Chalet V11 by Villa 11 Folk & Design

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of places in Zakopane, and honestly, most of them feel like they’re trying way too hard to be “authentic mountain chalets.” But Chalet V11? This place actually gets it right. It’s tucked away on Broniewskiego street – you know, that quieter stretch that’s close enough to the action but far enough that you’re not dealing with the tourist chaos that hits the main drag every weekend.

The first thing that struck me was how thoughtfully designed everything is. I mean, yeah, it’s got that folk aesthetic you’d expect (it’s literally in the name), but it’s not kitschy at all. The owners clearly have an eye for design – there’s this perfect balance between traditional Highlander elements and modern comfort that most places completely botch. The rooms feel genuinely cozy without being cramped, and honestly, the beds are fantastic. I’m picky about mattresses, and I slept better here than I have in some five-star places. The wood smells amazing too – that fresh pine scent that reminds you you’re actually in the mountains, not just another generic hotel room.

What really won me over though was the location. You’re maybe a fifteen-minute walk from Krupówki, which is perfect because you can easily get to all the restaurants and bars, but when you want to escape the crowds (and trust me, you will), you can actually breathe here. The neighborhood is residential enough that mornings are peaceful – no groups of tourists marching past your window at 7 AM. Plus, if you’re into hiking, you’re positioned really well for hitting some of the lesser-known trails. I walked to the Gubałówka cable car base in about twenty minutes, and there’s a decent grocery store just down the street if you want to grab supplies. Parking was straightforward too, which – if you’ve ever driven in central Zakopane during peak season – you’ll appreciate more than you can imagine. The whole check-in process was smooth, no drama, just friendly people who clearly care about the place. It’s one of those spots where you can tell the owners are actually invested in the experience, not just running another tourist trap. For a 3-star place, it punches way above its weight.