We had reservations when we got there but reception could not find them. When they finally did, we went to town and upon our return there were people occuying our beds and closet. Hostel was full, without enough food for breakfast and few bathing water. We were bitten by insects the only night we stayed there. The town is fantastic and it deserved better hostels. We travelled in summer. Maybe in winter they give more attention to customers.

Walking into Stara Polana is like walking into a wonderful, cosy little bit of Narnia! Low lights, the smell of wood-smoke, and everything rustic and wooden. We shared an 8-bed dorm, which is never great, but we paid £6.50 each a night, the beds were lovely and clean (and ready made) there was a big locker, wi-fi and a computer, TV and a piano! But the best bit was that breakfast is included in that price, as well as free use of a washing machine and tumble dryer! Easy 10 minute walk into the town as well, which was great.
Only two negative points: reception was often left unmanned, which could be a pain if you needed help. And the showers..... They could well win awards for worst showers in the world. A warm trickle from a hand-held shower head over a bath. We opted to go smelly most of the time....! Also, when the hostel is busy, make sure you get down to breakfast early or it will all be gone! However there is a shop just across the road, so its not the end of the world.
All over a really really lovely place, and would be really magical and Christmasy in the snow :)

We booked Stara Polana through Hostelbookers.com basically because our first choice of hostel had to cancel our booking, Luckily we got a room at Stara Polana with breakfast and it was cheaper than our first choice.
Stara is a traditional chalet building, with a hallway, lounge, reception with free internet, smoking room and a large kitchen.
When we got into our room, (which had been advertised as a king size bed and a double) we realised that the double was basically a sofa bed, which isn't brilliant for 4 adults, but we made do. The girls gave me a couple of towels for free and evetually we had to ask for another bed which they didn't charge us for.
The girls on reception were helpful and booked taxi's for us.
Breakfast consists of bread, cereal, tea, coffee which you help yourself to.
Stara Polana is not far from the centre, is close to Hurrenda ski slope and has a supermarket near. If you're looking for cheap and cheerful, Stara Polana is the place to be,

I found this hostel in hostelbookers.com site. There is a photo about twin room but the hostel has only one room like that.
If you book a room more than 1 nights, you won't be sure you will be stay at the same room every night - this information is missing from all advertisements.
We stayed there 3 nights in 2 different rooms but the confirmation of my reservation was clear without any words of changeing room during holiday.
If you like any private food left in the fridge in the kitchen, you have to be aware of that anyone can steal your food. We left some eggs in the fridge and next morning 13 was lost. We informed the staff and got nothing, no reaction, no compensation.
The breakfast is the next interesting thing. You will find some opened box with 3-4 days old leftover, nothing fresh food.
I suggest you to find any other hostel at Zakopane than the Stara Polana.