I was delighted with my stay in Hotel Sabala. We were treated very well by all staff . The food was of a high standard. We will never forget our breakfast , best ever . Would reccomend this hotel because of its location and quality allround. Having read other reviews I was wondering was I staying in the same hotel. I was on a 10day tour of Poland with 50 other people and we all agreed that the Sabala hotel was an excellent choice. I will be returning to the Hotel Sabala

I visited Zakopane a few years ago for a day trip, and, just walking past this hotel, I knew this is where I wanted to stay, so we did during this Christmas visit in 2009. Very charming and cozy hotel on the main walking street, with one of the best restaurants in Zakopane on site. The rooms were very nice -- all wood, very much like a Swiss chalet, but in the Zakopane style -- plenty of space, clean, etc. Hotel staff were very nice, and offered to pack a lunch for us the morning we left because we were leaving too early for the complimentary breakfast. The breakfast is amazing - a full spread of meats, cheeses, and eggs to order. On the downside, breakfast should at least offer espresso and cafe lattes in the morning, even for an extra charge. I had to leave to get my espresso in the morning, though they did eventually turn the machine on after I complained. The staff also are not as helpful as they could be with information about Zakopane, skiing, or other tourist attractions. Finally, the restaurant staff (as opposed to the hotel staff) were unfriendly, rushed us through dinner, and resisted our requests for espresso in the morning, drinks before dinner, and other. Made us feel like we were imposing.

We had flown to Krakow for a week and wanted to get away from the city for a few days. Zakopane is easy to get to, served by regular buses and only two hours south.

I think we chose Hotel Sabala from the rough guide - there was nothing that jumped out at us from the reviews on Trip Advisor for our budget. The approach to the hotel is fine, along the main road to the reception. It is only when you get to the balcony that runs along the restaurant that you realise just how in the middle of the town the hotel is. We initially thought this a good thing - easy to get to all the restaurants, the funicular, back to the station to catch a bus out to the local sights etc. And indeed for the first night, a Thursday it was.

As soon as they put us in rooms at the front, we asked about the noise. We were told about the band in the restaurant that would finish at 10.30 but not the live band behind the main street across the road which played on the Friday night we were there. I don't know about you but I can't get to sleep when bad covers and euro pop is being sung very loud. This finished at 1am. I'm not sure that rooms at the back would help.

As to the hotel itself, my husband's daughter's room had a faulty shower which they couldn't fix when we arrived so she had to move rooms. There was another room easily found which turned out to be above the sauna and kitchens - no caveats given when she was offered this room. Yes it was hot and noisy. Our room was small but OK. Breakfast was good.

The rate we got wasn't that cheap so I wouldn't consider it value for money and I really do want a good night's sleep when I stay somewhere.

As to Zakopane, it is very commercialised but a good base from which to go walking. We got the funicular up to the top of the mountain where the whole of the town seemed to be but within 30 minutes walking we had lost the crowds and it was truly stunning. We also walked in one of the valleys - easy to get to with the small minibuses from the station which go when they are full. Once again lots of people but a lovely place to walk.

i usually dont write these review things but when i saw bad reviews for this hotel i had to give my two cents! myself my boyfriend and our two friends stayed in the sabala for 5 nights for a skiiing holiday and i have to say i loved it! our room was exceptionally big with a seating area and all! the others room were reasonably sized and comfortable..nothing to complain about. all rooms were clean and the cleaning service was fantastic. the staff were amazing!!! the porters, the reception, the bar, the restaurant! all friendly and smiling!!!

our room had an amazing floor to ceiling window which gave us an incredible view of the town (this room was luck i suppose but it made my stay so much more enjoyable). our 2 friends stayed in another room which was unfortunatly on the 2nd floor where as we were on the 3rd. this did not bother us too much and it was of no fault of the hotel, we did not request rooms near each other!

the pool and sauna facilities were excellent! the pool is free where as the sauna is charged to the room, it is charged per use which means you are under no pressure for time! the 4 of us used the pool and sauna twice a day and the charge didn't even go over 30 quid :) i also booked a full body massage to ease my skiiing pains which was fantastic and only 35e!!!!

small little things really make this hotel worth the money! heated floors and towel racks, live music at night, an area to lock up ur ski gear by the reception (locks and keys provided by the hotel), a chef every morning at the buffet breakfast to make u eggs and bacon as u like!!!! and of course the fact the it is located smack in the middle of the town!! perfect location!!! we paid 6 euro a day for a taxi to a ski slope but there are closer slopes. taxis were ordered for us by the hotel on demand and they were quick and friendly.

although this is one of the more expensive places in poland it is not that expensive in general(4 students could afford it for a week!!) and it was worth every cent!!!!!