The past decade has seen a boom in hotel construction, but most of that has come in the high and high-middle ends of the market in order to cater to the growing amount of business travel to Poland. That means rates will probably be higher than you expect. On the good side, this dependence on the business traveler means that hotels often cut rates on the weekends to fill beds -- it never hurts to ask at reception if the rate they are quoting is the best one available. Rates are often also lower if you prebook over a hotel's website. "Standard double rooms" are usually understood to mean twin beds; rooms with queen-size beds are often classified as "deluxe" and cost more. Most places now have nonsmoking accommodations, and a growing number of hotels are now mostly or entirely smoke-free. If you're traveling by car, note that parking is often not included in the price. Hotels will frequently offer guarded parking for a fee, usually for around 30zl ($13/£8.10). This is probably a good idea, especially in urban areas where there's a small but definite chance of a break-in.
In addition to hotels and pensions (pensjonaty), there's no shortage of people offering private accommodations in their homes or flats. This is more common in heavily touristed areas away from larger cities -- in places like Zakopane, for example. Look for the signs saying WOLNY POKOJ (free room) or NOCLEGI (lodging) hanging from outside houses. Prices are much lower than hotels, but standards vary considerably. Always take a look at the room first before accepting.
