For those seeking a cosy, low-rise chalet-style luxury hotel with a wonderful view of the Tatra mountains and an equally impressive combination gym, jacuzzi, sauna and swimming pool (guest use is free), in the heart of Zakopane’s main street, Krupowki, the Hotel Litwor is great.
Once a four star hotel, the Litwor now boasts 5 star status that in my view seems more connected with its excellent quality cuisine, range of food, and food service rather than overall room amenities (for example, most balconies do not have chairs and there’s no ‘kleenex’ in the rooms - things you expect from a five star hotel).
Mini-fridges (that aren’t locked for exclusive liquor use as in some hotels), heated bathroom floors and towel racks, cable and pay T.V., reliable lifts, and a small bar and bar area with a quaint fireplace, compliment the incredibly clean swimming pool area that’s open til 10 PM while the front desk service is as friendly and helpful as anywhere (I even saw the doorman cheerfully change the flat tire of a recently-arrived hotel guest)! Breakfast is hearty with everything good and everything under the stars while cappuccino is included and, if you prefer, eggs can be made specially for you almost any way you like (over the standard scrambled or devilled eggs).
Just outside the Hotel Litwor doors, you’ll find a large outdoor patio restaurant, Zakopane’s main street, a shaded park area, many nearby restaurants (“Soprano” for pizza and a nice sunny patio), cafes, bars (visit “Paparazzi” for sure), a money exchange, grocery and convenience store and much more including ‘Highlander’ horse drawn carriages at your service and pony rides for the little ones.
Though part carnival-like, now touristy and often crowded on the weekends and Polish holidays, this aspect fortunately doesn’t diminish the area’s natural beauty of mountains and forest where you’ll find fresh air, a cable car and tram ride to the top of two of the area’s highest mountains (a must), and plenty of opportunities to point and click!
On the downside not much, except lace-covered table tops beside the bar (hiding handsome wood), a small and under-serviced outdoor patio area, and a much too reserved general manager whose bar and wait staff could smile a bit more or be allowed to relax a little.
In short, Zakopane’s Hotel Litwor is a great place to stay in summer or winter (if you ski, it’s Poland’s version of the Alps) especially if you like quieter hotels with local character, luxury while on vacation and/or are travelling as a couple.
Please note if you plan on hiking down some of the area mountain(s), bring good hiking boots, pay heed to changing weather conditions, and avoid hiking in the rain as trails can become dangerous quickly!







