Let's talk accommodations in the amazing country of Poland including what the different types of accommodations are and how to decide what is right for you. From luxury hotels in big cities to quaint farmhouses in the peaceful countryside, Poland has a wide range of accommodations. With all of these options, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best place for you and your budget. In this article I will go over the different options available, discuss their pros and cons and mention a few things to consider when you are choosing your accommodations in this beautiful country.
First let's go over the different types of accommodations and some of the pros and cons for each.
Hotels
Poland has excellent choices for hotel accommodations. There are obviously a wide range of options from a large, luxury collection hotel to a small, locally run boutique hotel. There are hotels catering to business travelers or cheap hotels that offer a good value but have only the necessities and are a bit more utilitarian. You could stay at world wide chains, or more intimate hotels that show the Polish culture, history and style.
For the purpose of this article I will talk about smaller boutique hotels in the section with bed and breakfasts because they are usually similar in atmosphere and customer experience. In this section I will cover more of the larger chains or standard hotels. One thing to consider when choosing a hotel is the star system. There are some differences in how Europe and the United States ranks their hotels. A 4-star hotel may be different in the US and in Europe. European hotel rooms are often smaller than what Americans are used to. Double rooms are the norm and it may be difficult to find a room that sleeps four, although not impossible. There are also strict occupancy rules in Europe, so don't try cramming more people in a room. Some hotels may not have air conditioning as well. Make sure you are reading all the information so you know what you are getting and can choose the best hotel for you. A 3-star hotel is as low as I like to go but that is a personal preference and you will need to decide what is right for you. Here are some of the pros and cons that come with most major hotels.
Pros:
- Consistent quality and amenities
- 24/7 reception and services
- Often centrally located
- Frequent cleaning and maintenance
- On-site dining options are common
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Less "local" experience
- Limited kitchen facilities (in most cases)
Location Tip: For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in hotels located within historic old towns. These often offer stunning views and easy access to main attractions, though they may come with a higher price tag and potential noise from nearby nightlife.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Airbnb and other vacation rentals can be a great option if you have a larger group or want amenities such as a kitchen or a washing machine. We have used vacation rentals many times in Europe, especially when we take our daughters, as they are way more convenient and affordable than getting three hotel rooms. Just make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy, read the reviews, and look at the pictures in great detail. Besides Airbnb, VRBO is a great option as well as Booking.com.
Pros:
- More space and privacy
- Kitchen facilities for self-catering and saving money
- Often more affordable for longer stays
- Opportunity to stay in residential areas
-Convenient for families
Cons:
- Varying quality and amenities
- Less consistent service compared to hotels
- Potential for cancellations or booking issues
Location Tip: Vacation rentals can be an excellent option for exploring less touristy neighborhoods, giving you a more authentic local experience. However, ensure the location has good public transport connections if you're staying outside the city center and don't have a car.
Castles and Palace Hotels
Staying in a castle can be a fun and unique experience. There are numerous castles and palaces that have been converted into hotels in Poland. These can be found throughout the country, with notable examples in regions like Lower Silesia and along the Trail of Eagles' Nests. We once stayed in Moszna castle with our kids. It lies about halfway between Krakow and Wroclaw. Some of us loved the experience, and some of us, not as much. These castles are old buildings, so depending on the extent of updating and renovations that have happened, there can be some quirks. Our rooms were absolutely enormous but one of our bathrooms, although private to us, was down the hall. One of my daughters found it a little creepy because of all the twists and turns in the hallways and the creaky floors. I felt like I was inside a story such as "The Secret Garden" or "Jane Eyre".
Pros:
- Unique, memorable experience
- Often set in beautiful landscapes
- Rich history and architecture
- Luxurious amenities
Cons:
- Generally more expensive
- Often located outside of city centers
- May have limited modern conveniences
Location Tip: While castle stays offer unparalleled ambiance, they're often situated in rural areas. This can be perfect for a relaxing retreat but may require a car for exploration.
Farmhouses and Agrotourism
Enjoying a city break from Warsaw or Krakow in the beautiful countryside of Poland can be an absolute joy. Agrotourism and farmhouse stays have become a popular choice in Poland, particularly in regions like Masuria, the Tatra Mountains, and the Bieszczady Mountains. These are a good place to slow down and really get to know the country of Poland, along with the local people and culture. They also offer you a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and the many outdoor activities Poland has to offer. You get to see traditional occupations, learning how many of the Polish people have lived for generations. You may also get to enjoy some farm animals. Most of the farmhouses offer dinner, which makes them a great place to try local cuisine. An overnight stay will really be one of the highlights of your trip.
Pros:
- Authentic rural Polish experience
- Often family-run with personalized service
- Opportunity to participate in farm activities
- Usually more affordable
Cons:
- Remote locations, often requiring a car
- Basic amenities compared to hotels
- Potential language barriers in rural areas
Location Tip: These accommodations are ideal for nature lovers and those seeking to experience traditional Polish rural life. They're perfect for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the countryside but may be inconvenient for city sightseeing.
Bed and Breakfasts (Pensjonaty) and boutique hotels
Bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels truly offer a unique atmosphere. Many are run by locals, giving you a chance to meet and get to know the wonderful Polish people. There is usually great attention to detail and decorations. Often there is a theme with each room being unique.
Pros:
- Personal, homely atmosphere
- Often family-run with local insights
- Usually includes breakfast
- Mid-range pricing
Cons:
- Fewer amenities than hotels
- May have shared bathrooms in some cases
- Limited privacy
Location Tip: In cities, look for B&Bs in residential areas for a local feel while still being close to attractions. In tourist regions, they can often be found in scenic locations offering beautiful views.
Hostels
Hostels in Poland have come a long way, with many offering modern facilities and a range of room types. They're particularly common in major cities and popular tourist destinations. Traditionally hostels have mostly been geared toward you single adults traveling on a budget. They are a great way to save money when you are traveling and can be an easy way to meet other travelers. There are some hostels that now have private rooms that can be used by families or other travelers wanting more privacy. Most of the time in hostels you have to be ok with sharing your space...and a bathroom.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Social atmosphere, great for meeting other travelers
- Often centrally located
- Can offer both dorms and private rooms
Cons:
- Less privacy, especially in dorm rooms
- Basic amenities
- Can be noisy
Location Tip: City hostels are often located in or near old towns, providing easy access to main attractions. However, be prepared for potential noise, especially on weekends.
Choosing where to stay in Poland
Steps to help you decide
When you are trying to decide between the many options for accommodations in Poland, I would start by asking yourself some basic questions. Begin with your budget. My opinion is not to blow your budget on where you are staying. You need somewhere clean and safe. If budget is not an issue, you can go more extravagant, but you will be spending most of your time exploring and experiencing all that Poland has to offer so save that money for classes, tours, tickets and food!
Once you know your budget you can narrow down some of the options. If money is no object, for example, you can probably remove hostels from the list. On the other hand, if you are budget conscious and looking for the cheapest prices, you can remove luxury 5 star hotels.
After considering budget, try to find the perfect location for you. Is it important for you to be within walking distance of the major sites? If so, you can eliminate farmhouses and castles. On the other hand, if you want to experience the beautiful country-side of Poland you can eliminate large hotel chains. Accommodation close to the main square of old town will be convenient but could be busy, noisy and hard to find parking if you have a car. If you are using public transportation, perhaps a place near a transportation hub is important.
Also, location and budget are usually connected. Prices can vary significantly between major cities and smaller towns or more rural areas. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider staying in some smaller towns or just outside the city center and traveling into the big cities.
Next, decide on the amenities you need. Do you need free private parking, a fitness centre, room service, a pool and hot tub, air-conditioned rooms, free wi-fi, breakfast included, kitchen, washer etc. Also, think about how many people are in your group and their ages. Many hotels in Europe are strict about how many people can stay in a room and it can be difficult to find rooms that sleep four. Are you ok booking two rooms in this case or would an Airbnb suit you better? As another example, if you require a gym or a business center, that would narrow down your options to a larger hotel or hotel chain. All of these questions can help you zero in on the types of accommodations that will fit you best.
Lastly, consider the experience you want to have and the atmosphere you are looking for. For a more authentic Polish experience, consider a traditional guest house, bed and breakfast, boutique hotel or agrotourism farm. These options will give you a more local experience and cultural flavor. If you are looking to connect with other travelers, hostels are probably your best bet and if you like anonymity, a large hotel will suit you best. You can also consider the style or vibe of a particular accommodation. Are you more interested in traditional decor, for example or do you like modern aesthetics?
Once you have answered all these questions and taken budget, location, amenities and experience into consideration, you will have a pretty good idea of what types of accommodations will ensure you have a great trip.
A few other tips....
Places like Krakow and Warsaw and Gdansk can get very busy during the peak season of the summer months. If you are traveling during the Summer, try to book early. If you are traveling in the Winter, make sure your accommodation has good heating.
Also, make sure you read the reviews and look at the pictures carefully. Check cancellation policies, location details and transport options to make sure you don't have any unwanted surprises.
Most accommodations will be required to get your passport information before your stay or as you arrive. This will even include Airbnbs so don't be caught off guard if you are asked for your passports.
Whether staying in five-star hotels in the middle of old town, enjoying the slower pace at a farmhouse in the country, relaxing at a resort hotel along the Baltic coast or living out your royal dreams in a Medieval castle, you will love your stay in the amazing country of Poland.
Ready to find your perfect accommodations in Poland? Contact us at eurotravelsbydesign@gmail.com for us to custom create your perfect trip.
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