The Black Crane Apartment

The Black Crane Apartment Overview

The Black Crane Apartment sits right on Chmielna, a street that’s basically a shortcut to the heart of Gdańsk. You walk in from the tram stop, the air already thick with that old‑town perfume of roasted chestnuts and fresh pierogi from the stalls on Mariacka. The building itself is a charming 19th‑century brick façade, not flashy but it’s got a character that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. The front desk is a pair of friendly locals who actually know your name if you’ve stayed there before – I swear they greeted me by my first name, which felt oddly personal and comforting.

Check‑in was a breeze, honestly. The staff had a system that would have made me forget I was a tourist. No long queues, just a quick scan of my ID, a few friendly questions about my itinerary, and a key card that seemed to open the door like a secret passage. The apartment itself is a two‑bedroom pad that feels like a home away from home, with a living area that’s big enough for a weekend of binge‑watching but still cozy enough to keep the noise from the bustling street at bay. The décor is modern‑minimalist with a hint of Polish folk art – a few wooden panels, a hand‑woven rug that’s actually a local craft, and a balcony that gives you a view of the Gdańsk Crane, the iconic wooden structure right across the canal. The balcony is surprisingly quiet even when the street is alive, which is a rare find here.

The kitchen is a practical space, fully equipped with a stove, a fridge, and a surprisingly good espresso machine – I’m telling you, the coffee was a game changer after a long day of exploring. The beds are the kind that whisper “sleep” – memory foam, high‑quality linens, and a small window that lets in the morning light that makes the room feel airy. I didn’t notice any noise from the street at night, which is huge considering Gdańsk can get a bit loud by 10 pm. The only thing I’d say is that there’s no central heating, so an extra blanket is useful if you’re a bit on the chill side.

Parking was actually a bit of a surprise. There’s a small, paid parking spot just a block away, but it’s not huge – you’ll have to park close to the curb and maybe do a little gymnastics with your luggage. If you’re driving, you’ll want to plan for that. Otherwise, the area’s full of bike rentals, and the city’s bike lanes are pretty safe and well‑marked, so that’s a good alternative. The only downside I noticed was that the building doesn’t have a gym, which is fine if you’re not into a daily workout routine, but it does mean you’ll have to find a local park or a bar that offers a good workout session if that’s your thing.

When it comes to the neighborhood, The Black Crane Apartment is right next to the old market square, Stary Rynek, where you’ll find the famous amber shops and the bustling cafés that are basically a hub for both locals and tourists. I walked over to a small café on Nowy Port during the evening, and the barista was a 30‑something woman who could recommend the best pierogi variety – it was a treasure. If you’re looking for nightlife, there’s a speakeasy vibe bar on Gdańska Street, just a 5‑minute walk away, and the street’s lit up with old lamps that give off a warm glow. In the morning, the market stalls are a sensory overload – the scent of fresh bread, the chatter of vendors, and the sound of a trumpet playing a slow waltz in the distance.

Overall, The Black Crane Apartment is a hidden gem for anyone who wants to experience Gdańsk as a local would. The place feels authentic, the staff are welcoming, and the location is at the center of everything you’d want to see. A few small hiccups, but they’re minor compared to the overall charm. I’d definitely recommend it for a comfortable, immersive stay in one of Poland’s most beautiful cities.

The Black Crane Apartment Accommodations

Reviews of The Black Crane Apartment

• Ido from Poland – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location, the apartment is very well organized, and the view is amazing
  
  What could be improved: Our stay was too short

• Damian from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  Imagine waking up to the best view you could ever dream of! This apartment is nestled in the heart of Gdansk's most delightful area. Everything you could wish for is just a short stroll away, and you'll be surrounded by the stunning beauty that Gdansk has to offer. It's a joyful place to call home!
  
  What could be improved: I don't see any issues with anything.

• Eve from United Kingdom – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  Location was perfect- the apartment had everything we needed to enjoy our stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing !

• Clive from United Kingdom – 27 January 2025 (10/10)

  The location and views and facilities
  
  What could be improved: Noisy at night

• Penelope from United Kingdom – 3 September 2024 (10/10)

  The location with balcony & view of river & old town was amazing. Comfortable apartment & free parking a bonus. Easy to get to enter with code & outside door was always open into lobby so never needed to use that code. Remote control was provided to access garage but security let us in on arrival before we had it.
  
  What could be improved: Found the parking space OK but couldn't find the lift as there were many hidden doors & all signs in Polish only. Had to ask someone. More instructions or floor plan would be helpful.

• Annetta from Australia – 22 July 2024 (10/10)

  The host Rafał was very professional and accommodating. Very responsive and was able to let us access the property a little sooner. The property is perfectly equipped with comprehensive instructions, ample glasses to select, tableware and spare linen and blankets.
  
  What could be improved: All perfect!

• Brian from United Kingdom – 21 July 2024 (10/10)

  A very comfortable, stylishly designed and well equipped apartment with picture-postcard views of the old town. Excellent location, with a pedestrian swing-bridge to the old town directly in front (although you need to keep an eye on the clock, as the bridge prioritises boat traffic for half an hour every hour during the day). The outdoor terrace is a lovely place to sit in the evening sun, with ingenious folding shutters if it is too sunny! Located on a corner of the building, the whole apartment is light and airy.
  
  What could be improved: There is a lot of construction work taking place on the Granary Island, where the apartment is located. The streets behind the block are still a building site, but I am sure it will be great once the work is finished. The apartment is only two floors up from the lively bars and restaurants on the river front, however the double-glazing is effective at cutting out the noise.

• Håkon from Norway – 8 February 2024 (10/10)

  The location is amazing and the view from the balcony is stunning. Clean and luxurious.

• Sam from United Kingdom – 17 December 2023 (10/10)

  Very spacious and modern apartment in an excellent location. Rafał was extremely accommodating and made our stay even better. Will definitely return!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gosia from United Kingdom – 14 December 2023 (10/10)

  Perfect location
  
  What could be improved: early morning construction works in the building and noise from downstairs bars

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