Wroclaw and Zielona Gora hotels, restaurants, car rental - need some logistical assistance

I got my airline tickets last night for my trip. I need some recommendations re:
1) hotels in Wroclaw and Zielona Gora (under a $100/night preferably)
2) restaurants, cafes, pubs, etc worth visiting in those aformentioned towns
and
3) I want to rent a car once I arrive in Wroclaw.

Thanks in advance!

another question: can I drive with my New Jersey driving license? Back in my day I used an "International" driving license I got at AAA.

I lived in both cities.

When I was in transition I stayed in hostels in Wroclaw. I don't drink so I really can't recommend any pubs. However, when in Wroclaw go to the rynek info spot and get a Wroclaw in your pocket.

Zielona Gora I know much better. Try Haust, that is a brewpub or the 4 Roses if you like music.

There is a vegetarian restaurant that is ok also.

Why are you going to Zielona Gora?

it's a long story. The short version is I've got some ex-in-laws I want to visit. I haven't been back in over 20 years. Any advice on what I need to drive in Poland besides a car? ie what kind of license do I need?

International from AAA.

What part of Zielona Gora.

Take the train or bus, it's more fun!

Where are you from and when are you going?

I'm from New Jersey. What part of ZG? Honestly, I don't know. I know my ex-brother-in-law built a house somewhere on the outskirts. Thanks but I'll pass on the bus and train. I'll be driving.

Polish driving is not like American driving.

I know most of the English speakers in ZG.

Go to the Rot Cafe just of the rynek, Pani Emilia makes a great cheesecake!

The Indian restaurant is also very good.

Thanks Funk! I've driven in Poland before many times. I'll check out the sernik :)

That does make a difference.

The best pizza is papa pizza.

Heban has a good cup of joe.

Take your bathing suit, they have a new pool in town, biggest in western Poland.

That's great! All these towns and their pools! I spent about 4 years in ZG. The last time I was there was back in '89! I can't wait to see how it has changed.

You should be fine with your NJ license as long as its the card version, i grabbed an internatoinal license back in 2002 (before Polands EU accession) and nobody ever asked for it. Probably best to check with the car rental company though. I assume you will be flying into Wroclaw? if thats the case dont hire a car at the airport theres plenty in the city which would be about %10 cheaper than hiring straight from the airport.

Thanks for that! I was actually considering renting from this Feldman-Kantor outfit at the airport....Do you have any idea, more or less, how much the cab will cost from the airport into town?.......I can't beleive how bad the US dollar is doing :(

I did the reverse trip and it was about 40pln.

btw, what does pln stand for?

Polish złoty...

then why not pz? :)

thank you pgtx.

Merged: Hotel close to Wroclaw airport

Any suggestions for a 3 or 4 * hotel close to Wroclaw airport, it is only for 1 night, as I have an early morning flight.

Thanks in advance.