Tatra Chalet

Travelers looking for a slice of a quiet Polish nature are in luck when staying at Tatra Chalet. Set among the forests just south of Zakopane, the hotel is a lovely mountain chalet with modern interiors updated in 2011. The grounds are overflowing with natural greenery that are complemented by rustic wooden tables and a stone well. As a boutique property, there’s an intimate vibe throughout, due in part to the sophisticated mountain-esque design of the public spaces. The lobby features wood floors and a small sitting area with cream couches and chairs. The reception process feels more personalized with a sit-down interaction. The restaurant provides a charming and romantic scene with white tablecloth-covered circular tables and wooden chairs. Sometimes tables are placed on the terrace for a dining in nature experience. With only stairs and no elevator, the hotel's not well-suited for people with mobility issues. The romantic nature of the hotel draws mostly couples, but with policies like three kids under 16 stay for free, the hotel manages to entice a handful of families, too. Note that the entire chalet can be rented for weddings and events. 

Located on a country road about a six-minute drive from Zakopane, Tatra Chalet has a quiet atmosphere among the forests of Poland. It’s best suited for those who enjoy nature walks, and have a car to get to places of interest. There are only a handful of dining options within a 10-minute walk. Nature lovers will appreciate the many beautiful places in the area like Tatra National Park, which takes 35 minutes to reach on foot or a six-minute drive. Skiing, hiking, and an observatory are on offer at Kasprowy Wierch, just a 20-minute drive from the property. About a 25-minute drive from the hotel is Gubalowka, a popular mountain to explore. The closest airport, the John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport, is a two-hour drive away in Krawkow.

The decor and layout differs slightly between each of the seven rooms, but all units are tastefully decorated and feature either lovely mountain or forest and garden views from patios or balconies. The overall design is simple with carpet and dark wood furniture, but has an elegant mountain lodge style in the weathered leather chairs and triangular windows. The spacious units are well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, kettles, and safes. The Family Suite is lofted for extra space and privacy. The stone-tiled bathrooms are lovely and come with either walk-in showers or separate showers and deep tubs. Hairdryers and The White Company toiletries are provided.

Even though it lacks a gym and pool, Tatra Chalet has enough amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests are well-fed throughout most of the day, starting with a free breakfast buffet of fruit, yogurt, muesli, pastries, jams, and tea and coffee. There’s no lunch, but tea and cakes are served in the drawing room or terrace in the afternoons. For dinner, the restaurant serves local delicacies like a grilled and smoked rack of lamb or grilled sheep cheese for dinner. Breakfast and dinner can be included in room rates. Guests can relax in the outdoor (covered) hot tub or enjoy some time in the sauna. Massages and beauty treatments are available upon request for a fee. Though this hotel has a romantic vibe, there is a children’s playground on-site and DVDs, books, and games for families who make their way here. Freebies include bikes, Wi-Fi, and parking.