Described in the first issue of Krakow In Your Pocket back in 1999 as ‘a legacy of the era of Soviet hospitality,’ you’ll understand why when you see it. Essentially looking like a cinder block set on top of some Lincoln Logs, construction on this concrete beauty began in 1978 and despite the ribbon cutting not taking place until 11 years later, it was still considered one of the most futuristic buildings in Kraków at the time.
Awarded four stars, the hotel featured perks unknown in 1980s Krakow: air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor electronic clock with temperature displays, swimming pool, mini golf and casino. Having passed from the Orbis brand to the Sofitel in 2001 the hotel was closed at the end of 2002, apparently because of a construction fault that led to frequent flooding of the basements. Today the mostly vacant riverside building is owned by the Wawel-Imos group, and though its future is uncertain it presently makes a handsome living as Poland’s longest billboard, while lending its former reception area and ground floor to one of Kraków's trendiest bars (Forum Przestrzenie), and its parking lot to a go-cart track. Recently, the original basement club Crazy Dragon, has been reopened as Klub 89.Forum Hotel
ul. Marii Konopnickiej 28 Krakow Poland , Dębniki 07 Jul 2017
City Essentials
Comments
Sandra
Kraków
My husband and I stayed at the Forum on a visit to Poland in 1993. It was a lovely location for a hotel-right on the river, with a view of Wawel. Sadly, my husband passed away in 2002. I moved to Kraków 2013. As I walk the streets of the city I have many fond recollections of our time here together. But it is sad to see the Forum in the shape it is now. It is really a waste of such a prime piece of property. Hopefully it will better used sometime in the future.
kees kloot
Nederland,
so sad its abandoned now. Its a beautiful building.
romek
U.K.,
Went to forum enjoyed my stay !