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Discover the best places to stay in Zakopane

If you’re visiting Zakopane for more than a day, consider staying in this mountain town, where you’ll wake up to fresh alpine air instead of city noise. Just two hours south of Kraków, Zakopane looks like it’s straight out of a Pinterest board with its rustic chalets surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks. Between hikes and dips in the thermal baths, Zakopane’s stays make it easy to enjoy the best of the Tatra Mountains.

Where to live in Zakopane?

The best area to stay in Zakopane depends on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose accommodation near Krupówki Street, as it offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and transport. For a more peaceful stay, consider areas near the mountain base or slightly outside the town center, where you’ll be closer to nature and attractions like the thermal pools.

Types of accommodation at Zakopane

TypesDescriptionBest forInclusions

Hotels

Full-service stays from budget to luxury, often with wellness zones, restaurants, and resort partnerships.

Couples, spa lovers, and those seeking comfort and convenience

Private en-suite rooms, daily housekeeping, 24-h reception, on-site restaurant/bar, spa area or pool, gym, WiFi, parking

Guesthouses

Family-run lodgings often in traditional Highlander-style wooden houses, with personal touches and breakfast.

Travelers wanting authentic local experiences on a moderate budget

Private or family rooms, complimentary breakfast, local advice from hosts, shared lounge or kitchenette, WiFi

Apartments/flats

Self-catered units with kitchens and living areas, located in town or outskirts.

Families, groups, long-term visitors

Full or kitchenette kitchen, living/dining area, multiple bedrooms/baths, washer/dryer access, WiFi, free parking

Chalets

Rustic cabins surrounded by pine forests, often with fireplaces, terraces and scenic Tatra views.

Nature lovers, winter travelers, people seeking privacy

Fireplace or wood-stove, terrace/balcony with view, optional sauna/hot tub, fully-equipped kitchen

Wellness & Spa Resorts

Upscale resorts with on-site spas, thermal pools, saunas, massages, and full wellness services

Luxury seekers and spa enthusiasts

Access to thermal pools or baths, multiple saunas/steam rooms, in-house spa treatments, upscale dining, valet parking

Unique & Boutique Stays

Design-led lodges, themed guesthouses or glamping cabins focusing on ambiance and individuality

Couples, travellers wanting exclusive stays

Stylish décor and bespoke interiors, boutique bar/café, breakfast or dining on site, WiFi

Where to book (By area)

Near Chochołów Baths

Five minutes’ walk from lobby to lagoon. Rural peace, meadow views, and hourly minibuses to Zakopane. Perfect if spa time trumps nightlife.

Zakopane centre

Stay within 500m of Krupówki for cafés, craft shops, and the main bus hub. Expect lively evenings and 30-minute shuttles to both Chochołów and Bania baths—skip taxis when traffic swells.

Scenic outskirts

Villages like Kościelisko or Cyrhla swap crowds for spruce forests and star-filled skies. You’ll need a car or frequent minibuses, but hikers and couples prize the trailhead proximity and hush.

Some hotels to consider for your stay

Couple enjoying sauna at spa area.
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Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa

Located on Kościuszki Street, just a short walk from Krupówki Street, this five-star hotel combines modern elegance with rustic mountain views. Here, you can enjoy a wellness zone with a pool, saunas, a salt therapy room, and a high-quality breakfast served in a park-side setting.

Aries Hotel & Spa Zakopane

Aries blends traditional alpine architecture with luxury facilities including an indoor pool, saunas, and a full-service spa. The hotel is known for its warm atmosphere, elegant interiors, and easy access to Zakopane’s main attractions and mountain trails.

Bachleda Residence Zakopane

Located close to the Kasprowy Wierch slopes, this residence offers spacious rooms and suites with air conditioning and modern amenities. The property features stylish interiors, a wellness area with a pool and sauna, and convenient proximity to the city center and ski lifts.

Villa Nova

Set just off Krupówki Street, Villa Nova is a boutique-style accommodation combining minimalist design with traditional Highlander details. It offers modern, comfortable rooms, an excellent breakfast, and a quiet yet central location perfect for couples or small groups.

Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski

Positioned beside the Terma Bania thermal complex, this family-friendly hotel provides direct access to pools, slides, and ski slopes. With spacious rooms, regional cuisine, and both adventure and wellness options, it is ideal for travelers looking to balance relaxation with outdoor fun.

Tips to keep in mind before choosing an accommodation

  • Stay near Krupówki Street if you want easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  • Choose accommodation near ski slopes such as Gubałówka, Nosal, or Szymoszkowa if you’re visiting for winter sports.
  • For relaxation, consider areas near thermal baths like Terma Bania, Chochołowskie Termy, or Termy Bukovina.
  • If you prefer cooking during your stay, go for apartments or guesthouses that offer kitchenettes for self-catering.
  • Hostels, guesthouses, and apartments offer great value, especially outside the peak seasons (March to May and September). It’s an ideal time to visit Zakopane if you’re planning a longer stay.
  • Plan your visit and always book at least 3–4 weeks in advance during holidays such as Christmas and New Year.
  • Despite what’s mentioned on accommodation websites, always confirm key amenities like spa access, parking, or ski storage before booking.

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Zakopane

Chochołów village places you just a five-minute walk from its namesake pools, while Białka Tatrzańska hotels border the Terma Bania complex. Staying in central Zakopane means a 25- to 30-minute shuttle ride to those baths, and a good drive on clear roads gets you there in under half an hour.