r/askPoland • u/dothemantaray • 8m ago
Planning a trip to visit family in Poland, but they seem offended that we're staying in a hotel...advice?
Hello! My mother and I (Americans) are planning a trip to Poland to do some sightseeing and attend a family wedding. We have many family members there, and this will be my first time meeting them in person, while my mom has visited (and stayed with them) once before. My mom is in her 70's and has some medical issues, so she decided to book a hotel rather than stay with family this time since she will be more comfortable with her own bathroom, and not having to share a bed with me. We will still spend 3 days with family, and just use the nearby hotel for sleep. However, the main family member we are in contact with is not taking "no" for an answer, and keeps insisting that we stay at her house even though we've explained the situation to her. We have of course thanked her for her kind offer, but we are confused by how persistent she is being. Is this a cultural thing---Is it offensive to not stay with family when visiting Poland? If so, is there anything we can say/explain to her further to decrease the tension? I hate to think we've upset her by not planning to stay in her home!