FAQ – frequently asked questions

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How do I book a room?

The quickest way is by phone – reception is open 24/7 on +48 12 306 51 00. The receptionist will email you a proposal with the room description, price and booking terms or – if you decide straight away – a booking confirmation. You can also book a room yourself on szaryresidence.pl.

Is it worth booking direct? Is the price lower than on Booking.com?

Yes. Hotel Szary Residence guarantees the lowest price when you book direct – at reception or on szaryresidence.pl. If Booking.com shows a lower price thanks to a promotion, just contact reception and we’ll match it. Booking direct also gives you free access to the wellness area and, subject to availability, a chance of a better room, a room with a nicer view or early check-in.

What is the difference between the flexible and the non-refundable rate?

The flexible rate lets you cancel up to 2 days before arrival and get your full prepayment back. The non-refundable rate is PLN 50 per room per night cheaper, but the payment is not refunded – neither on cancellation nor on changing the booking. External portals such as Booking.com, Expedia or Travelist apply their own terms, so the safest option is to book directly with the hotel.

Do I need to prepay? Can I pay on arrival?

Bookings for today and tomorrow are paid on site at check-in – no prepayment. For later dates we take a prepayment. With the flexible rate it is refunded in full if you cancel up to 2 days before arrival.

Which payment methods do you accept?

At Hotel Szary Residence and Szary Restaurant you can pay by cash, bank transfer, Visa and Mastercard cards, and BLIK.

Do you issue VAT invoices?

Yes, we issue a VAT invoice after your stay. If your stay is booked as a package, food and drinks can also be included on the invoice. If you prepay, it’s best to give your tax ID (NIP) and ask for an invoice at the payment stage.

Can I buy a gift voucher?

Yes. Vouchers for Szary Restaurant and for a stay at Hotel Szary Residence are available online – for any amount – and as elegant printed gift vouchers. Printed restaurant vouchers come in denominations of PLN 100, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 500.

Are the hotel and restaurant open on public holidays?

Hotel Szary Residence and Szary Restaurant are closed only at Christmas – in 2026 from the morning of 23 December until noon on 27 December. On all other days of the year, including Easter, All Saints’ Day, 11 November and New Year’s Day, the hotel and restaurant are open as usual.

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What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3 p.m. and check-out is until 11 a.m.

Can I check in early or check out late?

Usually yes, free of charge – if occupancy allows. Please confirm this with reception in advance on +48 12 306 51 00. Early check-in (from 10 a.m.) or late check-out (until 6 p.m.) can also be guaranteed for a supplement of about 50% of the room rate.

Is reception open 24/7? Can I arrive at night?

Yes, reception is open 24 hours a day, so you can check in at any time – even after midnight. If there’s nobody at the desk, the receptionist is probably helping other guests elsewhere in the hotel: just ring the bell or call +48 533 455 141. The only exception is the Christmas period, when the hotel is closed.

Which document do I need to book and check in?

You don’t need any document to book. At check-in you need to show an ID card or passport – a driving licence, student card or other document is not enough. Anyone with an ID card or passport can check in, including an employee whose stay is paid for by their company.

From what age can I check in on my own?

Guests must be 18 or over to check in. A minor may stay at the hotel only with the written consent of a parent or guardian. In line with our Child Protection Standards, reception may ask for the guardian’s contact details and for confirmation by phone and in writing.

Is there online check-in?

We don’t offer online check-in, but checking in at reception is quick thanks to a tablet.

How does check-out work?

Just return your key card and settle any outstanding charges. If your stay and food and drinks are already paid for, you can simply leave the card on the reception desk.

Can I leave my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

Yes, we store luggage at reception free of charge. Before check-in and after check-out you can also use the restaurant, the garden and other facilities on site.

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Do the rooms have air conditioning?

Yes, every room has individually controlled air conditioning. The units are regularly serviced and cleaned, and the rooms are ozonated. Ozonation freshens carpets and furniture, removes bacteria and viruses and has an anti-allergic effect.

Is there Wi-Fi and how fast is the internet?

Yes, Wi-Fi covers the whole hotel and Szary Restaurant – rooms, conference rooms, the garden and the Grill House. The network runs on two independent providers: if one connection fails, it switches automatically to the other. Speeds are 20 Mb/s download and 5 Mb/s upload with a ping of about 10 ms, which is enough for video calls.

Is there a TV in the room? Is there Netflix?

Rooms have a TV with a basic package of Polish channels, without Netflix. You can connect your own device to the TV with an HDMI cable – you can borrow one free of charge from reception.

Do the rooms have balconies? Do the windows open?

The rooms don’t have balconies, but all windows open – standard windows on the ground floor and roof windows in the sloping ceilings upstairs. For fresh air, head out to our spacious garden.

Is smoking allowed in the hotel?

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the hotel building. Smoking areas are located in front of the hotel and in the garden.

What is in the bathroom? Are there towels, toiletries and a hairdryer?

Every room has a bathroom with a shower – there are no bathtubs. The bathroom has a hairdryer, soap and shower gel, and each guest gets a bath towel, a hair towel and a bath mat. A disposable toothbrush and toothpaste are available free of charge at reception.

Is there an iron and ironing board?

Yes, a free iron and ironing board are available to guests in a shared area in the first-floor corridor (level +1).

Is there a fridge, minibar or kettle in the room?

There are no minibars. Selected Deluxe Family rooms have a fridge; the other rooms – single, double and triple – don’t, but there is a large fridge in a shared area where you can keep food, drinks and medicines. Every room has a welcome set with mineral water, coffee, tea and sugar.

What are the mattresses and pillows like?

The beds have a built-in medium-firm mattress (H4) with a soft H2 topper on top – this is our standard setup. On request we can prepare a firmer mattress. The hotel has one type of pillow – hypoallergenic.

Are the rooms quiet? Do the windows face the street?

The hotel stands about 200 m from the main road, on a quiet hill. The windows look out over the Michałowice area and the Horse Riding Club and, depending on the room, onto the car park, the garden or the playground. Rooms have standard sound insulation but no additional soundproofing.

Do the rooms have blackout blinds?

The rooms can’t be completely darkened, but the blinds create a dim, half-light effect.

Is there a safe in the room?

No, there are no safes in the rooms at Hotel Szary Residence.

How often are rooms cleaned?

Rooms are cleaned every three days, and on request even daily. Ask at reception or hang the special sign on your door.

Can an extra bed be added?

Yes. A third bed can be added in double rooms. Deluxe rooms have a sofa bed and room for two extra beds – the room then sleeps up to 5 adults, or 4 adults and 2 children on the sofa bed.

Can I eat in my room? Is there room service?

Yes, you can eat your own food in the room or order delivery from nearby restaurants, such as pizza or sushi. Room service from Szary Restaurant is also available – the delivery charge is PLN 20. We only ask that you don’t eat your own food in the restaurant area, e.g. at breakfast.

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Does the hotel have parking? Is it free?

Yes. Parking is free for hotel and Szary Restaurant guests and doesn’t need to be booked. There are 90 car spaces – 44 in the monitored car park in front of the hotel and the rest in the gravel car park, including a disabled parking space – plus 4 coach bays. The car park is not covered.

Can I come by coach, minibus or campervan?

Yes, there are spaces for coaches, minibuses, lorries and campervans. For larger vehicles, please contact reception in advance so we can show you where to park. You can stay in your campervan at a scenic spot on the hotel grounds – a pitch with electricity and water costs from PLN 200 per night, and breakfast is PLN 60 per person. Campervan stays are arranged individually by phone or email, as availability depends on the season and events – arriving without a booking may mean there’s no space.

Are there electric car chargers?

We don’t have a charging station, but you can charge an electric car for an extra fee.

How far is it to Krakow city centre and the airport?

The hotel is 12 km from Krakow’s Main Square – about a 20-minute drive. Kraków-Balice Airport is 21 km away, about 25 minutes, mostly via the ring road.

How do I get to the hotel without a car?

There is no train to Michałowice. From Krakow you can take a city bus – the Michałowice – Dąbrowskich stop (request stop) is 200 m from the hotel – or a minibus running between Krakow and Słomniki/Miechów (about PLN 6). A taxi from Krakow costs PLN 50–150. The hotel does not organise airport or station transfers.

Which address should I enter in my satnav?

Hotel Szary Residence, ul. Parkurowa 1, 32-091 Michałowice. If an older satnav can’t find this address, enter ul. Krakowska 131, Michałowice.

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Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Hotel Szary Residence and Szary Restaurant – in rooms, in the restaurant, at breakfast, in the garden and at the Horse Riding Club. The only exception is the wellness area: dogs are not allowed in the sauna, jacuzzi or gym. For details, see our dog-friendly stay offer.

How much does a dog’s stay cost? Are there size limits?

A dog’s stay costs PLN 50 per night. This includes a bowl, a treat and a small gift for your dog. There are no size or breed restrictions. Healthy dog treats and supplements are available at reception.

Can my dog stay alone in the room?

Yes. For the dog’s comfort, the room is not cleaned while the owners are away.

Does the hotel provide bowls and a dog bed?

Dog bowls are available both in the rooms and in the restaurant. We don’t provide dog beds – it’s worth bringing your own.

Where can I walk my dog?

The hotel and Horse Riding Club grounds have plenty of green space where your dog can run, plus a small forest with a walking path about 2 km long.

Are fireworks set off on New Year’s Eve?

No. Fireworks are strictly prohibited all year round at Hotel Szary Residence, Szary Restaurant and the Szary Horse Riding Club. For New Year’s Eve we prepare a special offer for guests with dogs – “New Year’s Eve without fireworks”. Guests who come back every year appreciate the relative quiet, the space to run and the surprises for dogs.

Do you accept other pets, e.g. cats?

Yes, you can come with other animals that are legal to keep. Please just let reception know in advance which animal you are travelling with.

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Is the hotel child-friendly?

Yes. For children we have an indoor play corner, a fenced playground with a trampoline, a children’s menu, colourful tableware, colouring books and crayons, high chairs, cots, a volleyball court and badminton. The Horse Riding Club and a small forest are right next door. Deluxe Family rooms can accommodate a family with up to four children.

How much does a child’s stay cost?

Children under 3 stay free – in the parents’ bed or in a travel cot that we provide. For a child aged 3 to 6 sleeping in the parents’ bed, you pay only for breakfast – PLN 60. A child aged 3 to 6 in a separate bed and a child over 6 cost an extra PLN 100.

Are there cots, high chairs and a changing table?

Yes. We provide a cot free of charge – please let us know when booking. High chairs and children’s cutlery are available in the restaurant and at breakfast. The changing table is in a separate room next to reception, and on request we lend a baby bath and heat up food for your child.

Is there an indoor play corner?

Yes, in a bright, glass-walled room near reception there is a clean play corner with toys, building blocks, toy cars, books and games. It’s open 24/7, and board games can be borrowed free of charge. More: children’s play corner.

What is the playground like? Is it fenced?

The playground is large, fenced and visible from the garden. It has a sandpit for the youngest, playhouses, swings and a trampoline for older children, and benches for parents. It’s free to use. Children in the play corner and on the playground should always be supervised by their parents. More: playground with trampoline.

Is there a children’s menu?

Yes, Szary Restaurant has a children’s menu – including chicken broth, tomato soup, nuggets with chips and carrots, mini burgers, spaghetti napoletana and bolognese, and pancakes with sweet cheese or ice cream.

Do you organise activities for children?

Every few weeks Szary Restaurant hosts themed activities and workshops for children. They are not held on a regular schedule, so it’s best to follow Szary Restaurant and Hotel Szary Residence on social media for upcoming dates.

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What are the restaurant’s opening hours?

Szary Restaurant is open daily from 12 noon to 10 p.m., and on Sundays and public holidays from 12 noon to 8 p.m. The kitchen is open until closing. Non-hotel guests are welcome too – for lunch, coffee, a drink or just dessert.

Do I need to book a table?

Booking isn’t required, but we recommend it on Sundays and public holidays, when all tables are taken. You can book a table on +48 533 455 141. We take à la carte bookings for groups of up to 15 – for larger groups we have a group offer and private events.

Do you have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes?

Yes. We prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free dishes and cater for most diets and allergies. We have gluten-free pasta, bread and sauces – both on the à la carte menu and on event menus. Please tell us about any allergies or diets before ordering.

What time is breakfast? Is it included?

Breakfast is served daily from 7 to 10 a.m. and is always included in the room rate. It’s a rich buffet: hot dishes, cheeses, cold cuts, vegetables and salads, bread baked on site, sweets, fruit, espresso-machine coffee, tea and juices. We also have gluten-free bread, cold cuts and other products.

Can I come for breakfast without staying overnight?

Yes, non-hotel guests are welcome at breakfast too – the breakfast buffet costs PLN 60 per person.

Can I have breakfast earlier than 7 a.m.?

Yes, we can prepare an early breakfast at 6:30 a.m. or a breakfast to take away (lunchbox) free of charge. Please order by 7 p.m. the day before.

Can I order takeaway?

Yes. You can order a takeaway dish on site or by phone for a chosen time: +48 533 455 141.

Where do your ingredients come from? Do you use local suppliers?

Our ingredients come from regular, trusted suppliers – mostly local: apples, honey, vegetables, dairy and meat. Head chef Tomasz Niewiara is responsible for choosing them and for their quality. In our Pantry (Spiżarnia) you can buy our own products to take home: smoked meats, sauces, dressings and bread.

Does the menu change with the seasons?

Yes. Apart from the regular menu change every few months, every few weeks we prepare a short seasonal menu created by one of our cooks under the guidance of head chef Tomasz Niewiara.

Can we eat outside?

Yes, in good weather guests can use our shaded wooden terrace and the garden with deckchairs and a relaxation area.

Can I bring my own cake?

The restaurant doesn’t bake celebration cakes. With an à la carte booking you can bring your own cake – the cake-serving fee is PLN 15 per person. At private events, serving cakes is free of charge.

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Does the hotel have a spa?

The hotel doesn’t have a classic spa, but it does have an intimate wellness area: a dry sauna (up to 100°C) and jacuzzi for 4 people, a gym and changing rooms with showers. Massages are available on request.

Is there a swimming pool?

No, the hotel doesn’t have a pool. Guests can use the sauna, jacuzzi and gym, and about 20 minutes’ drive away there are the Krakow Water Park and Ulina Park with a swimming pool.

What are the wellness area’s opening hours?

The sauna and jacuzzi are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the gym is open 24/7.

How much does the sauna and jacuzzi cost?

If you book direct – at reception, by phone, by email or on szaryresidence.pl – the sauna, jacuzzi and gym are free for hotel guests. If you book through other channels, there may be a charge. The wellness area is also open to non-hotel guests: a single 90-minute visit costs PLN 40 per person.

Do I need to book the sauna and jacuzzi?

Yes, the sauna, jacuzzi and massages must be booked in advance. Up to 3 people can use the wellness area at the same time, or up to 6 if they are one group – e.g. a family on a single booking.

How is the gym equipped?

The gym has two treadmills, a cross-trainer, multi-function machines, benches and plyo boxes, plus training accessories: TRX, dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, balls and steppers. Hotel guests use it free of charge.

How much does a massage cost?

Massages start at PLN 130. You can book them at reception – in person, by phone or by email. Reception will give you the current offer and price list.

Do you accept MultiSport cards?

No. Because our gym and wellness area are small, we don’t accept MultiSport or other employee benefit cards.

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Is there a lift? Are all rooms step-free?

Yes. Rooms are on the ground floor (001–011) and the first floor (101–128). Ground-floor rooms are step-free, and the first floor can be reached step-free by lift or by one of two staircases.

Do you have rooms for guests with disabilities?

We don’t have rooms designed exclusively for guests with disabilities, but wheelchair users can count on a range of facilities: step-free access to every room and to the restaurant, 90 cm wide room and bathroom doors, low-threshold showers, a shower chair, a grab rail that can be fitted by the toilet and a disabled parking space.

Are the showers step-free?

No, but the showers have low thresholds, and we can provide a shower chair on request.

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What is worth seeing nearby?

Right next to the hotel is the Szary Horse Riding Club – one of the largest equestrian centres in southern Poland, which you can visit free of charge. The hotel grounds offer a panoramic view of Krakow, and a walking path runs through the small forest next door. Within about 20 minutes’ drive you’ll find Krakow, Ojców National Park, the Coniraya alpaca farm, Krakow Water Park, Ulina Park, the Januszowice bathing area and the Sławicki Raj ski slope. Most attractions are easiest to reach by car or public transport.

Can I go horse riding?

Yes. The Szary Horse Riding Club right next to the hotel offers riding lessons and led rides for adults and children – including beginners. Rides are arranged individually, directly with the club’s instructors: contact the Szary Horse Riding Club. For groups we organise guided stable tours (PLN 500 excl. VAT) and led horse rides (PLN 400 per hour of the instructor’s time). More: horse riding.

Does the hotel help organise trips?

We organise trips for groups. For individual guests, reception is happy to suggest what to see, how to book tickets and how to plan your day.

Are there shops nearby?

Yes – there is a Żabka convenience store in Michałowice about 1 km from the hotel, and a Biedronka supermarket about 2 km away.

Is the hotel bike-friendly? Can I rent a bike?

Yes. The hotel is a certified Cyclist-Friendly Place: you can store your bike with us and use basic tools and a pump. We lend bikes to guests free of charge. There are many routes nearby – urban, road and forest, for all levels – and reception will give you information and maps. More: bike tours.

Can we have a campfire or a barbecue?

Yes, we organise campfires and barbecues in the Grill House as an add-on to your stay or to a restaurant event. Details: campfire.

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Do you organise corporate events, company picnics and Christmas parties?

Yes. We organise company picnics in the garden for 20–200 guests, corporate events and team trips and corporate Christmas parties for 10–130 guests. Each of these pages includes sample quotes and answers to the most common questions.

Do you have conference rooms?

Yes, we have rooms for anything from a few to several dozen people, including the New Room (94 m², up to 80 guests theatre-style) and the Brick Room (84 m², up to 70 guests theatre-style). The rooms are air-conditioned, open directly onto the garden and can be combined. Equipment and layouts: event venues.

Do you host weddings and private events?

Yes. Szary Restaurant hosts weddings – classic all-night receptions and wedding lunches until 10 p.m. – as well as outdoor ceremonies in the garden, First Communions, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries and funeral receptions. We host events for 15 to 130 guests, always in a private room. More: private events.

Do you offer accommodation for wedding guests and groups?

Yes, for groups and wedding guests we have an accommodation offer with group rates, early check-in, late check-out and extended breakfast hours. Details and bookings only through our sales department: +48 601 407 316, b.radwan@szaryresidence.pl.