TA is always my first source of reference when it comes to booking hotels, but for Czestochowa, there were very few choices listed. Which is odd, considering the place is "the Vatican of Poland". All reviews were for expensive star hotels, backpacker-style hostels or highway motels. I am a budget traveller without a car, looking for 2-3 star accomodation, suitably located to access the sights on foot. I found this hotel's website using google, and couldn't believe it wasn't listed. I booked it via email, and the response was quick and courteous.

It's an extremely well-maintained, very affordable place, with English-speaking staff, located roughly half a kilometre from the Pauline monastery and even closer to the railway station. It's on a quiet street, away from the noise and craziness of the pilgrimage crowd, and yet just a hop-skip-and-jump to the centre. It has a few single rooms (which are rather rare), outdoor garden seating, and a 24-hour bar. The biggest surprise was the quality of the rooms and bathrooms. Everything looked brand new. The bed and linen was fabulously comfortable, the bathroom beautifully designed with a pretty window overlooking some trees. Free wifi is available in the rooms.

I had a lovely time there, and would highly recommend it for solo travellers, couples, families or even large groups. The only downside was that they offer facilities to host conferences, parties and other events. Weddings in Poland are noisy, rowdy affairs, that go on till dawn. One of my nights was rather disturbed because of a wedding downstairs. But if you are used to earplugs, or plan to be there on any day except Saturday, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful stay.