Apartament Pod Orłem

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Apartament Pod Orłem? The name – “Under the Eagle” – sounds all grand and formal, but honestly, this place is refreshingly down-to-earth. Tucked away on Tuwima Street (which, let me tell you, is perfectly positioned if you actually want to experience Zakopane without the tourist circus), it’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you’re in on a local secret. The building itself has that solid, no-nonsense Polish apartment block vibe – I mean, it’s not going to win any architectural awards, but there’s something reassuring about places that don’t try too hard.

What really sells this spot is how it gets the balance right. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Krupówki – that’s the main pedestrian street where all the action happens – but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the late-night crowds stumbling back from the góralski bars. The apartment itself feels lived-in rather than sterile (which I actually prefer), and whoever set it up clearly knows what travelers need. The kitchen’s properly equipped – not just a mini-fridge and a prayer – and the heating works like a dream, which honestly matters more than you’d think when you’re dealing with Tatra mountain weather. I stayed there in shoulder season and could hear the wind picking up in the evenings, but inside it was properly cozy.

Here’s the thing about location that the booking sites don’t really capture – you’re close enough to the Gubałówka funicular that you can walk there with your morning coffee, but you’re also on the right side of town if you want to head toward the serious hiking trails. Plus, there’s a small grocery store basically around the corner, which saves you from having to navigate the tourist-priced shops on the main drag. The 9 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting for what you’re paying – it’s not luxury, but it’s solid, comfortable, and the kind of place where everything just works. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need, especially when you’re planning to spend most of your time outside exploring anyway.