This is a really lovely pension hotel offerring B andB and half board options with a really Polish feel. There were few other nationalities here. The Poles make ideal tourist companions. Unlike many liberal minded fellow Europans their children are polite, hold doors open for adults and are well mannered in the dining room. The place is quiet at night and the bar shuts at 11.30 p.m. Most people staying there in Feb. were there to ski, but the town offers much for people who don't want to do that. There is a truly fabulous craft market selling Polish and Tatra mountains crafts. A sleigh ride is a must.
We ate out in the nights, the little restaurants served wonderful hearty Polish food and there is often folk entertainment.
There is skiing for all ages and abilities and it is safely organised with equipment hire, it is reasonably priced and you can have one to one tuition with an English peaking tutor.
All reception staff speak English and can arrange anything you want to do
There is an indoor swimming pool in the Pension
Lipowy Dwor is an annexed house built in the traditional Polish log and rope style. Its warm and cosy. Two rooms 9 and 10 have balcony views of the Tatras.
Breakfasts are a buffet treat and there is real encouragement to be adventurous with salads, cheeses, meats, fruits, yoghurts, cereals and hot breakfasts to include bacon and eggs etc. even fish. Since Poland does not attract so many of its neighbours from next door for historical reasons there is a sense of calm around the food table.
This hotel suits families with children age 5 plus, couples and teenagers. The local catering college has its own outdoor rink and allows other teenagers to use it in the nights too.
In summer the hotel would be good for people wanting to walk and explore the Tatras.
I would not recommend the hotel for people with mobility problems since there are few facilities for disabled people. There are facilities elsewhere in the town though which might attract older people or those with infirmities.
Don't attempt to hire a car or drive yourself, driving in the winter time in Zakopane is seriously scary on these roads. Crossing the boarder into Slovakia arises interest with border guards looking for smuggled vodka but is a simple matter with UK papers.
I would seriously recommend this as a reasonably inexpensive place to stay, good cean and warm with nicely prepared food and good friendly Polish hospitality.
This hotel for a week we combine with a visit to Krakow for a week also.
We would recommend this pension-hotel without any reservations. Suitable clothing and footwear is a must in winter. 20 minutes walk on the level into the town centre.
Fridges and kettles in your room Eastern European style but no cutlery or cups!!