Hotel Charbulák in the heart of the Beskydy Mountains

So, this is the second place that blew my mind! I’ve stayed in a few mountain cottages in the past, but none of them have left such a lasting impression. That’s why I was a bit skeptical about what awaited me here. But guess what? I was totally wrong! Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed. And after meeting Mrs. Sylva, the current owner of the cottage and the Charbulák family heir, it was clear that this place is going to be amazing.

Hotel Charbulak in Staré Hamry , Czech Republic

Mrs. Sylvia, whom everyone calls Mrs. Doctor, didn’t even need my ID! She just needed my name and that we were from the USA. It was so refreshing to see such a warm and welcoming attitude. It was a sign of trust, of course, but there was also a tiny bit of a worry that she might be up to something shady. But I’ll leave that to her. I’ll just focus on our own stuff. Anyway, I was given the keys to our room just for a good word. We entered and were pleasantly surprised by how big and nicely decorated it was. And the best part? There was a bathroom with a toilet! Can you believe that? You don’t see that in the Czech Republic. There was also a small TV on the wall, probably just to meet some European standard. Who would watch TV in such a beautiful setting? Well, I guess we’ll find out!

Make it stand out

The first thing you will notice and see when you arrive at that remarkable place.

The beds were just right - not too hard and not too soft. Perfect for me and I think for the rest of the family too.

After settling in, I headed to the terrace. The weather was gorgeous, and the view was incredible! You could see all the way to Slovakia, the Little Fatra, and the Velký Rozsutec. It was like something out of a postcard! But guess what? Those amazing conditions were only for the Friday afternoon we arrived. The next two days, the weather wasn’t so great. But hey, I managed to snap a few photos, so I’ll have those memories to cherish! We just chilled there, sipping on beers and waiting for the others to arrive. We kept our eyes peeled for Slovakia in the distance, and it brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. Remember when we hiked up Velký Rozsutec with the Karviná Trojka? Those were the days! The Charbulák cottage is located at an altitude of 820 meters. At that height, you can already smell the fresh mountain air filled with the delightful scent of spruce trees. It’s an experience you have to try, I tell you! It’s hard to put into words, but it’s absolutely worth it. I wish I could have stayed longer, but time flies, doesn’t it?

Our meeting started with the other members joining us. It was a really great meeting, and the debate went on and on throughout our stay. We didn’t even want to go to bed when it was time! It felt like we hadn’t had enough time to say everything. The next morning, everything started again. We all gathered for breakfast and the debate began anew. After breakfast, we planned a walk to Švarná Hanka. It used to be a place where working people could relax and enjoy nature. Now, it’s a refreshment stand and a place to rest. The best part is that you actually walk along the ridge. On the left side, you could see a beautiful view of Lysá Hora, the highest mountain in the Beskydy Mountains. We also planned to climb there, but when we found out that there were a lot of knee and hip patients among us, we decided to skip that. Instead, we continued our walk along the ridge, into the beautiful forests. It was simply stunning! The weather changed a bit in the meantime, and you could see how quickly it can change. Within half an hour, the fog cleared, only to disappear in another half an hour, and it was a beautiful sunny day again. In the afternoon, we had a shower, and the temperatures weren’t too high. It was a truly pleasant summer mountain day. On the way back, we had lunch at Švarná Hanka. To my surprise, they had baked goods with cabbage and potato dumplings. I was so happy and delighted! Not only was it a beautiful environment, but it was also delicious. What more could you ask for? We all had a great time, not just me. After arriving at Charbulák, we decided to take an afternoon of peace. Everyone went to their rooms and took a nap. Then, we had coffee and the debate continued. It went on and on. In the evening, our dear teachers had to leave us because they had family plans. They couldn’t be with us until Sunday.

Make it stand out

When you take a leisurely walk to Švarná Hanka, you will notice on your left side this stunning and breathtaking view of the highest mountain in the Beskydy range. Standing proudly and majestically, Her Majesty Lysá Hora rises to an impressive height of 1323 meters above sea level, offering a truly unforgettable sight.

On Sunday morning, we had a buffet breakfast. It was absolutely incredible! They had all sorts of local products, like cheeses, salamis, hams, pastries, and so much more. It was like a foodie’s paradise, and I couldn’t decide what to eat first. The food was so delicious that it was hard to put it all down. After breakfast, we had another lively discussion, but this time, it was our last chance to say goodbye. We all went our separate ways, promising to meet up again in a few years.

It’s early in the morning, around 6 AM, and this is the peaceful view I see right outside my room window.

Hotel Charbulák is a place I highly recommend. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to relax, or just a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is exactly what you need. The beautiful surroundings and the warm hospitality of Mrs. Sylvia make for a truly memorable stay.