Kasia is not only quite knowledgeable about the areas we visited – Krakow, Zakopane and the Bieszczady, but also she is very enthusiastic. Her love for Poland is catching! She took into consideration all of my requests. In fact she builds on information one shares with her and makes it even better. I loved her tours in Krakow of the castle, the church, the salt mines, the underground city, and just walking around and exploring with her. She always made sure we were settled in at our hotel before leaving us for the night. The traditional restaurants she chose in Zakopane were fantastic, especially the one with the country band playing! I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Bieszczady – seeing the small things – little shops, little museums, kind people. From the beginning Kasia was a super guide. In the end, she became a friend. Thank you so much, Kasia.
Smolnikowe Klimaty – very nice country-style bed and breakfast inn. Room was large and wood paneled. Loved interacting with the other guests, with Kasia’s help. Hosts were friendly, animals were nice, especially the indoor cat. Breakfast was super fresh and delicious. It was like living in a Polish village one or two hundred years ago.
Hotel Aries – great modern hotel, done in Zakopane style. Nice rooms. So close to Krupowki St.! A swimming pool to wash away the aches from walking. Fantastic breakfast in a beautiful atmosphere!
Hotel Stary – mere words fail to express a stay at the Hotel Stary. It was like being in a fairytale and I was queen(the good queen, of course). The location – in the old town. I didn’t have to go anywhere else. I love Krakow’s stary rynek. The hotel staff was friendly, helpful and fulfilled any request immediately. The lobby was full of brick, glass, metal and comfortable leather sofas. A computer was available for guests to use. Breakfast was very nice and in a room that was for guests of the hotel only. The hotel had an unbelievably super pool with brick walls, salt room, steam rooms, sauna and long hours. Heaven. Our rooms were incredible! When I first walked into my suite of rooms, I thought, “What have I done to deserve this?” Ancient log ceilings. Huge bed in a huge room. A livingroom with red leather chairs. A tv in each room. Super contemporary bathroom with heated floors. Everything done in a faux-stone decor. Aga, I wonder if you told them that I was the president’s wife or something when you made the reservation? From now on, I can only stay at this hotel when I go to Krakow again. I felt like I was living in Krakow at a time when kings and queens lived there.
Kasia is and excellent driver both in the city and the country. The car was comfortable with lots of room for our luggage. Kasia would appoint a time for the next day. She was always on time. She always made sure we were secure before she left us.
I enjoyed working with Aga preparing for the tour. There would be much to do in just a few days’ time. Preparing was about how to make a time-intense trip seem leisurely. Aga took into considerations my ideas and combined them with the “mini tour”. I am so grateful to Aga for arranging a meetings with my friends, Martin and Kasia. It was so good to see them again.