Kowalska 10, 80-846 Gdańsk, Poland
map
Image 1 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments
Image 2 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments

Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments Overview

Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments sits tucked in a quiet corner of Kowalska 10, right where the old town’s cobblestones meet the modern bustle of Gdańsk’s city center. The moment you step inside, the scent of cedar and a faint hint of espresso from the downstairs café greet you—like a warm hug from a friend who knows your taste. I remember the first time I arrived, the check‑in was almost an affair: a young woman with a smile that could have lit up the entire Old Town Square. She handed me a keycard and, with a wink, told me the elevators were “just a hop over the courtyard.” Honestly, it felt more like a secret club than a hotel lobby.

The rooms are a playful mash‑up of vintage charm and contemporary comfort. Think shag carpet, a hand‑painted lamp, and a window that frames the historic skyline—great for Instagram or for that quiet moment when you’re just breathing. The bed itself is a thing of comfort; the pillows are fluffy, but the mattress leans a tad firmer than your usual hotel, which is a small quirk that makes you appreciate the effort to keep a certain “retro vibe.” If you’ve got a phone, you’ll notice the Wi‑Fi is decent but sometimes lags during the rush of late‑night tourists—nothing a quick coffee break from the café downstairs can’t fix, though.

Parking is a win: the building has a small, paid parking garage right next to the street, and the staff will even hand you a parking pass if you need it. It’s convenient because the street itself is a maze of narrow lanes and historic houses, but the garage takes the guesswork out of finding a spot. Noise-wise, the hotel’s in a relatively quiet block, but you’ll hear the distant clatter of the Gdańsk ferry dock and the occasional shout from the street market. The only time you’ll get a full lull is after midnight, so if you’re a light sleeper, set an alarm.

The breakfast spread—well, it’s more like a continental buffet with a local twist. You’ll find rye bread, a selection of cheeses, and, best of all, a plate of fresh pierogi that you can only get from a nearby bakery on Ulica Zamenhofa. The staff is always ready to offer a recommendation for a good spot to grab a coffee or a quick bite; they know the best spots for pierogi, the best bars for a nightcap, and the quietest cafés for a late‑night laptop session. The staff’s friendliness makes it feel like you’re staying with a friend rather than a stranger in a hotel.

One thing that could be improved is the bathroom’s showerhead—some guests have complained that the water pressure is a bit on the low side, especially during the hot summer months. It’s a minor gripe, but it’s something I noticed when I was in the shower, feeling the warm water and listening to the city’s distant hum. The only real “downside” is that the hotel’s location, while central, means you’ll have to walk a few minutes to the most iconic spots like St. Mary’s Church and the Royal Way. But that’s part of the charm—getting to feel the city’s pulse on your feet.

In short, Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments is a cozy, character-filled spot that feels like a home base in the heart of Gdańsk. The staff make you feel welcome, the rooms are thoughtfully designed, and the location is just right for exploring the old streets or soaking up the city’s vibrant culture. It’s the kind of place you’ll tell your friends about because you know it’s more than just a place to sleep—it’s a slice of Gdańsk that you can actually taste, hear, and feel.

Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
Studio Apartment2 single beds for Max persons: 2$72
Studio Apartment with Queen Bed1 large double bed for Max persons: 2$72
One-Bedroom Premium Apartment1 large double bed for Max persons: 2$92
Apartment – Disability Access1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3$93
Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3$93
Image 3 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments
Image 4 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments

Reviews of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments

  • Anonymous from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

    Super clean, everything was brand new and fully equipped with Nespresso machine and pods, dishwasher, iron, hairdryer. Phone line was answered and Jan was helpful and accommodating. Location couldn’t have been better!

  • Magdalena from Poland – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

    Czystość, lokalizacja, uprzejmość personelu i gościnność.

    What could be improved: Bez uwag. Wszystko było bardzo ok.

  • Shona from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (10/10)

    Location was great, 5 minutes from the station and very near the picturesque 'lovers bridge'. The room was clean, comfy and they provided a few sachets of tea and some coffee pods for the machine. 🙂 communication with Northside apartments was quick and easy and pleasant.

    What could be improved: Honestly nothing.

  • Davide from Ireland – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

    The decor is brilliant!

    What could be improved: Could have used one more delicious coffee pod.

  • Alexander from Germany – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

    Просто отличное местоположение, великолепная уютная квартира, отличная мебель, удобная кровать.
    Что ещё можно добавить?
    С удовольствием приедем сюда ещё раз.

    What could be improved: Совершенно нечего здесь написать. Всё отлично.

  • David from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

    New clean apartments, we had two for the family, friendly helpful staff, the larger apartment had separate bedroom. Both very good with kitchenet, which we didn't use but worth having for a longer stay. Location is great 5min walk from Growny railway station, next to a small park and river, a few minutes walk from the centre of the Old Town. Small general store over the road, good bakers(the cakes!) and restaurants close by. Tekstylia restaurant great for breakfast.

    What could be improved: Nothing perfect for our stay.

  • Witczak from Poland – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

    Polecam apartamenty, są niedawno odnowione, w środku wszystko co potrzebne, lokalizacja idealna dla podróżnych pociągiem, spacerkiem 5 min, blisko do głównych atrakcji. 🙂

  • Apel from Poland – 30 May 2025 (10/10)

    Bardzo czysto i świeżo,duża przestrzeń,lokalizacja wyśmienita, wszędzie blisko

    What could be improved: Brak piekarnika,co przy dłuższym pobycie z dzieckiem może być odrobinę kłopotliwe,ale mikrofala trochę to nadrabia

  • Vicky from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

    Bright and clean room. Fantastic location. Welcoming staff. Very accommodating.

    What could be improved: The only comment I have to make is that I would have preferred to have the option of a second pillow.

  • Jakub from Czech Republic – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

    Nicely renovated, looks like recently refurbished. Had everything we needed. Very good value for money, excellent position, both to the city and to the main train station. Staff reacted very promptly

    What could be improved: Just some small details.
    Our room could use some space where to put shoes after coming from a rainy city, or at least clean them before entering. As it happened, we had mostly rainy stay and we ended up bringing piece of it with us to the room.
    Also there is some ventilation over the kitchen counter that we couldn't figure out how it could be turned off, so earplugs might get handy for light sleepers.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Baszta Jacek: 250 m
  • Hala Targowa: 300 m
  • Wielki Młyn: 200 m
  • Ratusz Staromiejski: 100 m
  • Dom Trzech Kaznodziei: 250 m
  • Dom Opatów Pelplińskich: 200 m
  • Kościół Św. Katarzyny: 150 m
  • Johannes Hevelius Monument: 100 m
  • John III Sobieski Monument: 150 m
  • Zespół Domu Oo Karmelitów: 250 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Loft: 150 m
  • Restaurant Bar Bistro: 100 m
  • Restaurant Rada Miasta Food&Wine: 100 m

Top attractions:

  • Green Gate: 950 m
  • Long Market: 850 m
  • Long Pobrzeże: 900 m
  • Neptune Fountain: 750 m
  • Wisłoujście Fortress: 8 km
  • National Maritime Museum: 1.3 km
  • European Solidarity Centre: 1.1 km
  • Gdańsk Nowy Port Lighthouse: 7 km
  • Crane over the Motława River: 700 m
  • Museum of the Second World War: 1 km

Natural beauty:

  • Forest Regionalna Dyrekcja Lasów Państwowych w Gdańsku: 1 km

Ski lifts:

  • Łysa Góra Ski Lift: 13 km
  • Zielona Brama Ski Lift: 30 km
  • Zielona Brama Ski Lift 2: 30 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Stogi Beach: 7 km
  • Brzeźno Beach: 7 km
  • Jelitkowo Beach: 8 km
  • Westerplatte Beach: 8 km

Public transport:

  • Train Gdansk Central Station: 450 m
  • Train Gdańsk Śródmieście: 1 km

Closest airports:

  • Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport: 14 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Transport:

  • Airport shuttle Additional charge

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Miscellaneous:

  • Emergency cord in bathroom
  • Lower bathroom sink
  • Higher level toilet
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms

Room Amenities:

  • Clothes rack
  • Private entrance
  • Heating
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Polish

Cleaning services:

  • Laundry

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm

Services & Extras:

  • Executive lounge access

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage

Business facilities:

  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchenette
  • Air conditioning
  • Airport shuttle
  • Free WiFi
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Pets allowed
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building
  • Detached

Other for your stay:

  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Electric kettle
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette
Image 5 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments
Image 6 of Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments

House Rules at Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments

Pets:

  • Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 16:00 to 00:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • From 00:00 to 11:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 18

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.7

Comfort:

9.9

Location:

10

Facilities:

9.7

Cleanliness:

9.6

Value for money:

9.5