A satisfied customer is the best promotion
The guest house in Łaziska, run by John and Barbara, left hotels such as the Sheraton in Kraków and the InterContinental in Warsaw behind. The judges were hotel guests. There is no better criterion than the praise of a satisfied tourist, and this is precisely what the ranking on TripAdvisor.com is based on.
The travel portal builds its rankings on reviews from tourists around the world. Positive reviews place hotels from a given country among the top ten on the best-rated list: Top Rated Hotels. “Niebieski Burak” was rated by Americans, Germans, Swiss, English and Canadians.
The best choice – Poland
Tourists on TripAdvisor.com also tell the story of the hosts of Niebieski Burak: “The charming couple John and Barbara decided to open this hotel, tired of life in London.”
Barbara, who has Polish roots, dreamed of a peaceful retirement away from the bustle of a big city. At first she considered moving to North Africa, but she came to Poland instead. To a country that captivated her with its tranquillity, the beauty of its nature and the freedom to explore the most beautiful forests, open to everyone. It delighted her with its historic landmarks and tourism potential. Bolesławiec – the city of ceramics, the Lower Silesian Forests, the proximity of the Sudetes, wonderful forest trails and artists working in our region. All this caused Barbara to say goodbye to Africa and come to Łaziska.
Barbara bought an old eighteenth-century barn, which she discovered completely by chance. In its ruined walls she saw her future home. She learned its character and restored it with respect, using materials that had been used three centuries ago. The effort she put into the restoration was recognised by the provincial heritage conservator, who granted “Niebieski Burak” protected-monument status as a typical example of so-called post-and-beam half-timbered architecture. This is a special construction used in buildings that served as workshops. It protected the building from the destructive effects of vibrations produced by machinery operating inside.
The secret of being the best
Barbara and John had no experience running a hotel, but they knew perfectly well how to look after a guest arriving under their roof.
Cook well
Guests must first be fed homemade treats. The English are offered traditional fish and chips (fish with sliced, baked potatoes). Polish pierogi reign supreme, however. There are also sophisticated dishes, such as chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, spicy “Madras” beef seasoned according to Indian recipes, or delicate leek soup. These dishes are the best way to convince guests of the uniqueness of “Niebieski Burak.”
Always be open to the residents of Bolesławiec and guests from the nearest area
The restaurant is also open to residents of Bolesławiec and the surrounding area. Not only the extensive main-course menu, but also delicious desserts can be an excellent reason for a family walk to the “Niebieski Burak” restaurant. Special dishes are available for children. Smoking is prohibited, and toys and high chairs are provided for the youngest guests.
Be good for every occasion
There is no need to travel abroad to organise a meeting or party in a place visited by people from all over the world. The price of this pleasure, meanwhile, will be a domestic one. The owners also care about their guests’ financial comfort, which is why the guests write so warmly about them. Special occasions, small elegant parties, receptions, name-day celebrations or dinner for two – “Niebieski Burak” welcomes everyone. After a good time, guests can spend the night comfortably.
Offer a room where everything works
Barbara has stayed in many hotels and knows that she would be embarrassed if a tap did not work, a door handle was loose or there was dust under the bed. That is why guests gave her house the title “Polish perfection.”
Every room is personally checked for cleanliness and the proper functioning of its equipment. Only then can a guest enjoy its originality, tasteful simplicity and colour harmony.
After a delicious sleep, offer entertainment and fresh air
In a very simple but professional guide, produced at their own expense, the hosts recommend ways to spend time and promote all the important craftsmen, ceramicists and artists in the area.
They recommend all the historic landmarks, interesting places, museums and private galleries. They point out where to climb, where to go cycling and what excursions to take in the area. They can even arrange a helicopter flight and visits to gold mines for their guests. “It is much more than ceramics,” tourists write about our region, promoted by “Niebieski Burak.” Thanks to John and Barbara, foreigners discover the finest castles, restaurants and artists.
If a guest wants to have their teeth repaired, get nail extensions or have their hair styled by a beautician, there is no problem. Jarek Fink, manager of “Niebieski Burak,” acts as a guide during excursions whenever needed. Tourists write: “He spent two days with us and took care of everything. He arranged sandwiches, drinks, meals, fishing licences and bicycle rentals. If you need something, he will arrange it for you.” That is what you call full service.
Ambassadors of Bolesławiec and Poland
It is enough to read the headlines of the reviews of “Niebieski Burak” on TripAdvisor.com to appreciate the value of the services offered by John and Barbara. “You would be crazy not to stop here; listen, this is the best place to stay in Bolesławiec. Many families come here to buy the famous Bolesławiec ceramics,” writes one German tourist passionately. A Swiss woman adds: “This is the most wonderful place on earth. John, Barbara and Jarek are wonderful ambassadors for Bolesławiec, Lower Silesia and Poland.”
We offer:
- accommodation
- catering
- organisation of intimate meetings and special events
- tourist information
- tour guiding
Animal farm – a live donkey and pony! A great attraction for children!
Niebieski Burak
Łaziska 50
59-700 Bolesławiec
tel. +48 75 736 44 20
www.bluebeetroot.com
e-mail: johnandbarbara@o2.pl
(commissioned information)