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, because of a construction fault that led to frequent flooding of the basements, and its failure to meet modern requirements for corridor widths and ceiling heights. Today the riverside building is owned by the Wawel-Imos group, and the guest rooms are vacant with trees growing out of the balconies.

Other areas of the property, however - including the ground floor reception area, top floor penthouse, and space around the the hotel building - have taken on new life in the past decade, turning Forum into Kraków's biggest beer garden and riverside hangout. Today 'Forum Fun & Food' occupies most of the ground floor with a mini food hall and multiple bars with hundreds of deck chairs spilling out along the riverside. The 'Forum Panorama' restaurant and bar offers great views of Wawel from the top floor terrace, and a bowling alley was opened in the basement in 2025. The area around the hotel has become a magnet for other attractions as well, including a Ferris wheel and small fun park with fairground rides, and the Kraków Observation Balloon. There are also riverboat restaurants and floating hotels docked in front of the Forum. Add it all up and Hotel Forum is arguably more accessible, and more essential to Cracovian culture, now than it's ever been. Added to the registry of historical buildings in 2025, the long-term future of the building is uncertain, but Forum is here to stay. The most exciting part of Kraków's riverside, head here for a wealth of attractions, drinking and dining options, plus events - especially in summer.