of dill and a half‑filled glass of white wine that the staff recommends pairing with the mushroom pierogi. The real charm is the little balcony that extends from the dining area: a perfect spot to sip your coffee while listening to the distant church bells and the chatter of tourists.

If you’re planning to explore the Old Town, Black Swan House is practically in the middle of it all. Just a five‑minute walk to the Market Square, where the Long Market stretches out with its colorful stalls, and a ten‑minute stroll to the Crane Tower. For a quieter evening, head to the pedestrianized lanes of Gdańsk’s Old Town—there’s a speakeasy called “The Broken Bell” that’s always buzzing, and a tiny jazz bar on the corner of Przeróbka Street that’s a hidden gem. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the local pierogi shop on Główna Street or the seafood stall at the harbor that sells fresh cod caught that very morning. On a rainy day, the hotel’s small library with a collection of Polish literature and a fireplace is a cozy refuge—just remember to bring a blanket, as the heat doesn’t always reach the lower floor.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge—there’s only a small, paid lot right behind the hotel, and it fills up by 5 pm during peak season. However, most guests choose to leave their cars in the city’s public parking garages, which are just a short walk away and offer a cheaper rate. The nightlife after midnight is pretty lively, with a few bars and clubs on Motława Street that stay open till 3 am, so be prepared to be woken by music if you’re staying on the first floor. But honestly, the noise level is manageable, and the staff is always ready to help with earplugs or a quiet room.

All in all, Black Swan House feels like a home away from home—its blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and strategic location makes it a top pick for anyone who wants to soak up Gdańsk’s atmosphere without straying too far from the action. If you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed stay where you can wander the streets, taste local flavors, and then unwind in a well‑designed space, this place checks every box. The only thing I’d say to improve is adding a small Wi‑Fi speed upgrade on the 3rd floor, but that’s a negligible detail compared to the overall experience. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take a selfie with the golden gate backdrop—it’s a memory that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left the city.

Black Swan House, Old Town Accommodations

Reviews of Black Swan House, Old Town

• Nader from Finland – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location, can check in electronically anytime, we arrived very late night/early morning hours and check in was very smooth.
  
  What could be improved: Our room had no windows but that was just positive, we could sleep till late.

• Shabbir from Sweden – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good stay and the apartment is very cozy and comfortable.

• Gemma from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent all round.
  
  What could be improved: Staircase without handrails.
  
  Not great if you have limited mobility.

• Rosie from United Kingdom – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  Comfy beds, lovely location right on main tourist street. Gorgeous rooms and nice bathroom with lovely shower. TV with access to Netflix etc.
  
  What could be improved: No one on reception ever (altho this wasn't a problem as you got everything you needed in emails/booking.com app) If there had been a problem I'm confident they would have responded.

• Ricardo from Portugal – 7 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very well located.
  
  What could be improved: Sometimes was too warm

• Ewa from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location is perfect.
  Staff is caring and looked after us well. We were allowed to check in early.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Clare from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Easy to find and access. Spacious and clean. Comfortable and good facilities. Great location
  
  What could be improved: No staff but not an issue for us. Not sure how easy it would be to contact someone should there be any issues!

• Evgeniia from Germany – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location, clear instructions for entering apartment!

• Mary from France – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location , room
  Amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing was perfect

• Garry from United Kingdom – 13 February 2025 (9/10)

  Nice clean comfortable room in good location

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