Hotelarstwo w zabytkowych rezydencjach jako czynnik modyfikujący otoczenie
The most striking aspects of the contemporary world are the globalization, standardization and unification. Because of the continuous technological progress the reality is no longer created by nature or artists, but by emotionless computers. The whole world has become homogenized by big-box retails stores and products made in China, passion has been replaced with pursuit of money, aesthetics with ergonomics, and precious materials with cheap substitutes. These changes are also reflected in tourism, which gains importance in today's world and whose aims are among others to help people having fast-paced lifestyles to maintain physical and mental health and well-being in a place other than their normal place of residence and work. The antidote to this highly commercial reality are heritage residencies – full of mystery, romanticism and childhood dreams. Hotels operating in heritage buildings offer unique combination of accommodation and tourism experience. What they offer is not only a safe place, comfortable bed or tasty meal, but also tangible links to the Polish history. In Poland revitalization of heritage residencies through conversion to hotels has been gaining importance for several dozen years. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century there are approximately 500 palaces, manor houses and castles that offer lodging and conference services for business travelers, and each year new establishments open. This paper presents the results of the author's own studies of a group of 180 Polish historic palaces, manor houses and castles converted into hotels, carried out in the beginning of the 21st century.
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