Poland - Eastern Europe - page 439

detailing extends to the rooms, furnished in browns and golds. The location is superb,
just where the bus from Kraków drops you off, and a short walk down from the main
train and bus terminals. The main pedestrian street, Krupówki, is about 180m (600
ft.) down the street—near enough to be convenient but far enough from the commo-
tion. The restoration process is still underway and the spa and wellness facilities were
not open at this writing (though the owners say all will be ready for 2007).
Ko1ciuszki 19. & 018/201-91-00. www.stamary.pl. 53 units. www.stamary.pl. 450 zl ($150/£80) double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; fitness center; spa; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, mini-
bar, hair dryer.
Hotel Villa Marilor Occupying a sprawling Kaiser yellow villa just across the
street from the Grand Hotel Stamary, this is another contender for “nicest place to stay
in Zakopane.” Peace and quiet is what the hotel is offering here, and once you step
onto the beautiful grounds you won't hear a sound. Everything feels refined, from the
chandeliers and marble-topped desks in the lobby to the nicely sized rooms, furnished
in late-19th-century style. The hotel offers special rooms for disabled persons. Wi-Fi
Internet access available throughout the hotel and on the garden terrace.
Ko 1 ciuszki 18. & 018/206-44-11. Fax [phone]. www.hotele-marilor.com.pl. 20 units. 480 zl ($160/£85) dou-
ble. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; outdoor tennis court; fitness center, spa; concierge; business center; room
service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Moderate
Hotel Gromada This utilitarian, 1960s high-rise offers amenities like a spa and
fitness room at rates about half the competition. The rooms are boxy but clean and
comfortable. Ask for a room away from the busy street. The location is central, just a
couple of steps off Krupówki. The location means it tends to fill up fast, so try book-
ing in advance. The receptionist says the hotel is due for a makeover, so some of the
facilities may be updated by the time you arrive.
Zaruskiego 2. & 018/201-50-11. Fax [phone] units. 220 zl ($73/£40) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant; fitness room; sauna (with salt grotto); nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV, hair dryer.
Inexpensive
Pensjonat Szarotka This smallish, eccentric 1930s villa feels more in har-
mony with Zakopane's artistic past. The pension is not far from the Belvedere, about
two kilometers out of the center of town, and close to the Bia l a valley hiking trail. The
squeaky stairways, the cozy little reading room with a fireplace, and the evocative
black-and-white photos on the wall all scream “Grandma's house.” The lovely 1930s
breakfast nook is a real treat. On the downside, the rooms are tiny and crammed
together (how did they carve 17 rooms out of this house?) Still, for the money, the
atmosphere, and the location, it can't be beat.
Male 0ywcza^skie 16a. & 018/206-40-50. Fax [phone]. www.szarotka.pl. 17 units. 180 zl ($60/£32) double.
No credit cards. Amenities: Restaurant; nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV.
WHERE TO DINE
Most of the restaurants are clustered along the main pedestrian area, Krupówki. The
lower stretch is the loudest and most congested. If you're looking for something a lit-
tle quieter, walk uphill along the street a couple of blocks and the crowds start to thin
out. Restaurant meals are relatively cheap, and most of what's on offer in town is
broadly the same. In addition to the places listed here, the restaurants in the Hotel