Apartament Chałubińskiego

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Chałubińskiego 42f, I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like a pretty standard apartment building. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t try too hard to impress you from the outside. This little gem sits right in the heart of Zakopane, and I mean *right* in it – you’re basically a five-minute walk from Krupówki (that’s the main pedestrian street where all the action happens, if you’ve never been).

The apartment itself is surprisingly spacious for a 3-star place. I’ve stayed in plenty of “luxury” hotels that felt more cramped than this. The owner clearly gets that travelers actually want to, well, live a little during their stay. There’s a proper kitchen where you can make coffee that doesn’t taste like cardboard – and honestly, after paying Zakopane restaurant prices for a few days, you’ll appreciate being able to grab some oscypek and bread from the local market and have a decent breakfast at home. The Wi-Fi actually works (I know, revolutionary concept), and the heating keeps up with those mountain nights that can get surprisingly chilly even in summer. One thing though – if you’re the type who needs absolute silence to sleep, just know that Chałubińskiego can get a bit lively on weekend evenings. Nothing crazy, but you’ll hear people coming back from the bars. I actually found it kind of charming – reminded me I was in the middle of a real, living neighborhood rather than some sterile tourist bubble.

What really sold me on this place was how the owner seemed to actually care about helping guests figure out Zakopane. They pointed me toward this little trail behind the Aqua Park that most tourists never find – perfect for morning walks without the crowds. And speaking of crowds, staying here puts you close enough to everything that matters (the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, the thermal baths, all those highland restaurants) but just far enough off the main drag that you’re not fighting through selfie sticks every time you step outside. The 8-point rating makes total sense to me – it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but it delivers exactly what you need for a proper Tatra Mountains experience. Plus, and this is crucial if you’re driving, there’s actually parking available. Anyone who’s tried to find a spot near Krupówki in July will understand why that’s worth its weight in gold.