Apartament Pod Brzyzkiem & Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Apartament Pod Brzyzkiem on Jaszczurówka street, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in unassuming packages, and this little gem absolutely delivered.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Zakopane at all. Jaszczurówka is this quiet residential area that’s far enough from the chaos of Krupówki street (where all the tourists pile up) but close enough that you can walk to the main action in about 15 minutes. I mean, you’re literally surrounded by those classic Tatra mountain views that make your Instagram followers hate you, but without the constant stream of tour buses rumbling past your window. The parking situation is refreshingly drama-free too – something I definitely don’t take for granted after dealing with the nightmare that is finding a spot in central Zakopane during peak season.

What really sets this place apart though is the spa element. Now, I’ve stayed at plenty of mountain hotels that throw around the word “spa” pretty loosely, but these folks actually mean it. After spending the day hiking around Morskie Oko or battling the crowds at Gubałówka, there’s something almost therapeutic about settling into their facilities. The whole setup feels more like a local secret than a tourist trap – you’ll probably find yourself chatting with Polish families on weekend getaways rather than just international visitors. The apartments themselves are honestly better equipped than my actual kitchen at home (slightly embarrassing to admit), and everything feels fresh and well-maintained. Sure, it’s not going to win any design awards, but it’s got that comfortable, lived-in quality that makes you want to stay an extra night. The only minor thing I’d mention is that the walls aren’t super thick, so if you’re a light sleeper and there’s a family with kids next door, you might hear some evening activity – but honestly, that’s pretty standard for this type of place. The fact that they’re pulling a 9 rating tells you something real about how they treat their guests, and after staying there myself, I totally get why people keep coming back.