Zakopane, PolandCity Centre
Aries Hotel & Spa
Alpine timber lodge
City Centre Zakopane, Poland
Opened
2014
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness LocalOutside the door
Alpine timber lodge
Carved Podhale timber and roaring stone hearths give this former mid-century hikers' lodge a warm, grounded presence.
What it’s good at
Notable
Former 1950s hikers' lodge with protected regional timberwork and carved wooden ceiling medallions.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This quaint, often snow-covered New Westphalian-style landmark still has many of the features that made it popular with generations of hikers — inviting interiors with exposed timber beams and stone fireplaces, a cozy café and bar, and abundant mountain views.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The bustling Krupówki pedestrian promenade is a short walk away, and Tatra hiking trails rise just beyond town.
The rooms
Hypnos beds rest on thick carpets, beside carved timber details drawn from local Podhale craft traditions.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Underwater hydromassage loungers sit inside the heated indoor pool beneath heavy carved timber roof trusses.
The spa and baths
Stone-lined hot tubs steam outdoors in the mountain air, and four saunas accompany a wooden cold plunge barrel.
Le Scandale Lounge & Aperitif Bar
Leather armchairs fill the room for morning espresso, and the illuminated bar serves craft cocktails late into the night.
At the table
Restauracja Halka serves regional mountain dishes and breakfast spreads beneath an original wooden ceiling medallion by Antoni Kenar.
How it began
The original 1950s lodge sheltered over five million hikers beneath what was once Europe's largest wooden shingle roof.
Zakopane
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.