Hotel Hampton by Hilton di Oswiecim

If one has adequate time, it is good to break up a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and stay nearby overnight. I didn't wish to be herded along such a significant site in the space of a day including the 1.5 hours drive each way from Krakow. I had Room 312 on the top floor, with a glimpse of part of the Auschwitz camp and overlooking a supermarket car park. My room was large, quiet and very comfortable and the staff were all very friendly and happy to help. It is about 20 mins walk to the entrance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. They have built a new Visitor's Centre quite recently so the entrance location has changed. I asked the hotel to book me a taxi (very reasonable rate) from the hotel to save my legs. Worth it as the sites of both camps are simply vast. One can catch a bus from just opposite the hotel into the little town of Oswiecim but to get back to Auschwitz Museum at a certain time seemed more difficult. The language barrier didn't help. Had dinner at the hotel - all good, not a vast range to choose from but they serve excellent freshly-squeezed orange juice and have a well-stocked bar.

I booked this hotel mainly for convenience to get to Auschwitz for a 9.30am tour, but I also wanted to treat myself to the superior double room & the spa the evening before. Firstly, there were 2 single beds rather than a double (see photo) and they said sometimes in Poland a ”double” refers to 2 singles. It's misleading and I find it odd they're not more clear, especially as they must've had similar complaints about this before, so beware! Secondly, I went down to the spa to spend time in the sauna and jacuzzi but the area was drafty because the door to a strange patio area was open. I think this is where the outdoor pool normally is but there was nothing there but a couple of chairs and an umbrella, so this was another let down. Thirdly, and the worst thing of all, was the breakfast. Awful all round, I've only ever had as bad a breakfast once before and that was in a Travelodge. The coffee was bland, the choice of food was limited, a lot of the spread was cheaply presented and nothing like the photos, so beware. Worst of all was the fruit which was rancid, literally. See my photo, it's quite unbelievable. Also, rather disappointingly, I was looking forward to having a pint in the cellar bar but I discovered it was only open certain evenings, I was gutted, nothing seemed to be going right here. The only reason I gave this 2 star rather than 1 was because of the dinner. I had purchased it as part of a package with the room and had it in a restaurant attached to the hotel. After reading the menu for a while the waitress told me I needed another menu for the package deal so of course I was suspicious. I've taken a photo of this menu as you should be aware the choice is limited. I ordered the zur, dumplings & tiramisu. For all I know it was all defrosted but to be fair it tasted really good, so this was a saving grace. Anyway, please beware of my points, its not a great hotel but it is just a 5-10 minute taxi ride to Auschwitz (1) so it is convenient, though there will be closer smaller hotels or B&B's that are a closer walking distance I'm sure. I have been totally transparent with this review and often I wish hotels could do the same, please don't be surprised if your stay is not as good as you expected.

I AND MY SON stayed there from 5 Feb to 8 Feb for 3 nights. Its a beautiful hotel, compact and homely. The rooms are very clean and comfortable. The bathroom is big and good. The kitchen is very well equipped with Microwave, Toaster, Fridge, Cooking Plate, Water heater, coffee maker etc and all types of utensils. You can cook and sit on the table and comfortably eat. It's a place I recommend 100%. YOU CAN PARK your car in the hotel premises so that's also very safe and secure. Most importantly it is walking distance to the Auschwitz 1 Camp. If you are staying there with the intention of visiting the camp, then as ypu step put of the 6th room gate, ypu find a huge park bang opp...just walk through and at the end of the connecting road turn left and in a few minutes you will be at the Auschwitz entrance. First day, we made a mistake and turned to left from the 7th room entrance, but then we came to the backside of the Auschwitz camp which is only a staff entrance, and we had to walk another 1km to reach the entrance. Hence don't turn left. Thank you 7th Room....you made a most memorable and a wonderful destination, and 2 or 3 years later I will visit again and MOST CERTAINLY stay here! Aseem Varma