Exclusive Group Accommodations FAQ
Exclusive Group Accommodations FAQ
Please note: We receive a very high volume of rental requests. In this way, this castle is only reserved once a contract is signed and a deposit is paid. Please do not send your intended guests invites to the castle nor book external service providers, etc., prior to your dates being secured with us (signed contract, deposit paid).
Use CTRL F / command F (on Mac) to find key words / answers below - quickly!
Booking and Contract Process
Q: How can I reserve dates and confirm a booking? A: To secure your reservation, we require a non-refundable 35% deposit and a signed contract.
Q: When do I need to pay the remaining balance? A: The balance is due 21 days before your arrival.
Q: Can I add or amend services on the contract, and if so, until when? A: Yes, you can add or amend services during the season prior (3 months) to your arrival. A 35% deposit is required to secure these services, with the balance due 21 days before arrival. Last-minute changes (after 21-day mark) are not possible due to resource planning.
Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: If you provide sufficient notice and a valid reason for cancellation, we will issue a 12-month voucher for the amount paid. Additionally, you are welcome to obtain event insurance from your finanacial institute of choice.
Q: When is the deadline for providing the final guest headcount, and will the catering cost be updated accordingly? A: The deadline for submitting the final guest headcount is one month before the arrival date. At that time, the catering cost will be adjusted to match the final headcount. Please note that it is not possible to make changes to the guest headcount for catering, including the amount to be paid (nor to receive a refund for cancellations) after this deadline, as all services and goods will have already been secured based on the final count you provided to us.
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Q: Is there a minimum stay? A: Yes. 2-nights, 3-nights during bank holidays.
Q: Regarding Accommodation and Food, is it possible to have more than 42 guests? A: The sleeping facilities have a maximum capacity of 42 guests, while the ballroom, suitable for a feast, can accommodate up to 50 (seated) guests when banquet furniture is prepared in that room by your chosen caterer/vendor. Please note that this count does not include infants or third-party vendors who do not require our beds or seats. Additionally, we have 2 cribs and 2 high chairs available on-site for your convenience. 50 is the maximum number of guests allowed onsite.
At all other times, there is a terrace (uncovered) and a dining room with chairs and tables for 42 guests (all overnight guests). Not more.
Q: What accommodations / hotels are nearby to the castle i.e. for vendors / service providers requiring lodgings? A: Mały Bór (12 km / 8 miles away) or Zamek Krolewski we Wschowie (4 km / 2.5 miles away)
Q: Are we allowed to have different sets of guests on different days, for example, 42 people one day and a different group the next day? A: Unfortunately, no, that is not permitted. The maximum is up to 42 overnight guests per minimum 2-night stay
Q: Can we arrive before the check-in time? A: No, the gates to the property open from 15:00. We do not accommodate early arrivals to the property (inside or out) as we need to ensure ample time for thorough preparation between groups.
Q: Can we depart the property after 12:00? A: No, check-out is until 11:00 from the suites and until 11:30 from the property, following above reasoning.
Q: Neighbourhood quiet-hours? A: Yes, quiet hours are from 22:00 to 06:00 daily. Music can be played indoors as loud as you like due to very thick stone walls. Just close the main door and windows ;)
Q: Are guests allowed outside after 22:00? A: Yes, guests are allowed outside after 22:00, as long as it doesn't disturb the surroundings.
Q: Fireworks? A: Fireworks are not allowed on the property unless a professional firm has been hired and is bonded (insured), and launches these from an adjacent property with the necessary approvals and permits.
Q: Fire-pits / live outdoor fires possible? A: Yes, there are prepared fire pits on the terrace, and firewood is available free of charge.
Q: Is there a BBQ onsite? A: Yes, there's a charcoal grill available. Please bring your own charcoal for self-catered stays.
Q: Is there a fireplace indoors? A: Yes, there's a fireplace in the Fireplace Salon on the Main Floor, and central heating throughout the castle in fall/winter.
Q: Are staff present during our stay? A: If you're entirely self-catering and haven't opted for additional services, no staff will be present in the castle during your stay. A gardener will come in the early mornings to tend to the flowers and organic vegetable garden seasonally.
Q: Is the tap water drinkable? A: Yes, the tap water is safe to drink, and additional water bottles are provided if needed.
Q: Can we swim in the local lakes? A: Yes, many nearby lakes are safe for swimming. We recommend Olejnice (25 km), Brenno (20 km), or Wielen (25 km) and Sława (27 km). Also nearby there is Lgin (8 km), which has a new Pier.
Q: Is there reliable WiFi throughout the castle? A: Yes.
Things to do in the Area
The palace is nestled near farm fields, lakes, forests, and picturesque waterways, offering plenty to see and do. With a car, guests find themselves almost equidistant from three major Polish cities: Poznań, Wrocław, and Zielona Góra. For those looking to explore nearby, the enchanting old market town of Leszno is just a 17-minute drive away. For more information, click here.
Shopping
🛒 Convenience items: Lewiatan (400 m away)
🍻 Ice, Beer, Alcohol: “ABC” or “Intermarche” in Wschowa (4 – 5 Km away)
🛍️ Major grocers in Wschowa: Lidl, Aldi, Netto (4 – 5 Km away)
Medical / First Aid / Wellbeing
Q: Need a consultation with a doctor or a proscription renewed / issued? A: Don’t speak polish? Schedule a consultation here.
Q: Is the castle wheelchair accessible? A: No
Q: Are there ground-floor accommodations in the castle? A: No
Q: Are there nearby hospitals? A: Yes - though services in English are not always available:
https://nowyszpital.pl/szpitale/nowy-szpital-we-wschowie/
Q: Are there first aid kits onsite? A: Yes - two are located in the main floor kitchen.
Emergency Contacts
🚑 Ambulance: 999
🚒 Fire Brigade: 998
👮 Police: 997
📞 General: 112
Getting to & From the Castle
Q: What is the exact address of the castle? A: "Pałac Osowa Sień", Osowa Sień 41, 67-400 Wschowa, Lubuskie, Polska.
Q: Is it easy to arrive by car? A: The Palace at Osowa Sien is easily reached by car from all directions. From Germany or Warsaw, use the A2 and S3 roads. Coming from the north or south? The S5 leads you straight here.
Q: Parking available onsite? A: Yes, parking is free and there are more than enough spots for 42-guests
Q: Closest bus and train stations? A: The closest bus and train stations are "Wschowa" (4 KM away) and "Leszno" (17 KM away).
Q: Closest airports? A: The closest airports are WRO (Wrocław) and POZ (Poznan), approximately 55 - 70 minutes away by car. Additionally, BER (Berlin) is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours away, while WAW (Warsaw) can be reached in about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Q: Are you partnered with a Taxi company? A: No, we're not partnered with a specific taxi, but you can contact local taxi drivers like Henryk at 601 584 665 (using Google translate if needed)
Q: Can we use Uber / FreeNow / Lyft / Gett? A: These services are not available in the countryside where the castle is located.
Q: Is there a bus charter company that can transport us from another city or airport? A: Yes, list of providers is below:
Hill Bus | hilbus@poczta.fm + 48 50 711 25 37
FHU Kępka Transport Autobus | +48 65 520 44 55
Irro Charter for cross-european expeditions | irro-charter.com
Markobus | +48 69 606 79 64 (weekends only)
Wschowa Taxi | +48 601 891 390 (8 passenger van)
For reference, the 8-seater van costs 600 zł one way from WRO and 500 zł from POZ. A 19-seater bus from FHU Kępka Transport Autobus is 1000 zł from POZ and 1200 zł from WRO as of July 2024
Q: Our guests are VIPs; is there a taxi service that can take them from another city or airport to the castle and vice versa? A: Of course; this website provide quotes and available cars for VIP taxi services in English with the click of a few buttons: https://viptransfers.pl/en/
Q: What should a taxi to WRO or POZ cost? A: The cost ranges from 500 - 700 PLN one way as of 1.1.2024.
Q: What should a taxi to Wschowa or Leszno cost? A: Wschowa is around 40 PLN and Leszno is around 100 PLN for one way.
Q: Are there car rental companies you suggest? A: You can use websites like skyscanner.com to find car rental options from known companies like EuroCar / Auto Europe. IMPORTANT: Americans and Canadians need an International Driver’s License - easily obtained via CAA or similar to rent a car in the EU as of 2023.
Facilities / Services
The exclusive castle rental assumes self-catering, self-cleaning, self-planning, self-decorating, etc., though there is a possibility to have us arrange these things for you too in full or in part ;)
Q: Are linens and towels provided? A: Yes, spa quality 100% cotton linens and Aegean cotton towels are provided.
Q: Are there kettles and hair dryers? A: Yes, there are kettles and hair dryers in every room and suite.
Q: Are there soaps, shampoos, etc., available? A: Yes, every en-suite bathroom is equipped with full-sized all-natural toiletries.
Q: Are there iron and ironing boards onsite? A: Yes, there are 4 sets onsite.
Q: Are there bathrobes provided in suite? A: Yes, one per person, organic cotton bathrobes are provided in suite.
Q: Are heating and energy costs included in our stay? A: Yes, heating and energy costs are included.
Q: Are there any hidden fees? A: No, the quoted price for rental and services is comprehensive.
Q: What does the property rental price cover and what does it not cover?
A: The rental price ensures exclusive use of the castle, including:
Accommodations for your guests as specified in the offer
Essential utilities (e.g., water, electricity, heating, Wi-Fi)
Access to all-guest facilities & common areas (including: kitchen, fireplace salon, daily dining room, dance & drinks room, ballroom room, terrace, sauna, wellness room, massage room)
Basic in-suite amenities (e.g., towels, linens, toiletries)
It does not cover catering, florals, planning, or other special services, which can be arranged and billed separately.
Q: Is maid service available during our stay? A: Yes, maid service is available for an additional fee.
Q: Do we have access to the sauna and massage room? A: Yes, for massages, additional charges apply. See our menu here.
Q: Do we have access to the wine cellar? A: Only if you have opted for a wine tasting (additionally payable).
Q: Can we bring dogs and cats? A: Yes, dogs and cats are welcome (additionally payable; 17,50 € / pet / night).
Events / Audio - Visual (AV) Equipment
Q: How far in advance do key dates book up? A: Key dates typically book up 16 - 24 months in advance.
Q: Do you offer event planning? A: Yes, we provide hourly consulting, enabling tailored support instead of standardized packages
Q: Do you offer floral services? A: Yes, floral services are available (additionally payable).
Q: Is a DJ necessary? A: No, we provide free-to-use blue-tooth enabled audio equipment and dance lighting.
Q: What is the Audio Equipment / Speaker Brands? A: Brass Tone Audio, bluetooth USB MP3 2X200W RMS BTA1204 + Speakers; and 2 x dance lights (7 LED Stage lighting with a movable DMX head).
Q: I want to hire a DJ, is there someone you recommend? A: Krzysztof Michaluk is familiar with our venue: +48 662 401 328 / djjazzkm@gmail.com
Q: I am a DJ and I’m currently travelling the world. Is there somewhere I can rent pro gear nearby? A: Yes, here.
Q: Are microphones available? A: Yes, there are 2 available, though entirely unnecessary for small groups of up to 40-ish guests.
Q: Do I need to bring anything specifc to use microphones or speakers? A: No, these are bluetooth enabled.
Q: Is there a projector/beamer available? A: Yes, you can use our 4K projector.
Q: Is there a dedicated event space? A: Yes, it is the ballroom and it is an adaptable event/venue area. It's left vacant of banquet furniture generally, making it ideal for meetings, workshops, etc. When we are catering a formal “Feast”, we prepare this space with banquet furniture for you.
Q: Can we dine outdoors? A: Certainly! Our main terrace offers comfortable seating for up to 42 guests. It's a wonderful spot for al fresco dining; however, please note that this space is not covered. In case of unfavorable weather, there is seating for up to 42 guests indoors in the daily dining room.
Q: Can a formal dinner or "Feast" be held outdoors? A: Yes, outdoor dining is possible, but keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain, wind, and intense UV. If we are catering your event, we will make the final call regarding outdoor dining 24-48 hours in advance. For self-catered or externally catered events, you may consider renting tents, floors, and electrical setups, though we do not provide these services. When we’re catering a formal feast outdoors, it is "plén air" dining.
Q: Can a wedding ceremony be held outdoors? A: Similar conditions apply for wedding ceremonies as for formal dinners. Please refer to the answer above for details regarding outdoor ceremonies.
Q: What is the recommended ceremony space? A: We recommend holding your ceremony outdoors under the old oak tree in front of the castle, assuming good weather. Alternatively, you can use the main hall just beyond the grand entrance, which features tall ceilings, chalk-white interiors, and Grecian-Baroque-inspired stucco. Both options offer a unique and picturesque setting for your special day.
Q: If you’re catering, can the feast or ceremony move indoors last minute? A: No as the setup requires careful preparation which takes many hours.
Q: Is there a dance floor? A: Yes, a 45 sqm dance floor is localted centrally on the main floor, proceeding the ballroom.
Q: Do you rent tents or outdoor dance floors? A: No.
Q: Is an open bar possible? A: Please revisit your catering offer for more details.
Q: Does catering include service? A: Yes, please revisit your catering offer for more details.
Q: Who should we contact if we want a civil ceremony or a religious one in a church? A: Contact the local town hall for a civil ceremony or any church of your choosing for a religious one. If you're in search of spiritual wedding officiants, Instagram can be a valuable platform for your research. Additionally, if you require assistance with your wedding planning, consider our event consultation services. We offer tailored support where you need it most, billed on an hourly basis. This way, you only pay for the specific support you require, ensuring a personalized experience.
Catering / Food
Q: Can we self-cater our stay? A: Yes, you can self-cater using the main floor (non-commercial) castle kitchen. You have full use of this kitchen regardless of if we cater or not.
Q: What is the castle kitchen stocked with? A: The kitchen is fully equipped with an array of appliances and utensils essential for meal preparation and service, including:
2 sinks
2 dishwashers, along with initial supplies of dishwashing liquid and dishwasher tablets
sponges for cleaning
2 refrigerators, 1 deep freezer
2 ovens featuring 3 shelves each
4-element induction cooktop
pots in different sizes, ranging from 1 to 7 liters
espresso machine and coffee bean grinder
coffee and tea maker suitable for groups
medium and large frying pans in both stainless steel and carbon steel
double toaster
microwave
blender
cold press juicer
ample counter space
storage compartments and cabinets
dedicated garbage containers for efficient waste sorting
comprehensive set of basic cleaning supplies
sufficient cutlery, dishes, and glassware to accommodate all 42 overnight guests.
Please note that the ovens, faucets, and dishwashers are less than a year old.
Q: Can we hire external catering? A: Yes, you can hire external catering. No additional charges apply.
Q: Do you offer catering? A: Yes, we offer relaxed, seasonal comfort food in embrace of a farm-to-table ethos.
Q: Do you offer special kids’ menus? A: No; as comfort food suits children and adults alike.
Q: What catering cost applies for children? A: infants aged 0-2 are free, and those aged 3-8 are 75% of the adult price
For detailed recommendations or assistance with vendors, consider our additional, payable event consulting services.
Q: Are drinks included in meal services? A: A complimentary coffee and tea bar is available, and additional beverages are available with charges.
Q: When do corkage fees apply? A: Only when you supply alcoholic beverages and we facilitate with ice / glass management through the course of your dinner / meal. Glass management occurs during and between meal times when we cater. If you opt for our wine/beer then corkage is waived even should you supply additonal beverages like hard alcohol.
Q: Does the castle catering include a wedding cake option? Q: No, our offer includes a couple mini-desserts; but if you’d like an official wedding cake, this baker is familiar with our place - emiliakluczynska@wp.pl (and also, please see point below)
Q: Can the castle team cut/serve the wedding cake: A: No; for various reasons, we leave this to the bride and groom. We do provide plates/forks.
Q: Can we bring some of our own food, even if you're providing catering, and will your team help with serving it? A: Usually, our team doesn't manage the service of externally sourced food, as they are dedicated to providing the services you've chosen from us. Nonetheless, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks or additional food and arrange a self-serve buffet or a convenient grab-and-go station for your guests.
Q: Can we combine self-catering with castle-provided catering during our stay? A: Absolutely! You have the flexibility to partially self-cater while also taking advantage of the our catering services. Please note that when we are catering, our staff is on site to provide discreet yet high-quality service. We do not prepare food offsite, deliver it, and then leave. Our team is committed to enhancing your dining experience and that includes preparing the buffet area, collecting and cleaning dirty dishes, etc.
Q: What time is breakfast? A: Exact time depends on your schedule. The service is usually 1.5 hours i.e. 09:30 - 11:00
Q: What time is a casual dinner? A: Exact time depends on your schedule. The service is usually 2 hours i.e. 18:30 - 20:30
Q: What time is a formal dinner i.e. feast? A: Exact time depends on your schedule. The service is usually 2 - 3 hours i.e. 18:30 - 21:30
Possible Vendors
Q: Is there a local cake maker familiar with the castle? A: Yes, please reach out to emiliakluczynska@wp.pl
Q: Is there a local photographer familiar with the castle? A: Yes mybestphoto.pl
Need help finding specific vendors for your unique needs? Consider our event consultation services. We offer tailored support where you need it most, billed on an hourly basis. This way, you only pay for the specific support you require, ensuring a personalized experience.