   Updated 17/04/2008
Charles
Bridge, Old Town, Prague
Castle, New Town & Residential
Areas
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE CHARLES BRIDGE AND OLD TOWN AREA (MALA STRANA):
Very «boutique», the Savic mixes the charm of its Gothic and Renaissance architecture with the amazingly plush design of its public areas and five star rooms. Style and intimacy start from the trendy reception where, like in a palace hotel, we have been invited by a lovely female staff to sit up and fill the short check-in form. A small, unique courtyard in the centre of the hotel, ideal for relaxing on a warm spring or summer day, leads to the 27 fully air-conditioned rooms. Spacious and atypical, displaying unspoiled 14th Century original painted beams or vaulted high ceiling, splendid parquet flooring, each room has got a much personalized feel of class. Tastefully decorated with classical furniture made of Mahogany wood, sparkling chandelier, equipped with king size beds (four-poster bed in some rooms), and panoramic sat/pay plasma tv, not to mention mini bar, safe, and IDD telephone, many rooms display a wonderful view down the Old Town cobbled street. Supreme bonus: the floor to ceiling brown marble bathrooms (equipped with a plasma TV if you are lucky enough to stay in the suite #204) are challenging the Mandarin-Oriental, which is the most expensive hotel in Prague... Internet access in each room; Wifi free of charge in the public areas: reception, courtyard, "U Dominikana" bar-restaurant, not to forget the homey, extremely comfortable anti lobbies open lounges on each floor. The hotels gets part of its high reputation from the wide ranging breakfast, served either in "U Dominikana" or in the courtyard. Due to its UNESCO protected location, the Savic does not have parking place; but there is a secure parking a short walk away, which may be arranged by the anticipating reception staff. Room Service is from 7:30 to 23:00. Let's conclude our review with a good piece of news: the hotel is supreme value for the money. Due to its recent opening, rates are still incredibly competitive. During our stay, in the high season, a suite was sold out at EUR 200! A large double room (like #303, a large attic, with wooden beams both in the room and bathroom) went for EUR 179... Including breakfast and all taxes. A top
5 deluxe hotel in Prague. Warmly recommended.
SAVIC:
Jilska 7, 110 00 Prague 1
PRESIDENT
HOTEL PRAGUE (*****): One of the most luxurious
hotels in Prague, it comes first for its unmatched location: in the heart
of Prague, on the right bank of the Vltava River With a modern, rich design, gained after the lavish refurbishment made in 2004 to obtain a fifth star, the hotel is luxurious: though human sized. From outside, guest might expect a cold conference hotel; but just one step inside the lobby makes him feel a warm intimacy. This intimacy comes up to the 130 guest rooms (including 32 Junior Suites, three Senior Suites and one Presidential Suite with a huge panoramic terrace), which we found actually large and pleasantly well lit. Customized for a pleasant, top comfortable stay for tourism and business alike, they feature individual air-conditioning, large laptop size safe, SAT/Pay TV, IDD telephone... and a wireless handset that you can bring along with you whenever you wish to be reachable anywhere in the hotel. We found the bathrooms extremely elegant, with their rare green marble washbasin and their «L'Occitane» toiletry kit. Booking one of the 27 executive rooms might be quite interesting: many of those distinguished rooms come with terrace or balcony, and allow complimentary access to the fine Executive Lounge (with free use of PC with printer and fax machine, refreshments, snacks...); beside the lounge stands the «El Greco» meeting room, which is also available free of charge by Executive Rooms' guests. Actually useful for corporates! There is a wellness center (sauna, « Tawan » Thai massage, small workout room...), the fine dinning restaurant «Vltava», the pleasant «Piano Bar», a small casino, and well designed conference rooms with day light. Internet is provided free of charge in all the rooms, via data cable with high-speed connection (Wi-Fi in the rooms will be available by the end of the year 2008). There is also complimentary Wi-Fi in the Executive rooms, Executive Floor and lobby (where Pcs at guest disposal): which is worth being mentioned, when other Prague 5 - 4 star hotels usually charge high rate for Internet. Price starts from EUR 149 for a Deluxe Single Room (low season), till EUR 339 for an Executive Room (high season); and from EUR 179 for a Junior Suite (low season), till EUR 439 for a Senior Executive Suite (high season). This very
recommendable hotel is well ranked in Tripadvisor,
and received the TTG Travel Award 2008.
Affiliated to the UTELL Hotels & Resorts.
PRESIDENT
HOTEL PRAGUE: Nám. Curieových 100, Prague 1
ÉLITE
(****L): This
newcomer in the Prague first class hotels industry has a long and rich
history going back to late 14th century. Luxurious We loved the building peculiar arrangement. Tortured stairs open on narrow corridors. Splendid frescoes remember distinguished guests that they stay in a highly hedonistic residence. The uniquely decorated rooms display pieces of original antique furniture. They have all been discretely though efficiently equipped with four star modern facilities: like individually controlled air-conditioned, IDD telephone with PC connection, satellite & pay TV, safety deposit box and a minibar. The bathrooms are quite small, but conveniently lovely. Room service is also available round the clock. Another great advantage, both for tourists and businessmen, is the HOTEL ÉLITE strategic location: in a quiet lane, yet right in the heart of Prague's New Town. The Vltava River and its romantic embankments are a stone's throw. A short walk drives to the museums, main tourist attractions, shopping and business areas. Social life starts in the hotel itself: with an intimate bar opening on a small summer garden, but also with a grill club on the ground floor. As picturesque as the rest of the hotel, it serves Spanish, French and Argentinian cuisine, and is complemented by a cocktail bar with jazz and Latino music, housed in the building subterranean vaults. The efficient concierge service can provide secretarial, laundry and taxi services, or obtain tickets for various cultural events. Ladies will appreciate the beauty parlour and hairdresser's salon. Cars can be safely parked on the premises. Rates remain reasonable in a city where charm has a price. They go from CZK 3,400 for a Single room in low season, till CZK 5,700 for a Double room in peak season. A Junior Suite (for 1-3 persons) goes from CZK 4,300 till 6,200 (including buffet breakfast, service and all taxes). Special offers available. Major credit cards are accepted. Worth being discovered and deeply enjoyed. HOTEL
ÉLITE: Ostrovni 32, 118 00 Prague 1
GRAND
HOTEL PRAHA (****L): The hardest to please
traveller will love at first sight this amazing, typically Czech hotel.
You feel like so much in Prague, on the most wanted and The rooms are large: so romantic with their freshly waxed hard wood floors, painted beams, and period Bohemian style carved furniture. Many of them have a stunning view on the square: take a seat by the window, and see the monuments, the crowds concentrating all around, and enjoy each hour the animated mechanism of the Astronomical Clock. This is the best observatory one could ever dream of. You don't have a view? No problem: you will gain it when having your tea (with wonderful pastries) or breakfast at the so pleasant « Grand Café », on the first floor of the hotel. Note that, even when the popular Christmas Market camps on the square (wonderful time to stay at the hotel, by the way), the noise level in the rooms comes next to zero thanks to the very efficient double glazing. All of them are air-conditioned and luxuriously appointed: featuring mini-bar, safe, Sat TV, IDD telephone/high speed Internet, and actually lavish bathrooms with hair dryer and bathrobes. The Presidential Suite is impressive, and equipped with its private sauna. Maybe would you like to use the room service (operating from 7:00 a.m. till midnight), or prefer, like us, to enjoy «U Zlaté Konvice » or « U Orloje »: the two restaurants attached to the hotel, which happen to be among the best famed downtown. Very popular among tourists and residents alike. Both have charm, warm atmosphere, a summer terrace on the square, and propose delicious Bohemian specialities. Alternatively, there is a much recommended inexpensive seafood snack-bar right the corner, opportunely called «Oceans' Corner ». The staff is kind and helpful, and the rates remain decent for a real four star deluxe hotel with such a high level of services and location. Basically, you will be charged from CZK 3590 for a single in the low season, till CZK 6990 for a deluxe with a view on the high season. A suite costs between CZK 5990 till CZK 12990 for the Presidential Suite. Including breakfast. Warmly recommended, of course! GRAND
HOTEL PRAHA: Staromestské námestí 22, 110 00 Praha
1
After being attracted by the location and building architecture, we must say that we were not less impressed by the hotel itself. This a cozy, family run property: where we felt home at first sight. With its Old Europe atmosphere, parquets and beams smelling fresh wax, antiques everywhere you eyes can look, and warm welcome from the reception staff, U Zlate Studny displays an unmatchable Bohemian touch. The authenticity of the design goes up to the 8 well sized rooms and large apartments. Some of them display original 17th century painted beams: a pure marvel. Decorated with antiques, lovely fabrics, and gorgeous Bohemian crystal chandeliers, equipped with Sat TV, IDD phone, minibar and complimentary high-speed Internet connection, displaying a large bathroom, each room has got a wonderful view on the red Prague roofs and tortuous cobbled lanes. Allowing an interesting people watching activity... We warmly recommend the gorgeous, atypic apartments (70 and 80m2). They are extremely comfortable, and designed like a «bourgeois» family flat: once the door closed, you don't feel like at all in a hotel, and the price is astonishingly affordable (cheaper than a double room in a four star chain hotel!): from CZK 4,900 till 5,600. Double Rooms cost about CZK 3,500. Complimentary extra bed. Breakfast included. The hotel 17th Century vaulted restaurant is reputed for its fine Bohemian cuisine and affordable bill. A little piece of advice: print the name and exact address of the hotel, and show it to the taxi driver. There is actually a mix up with an almost similar named hotel (U Zlate Studne), located in the Castle area! Atmospheric
and well worth the trip!
U
ZLATE STUDNY (THE GOLDEN WELL): Karlova 3, 11000, Prague 1
Originality goes up to the unfailingly good taste 64 air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms, which we liked very much. Well exposed to the daylight, they all come warm and smart. With a Zen wallpaper, elegant parquet, aesthetic bathrooms, and smooth antiallergic beds, they have been tailored made for a total relaxation. Guests would hardly believe that they stay in a tourist packed area, with the Old Town Square, Venceslas Square and Charles Bridge a few steps away. Despite of its distinguished comfort, with safe, IDD phone, complimentary WiFi and Plasma Sat TV in the rooms, we surprisingly realized that the Perla wanted to play in the « low cost» category. We felt like -and actually were- in a four star hotel; selling itself like a three star. Room rate goes from approximately EUR 85 (Single Room / Low Season) till EUR 145 (Double Room / High Season). Budget oriented guests will like to hear that there is no minibar in the rooms, but discreetly disposed vending machines, filled with fine quality soft drinks, wine and snacks, sold out at common grocery retail price. Though this would be certainly more exciting to order -still at a very attractive price- from the very pleasant, funky Café Bar Perla (where the complimentary breakfast is served). The wellness
facilities have been superbly designed. A low rate applies for using the
sauna; while working out on the most modern « made in USA »
equipment is free of charge. There is a wide range of services: featuring
laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, room service, fax & photocopying, concert
and tours ticket service, etc.
We warmly
recommend this rare jewel, which already enjoys encouraging reviews in
Tripadvisor.
PERLA:
Perlova 1, 110 00 Prague 1
ANTIK
(***L): A hotel with much character, located
two blocks from the Astronomer's clock, with many reputed restaurants,
pubs, shops and everything you could wish standing right The 12 double rooms are good sized and spotlessly clean. Equipped with a comfy bathroom, toilet, telephone, Sat TV and a mini bar. They all allow for an additional bed. Guests looking for a joyful animation should ask for a street view (splendid Baroque buildings all around!); the rooms oriented to the small court yard garden are extremely quiet, making you feel like anywhere but in the heart of a capital city. In close co-operation with a reputed tour operator, the Hotel Antik is a point of departure to plenty of attractive guided visits in Prague and the Czech Republic. A Double Room costs CZK 3490 – 3990. Rate for a Single is CZK 2990 – 3590. Additional bed is CZK 900. Including buffet-breakfast and WiFi Internet access. A very
inviting hotel.
ANTIK
: Dlouhá
22, 110 00 Prague 1
NA
ZLATEM KRIZI (AT THE GOLDEN CROSS) (***L): Put your finger right
in the center of a Prague's city map,
and you will find the Jungmannovo square: the great walking Good mark for the location; and good mark for the NA ZLATEM KRIZI inner quality also. Opened one year ago only, the hotel concentrates transcendent comfort and service in its low volume. Fitting the tastes of quite an exclusive clientele, the four double rooms and four suites, offering a total capacity of 16 beds (extra beds on request in the suites), all offer a fine view on the animated streets: some open on the Jungmannovo square, and others on 28.rijna street. More than large, somehow huge, with high ceiling, all the rooms and suites display stylish furniture, grand-father's clock, IDD telephone, satellite TV, minibar, and are of course equipped with a fine bathroom (WC + shower). Full buffet breakfast is served in the cellar, which is one of the most romantic part of the hotel. Good range of services:
including transfer, sightseeing tours, concerts/theatre tickets, and laundry.
Free hotel safe at the reception. The hotel NA ZLATEM KRIZI is about 200
Due to its location and comfort,
this hotel could have been ranked in our chapter about deluxe hotels; but
due to its great value for money rates
(in the CZK 3,000-5,050 bracket, depending on room type and low/high season),
this is indeed one of the best offer in Prague in the three-star superior
category.
NA
ZLATEM KRIZI: Jungmannovo nam. 2, 110 00 Prague 1
OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE NEW TOWN (NOVE MESTO):
The Turn-of-the-Century, smart building, has been restored into a warm, intimate, somehow Zen hotel. The lobby lounge, the Epicure restaurant with its grey leather banquettes reminding a Parisian brasserie... everything looks inviting: allowing the guests to communicate each others in a pleasant harmony. We liked the 50 rooms (and one suite): conveniently sized, with a smart, quite minimalist design. All of them come with a contemporary decoration, a flat screen multichannels Sat TV, and elegant parquets (first floor rooms) or smooth carpets (upper floors rooms). Most wanted rooms are #105 and #208, and the suite 408. This is a young, stimulating concept that the new generation of travellers is actively looking for. This is first of all a four star hotel, with of course what you may expect in this category: in-room air-conditioning, IDD telephone, minibar, safe, coffee/tea maker and, important detail, high speed broadband (Wi-Fi) Internet access. Few deluxe hotels in Prague provide this service on a complimentary basis; The Sovereign does! Rate starts from EUR 137 till EUR 215. Including buffet breakfast. Dreamed retreat for the tourist and businessman alike, The Sovereign has got a beautiful, well equipped SPA: with sauna, steam-bath, and a splendid exercice room. The Sovereign is a member of The Small Charming Hotels and Luxury Lifestyle Hotels. We put
one crown over the head of this young Sovereign!
THE
SOVEREIGN: Politickych veznu 16, 110 00 Praha 1
BEST
WESTERN METEOR PLAZA (****L): Since
1307, a hotel of high tradition. This was then the obliged retreat for
the travellers reaching the Old City in This is still nowadays one of the most visited hotel in Prague. For multiple reasons. First of all, the Hotel Meteor Plaza is situated directly in the city center of Prague : near The Palace Hibernia, the Powder Gate and the wonderful Municipal House (with lavish restaurants, and a superb « Art Nouveau » concert hall). Wenceslav Square, the Old Town Square or other places of interest (like the Powder Gate, Municipal House, National Museum, State Opera, Old Town Square, Jewish cemetery, Old-New Synagogue, Charles bridge, Mala Strana, etc.) can be reached on foot within 3 till maximum 5 minutes. A must for tourists. But also for business travellers, who will appreciate to stay in the middle of Prague's downtown: with leading companies and most important trading banks at easy reach. Last but not least, the Masarykovo Railway Station is 400 meters from the hotel only. The metro and tram main crossing lines (No.: 5, 8, 14) are just 2 minutes walk. This picturesque building with a preserved façade accommodates 84 comfortable single/double rooms, and 6 large suites (which we found good valued, and ideal for families). Many offering a nice view on a Baroque palace opposite the street. If only 40 of them are fully air-conditioned, all are well sound-proofed and safely accessible with a chip card. They feature comfortable furniture, sat TV with in-house pay channels, radio with an alarm clock, minibar, IDD telephone with Internet socket, safety box, and immaculate well designed bathrooms with a bath tube or a shower, WC, and air dryer. The METEOR PLAZA has got two reputed restaurants. The casual «Restaurant Park» opens on a pleasant Garden terrace. It serves a rich assortment of selected specialities of Czech and international cuisine, with a wide choice of national wines. The «Silenzio» gothic wine cellar stands under arched stone ceilings from the 14th century. Rustic and picturesque, this is the place for Czech food in a typical Bohemian atmosphere. The quiet and intimate Relax Center features high tech equipment: vertical and horizontal solarium, fitness, sauna, large whirlpool, massage machine « HYDROJET ». Body massage available. Room rack rate starts from CZK 2,900 for a Single in the low season, till CZK 5,700 for a Double Room in the high season. A suite (ask for suite N° 310, with a Jacuzzi !) goes from CZK 3,900 only, till 6,500, depending on the season. Including buffet breakfast and VAT, but excluding local taxes. Interesting Half board supplement, at only CZK 300. There is a 24 hours secured parking operated in the hotel, at CZK 500 per night. This is a Best Western Hotel. An excellent choice. BEST
WESTERN METEOR PLAZA: Hybernska 6, 110 00 Praha 1
The personalized concept of the Majestic Plaza made us feel like privileged guests, indeed; we didn't find the cold, somehow impersonal atmosphere displayed by so many chain hotels. The «Art Deco» lobby is ritzy, luminous, with large sofas and a smart, good value for money bar. A second section of the hotel, with a separate entrance on the discreet Skolska street, is in Biedermeier style. In the middle, stands a charming courtyard with fine grass and beautiful flowers, where guests can relax in a small open Café. The 185 rooms are warm and cozy. Some with high ceilings or beams (lovely attic rooms!). Featuring fine fabrics and elegant mahogany furniture, they all have a classy black and white marble bathrooms. Multichannels LCD flat screen TV, minibar, complimentary coffee and tea facility, laptop size safety box, IDD telephone and complimentary Internet access are part of the upgraded comfort of this trendy high-tech hotel. Try to book a «Majestic Panorama Club» top floor room: 8 rooms only, but a wonderful panorama of all major historical Prague monuments, and large private terraces. It is well worth the supplement of price required to access this floor and its privileges (like free use of sauna and whirlpool). Rack rate, depending on the season, is approximately EUR 190 for a Single and EUR 200 for a Double Room. The «Asmera Restaurant» propose fine Italian, Thai and Arabic specialities, which will seduce amateurs of light cuisine. International and Czech cuisine is available in the «Victoria Restaurant». Don't leave the hotel without paying a visit to the basement floor «Havana Club»: with its cool, very chic design, this is the place to feel at ease for a well chilled "Mojito" and a heady Cohiba (sold out at very reasonable price compared with many other lounges in town). This
hotel is fitted for success.
BEST
WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL MAJESTIC PLAZA: Stepánská 33,
110 00 Prague
BOHEMIA
PLAZA RESIDENCE (****L): Property of the same
family since 1879, this very central residence occupies an opulent Neo
Classic The magnificent 20 rooms (mostly suites and apartments) are spotless clean. Decorated in a unique and individual style, featuring priceless period furniture and lavish fabrics, they display many special small touches: like antique silver cutlery available in the drawer in the fully fitted kitchenette! There is a safe deposit box, cable TV & radio, IDD phone & high-speed Internet connection, minibar, ironing set or trouser press, and hair dryer. Lovely soft towels, robes and toiletries in the smart bathrooms. We liked very much the Deluxe Apartment "Florence" (N° 8). Its large Art Nouveau bedroom, with Roman bath connected with a restroom, is particularly original. There is a high tech Bang & Olufsen TV set in the living room, and TV in the master bedroom. The Oriental inspiration of the Executive Apartment "Marrakech" (N° 12), decorated with lovely paintings featuring romantic Arabic scenes, will please the aesthetes. The most demanded room -a favourite for honeymooners- is the "Chinese" Wedding Apartment, decorated with collection of Asian wedding fans, and rare "Belle Epoque"(1920's) Imperial China inspired furniture. A favourite home away from home for actors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, the Bohemia Plaza Residence pays much attention to the security and the privacy of its guests. For this reason, visitors can access the premises only together with the guest, or with his permission. You don't need to be a VIP to enjoy a very courteous treatment: the staff is attentive and anticipates all your requirement. Everybody enjoys welcome champagne and 24-hours room service. There is a garage. Airport meeting and Limousine service available at unbeatable price. Last but not least, the hotel takes pride in not having a "check out time" policy: those having a late flight can keep their room until departure! We found the rate extremely attractive: it starts from EURO 90 for a Studio in the low season until EURO 140 for a Deluxe Apartment during the high season. During Holidays (Christmas, New Year) it goes up to EURO 160 for a Studio, 190 for a Suite and maximum 250 for a Deluxe Apartment. Per night. Including great buffet breakfast. Long stays are subject to special weekly and monthly rates. The hotel features a plush business centre, with ritzy intimate meeting rooms and bars, like the luxurious Bankers Club. A sparkling gem in the Prague hotel industry. BOHEMIA
PLAZA RESIDENCE: Zitna 50, 120 00 Prague 2
DA
VINCI (***L): This charming place combines
a perfect location (500 m from Wenceslas Square, and a 2 Contemporary but not minimalist, the Da Vinci make you feel like in a lounge. Away from the downtown hustle. Indeed a boutique hotel, where each detail has been studied to please aesthete's eyes and traveller's requirement, it doesn't look like at all a "budget hotel". The quite large 27 smoking/non smoking double rooms (some with a balcony) and 1 apartment, equipped with dark oak furniture, Sat TV, IDD telephone, safe, have all Internet access and WiFi (available in all public area). Nice bathrooms, with hairdryer and vanity. There is a laundry service, a garage nearby (surcharge is EUR 13 / CZK 390), and a round-the-clock front desk. Friendly and courteous services. The full buffet breakfast is included in the room rate which is approximately EUR 120 / CZK 3,500 for a Single, EUR 130 / CZK 3,800 for a Double, and EUR 160 / CZK 4600 for the stylish family/business Apartment. The DA VINCI has a sister hotel, the RAFFAELLO, located in the same area. With similar high comfort, quality of service and attractive rate. The kind of place we recommend with pleasure. DA
VINCI: Sokolska 25, 120 00 Prague 2
RAFFAELLO
(***L): This classy 29 rooms and 5 apartments
boutique hotel will satisfy business and The spacious rooms are decorated with beautiful Italian furniture made out of sherry wood. The bathrooms are certainly among the most immaculate we have ever seen: sparkling like a jewel! Some have tub; some have shower. Or both, in the case of the great value for money, actually nice apartments: we found the duplex particularly convenient for families. Each room has Sat TV, minibar, safe, IDD telephone, and dial up Internet Access. Only the attractive rate -and the absence of room service- reflect that the Raffaello is a three star superior hotel. Prices start from CZK 3,500 / EUR 120 for a Single, till CZK 4,600 / EUR 160 for an apartment. A double costs approximately CZK 3,800 / EUR 130. Including buffet breakfast. Efficient reception staff, laundry, and garage (CZK 390 / EUR 13). This is the DA VINCI sister hotel. A fair budget hotel which will please those using to stay in four star. RAFFAELLO:
Legerova 54, 120 00 Prague 2
OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE CASTLE AREA (HRADCANY):
SAVOY
(****): The 61 rooms and suites are very spacious, warmly decorated in schemes of bordeaux, royal blue and honey yellow, with elegant furniture and top luxurious bathrooms (lets say they are among the most beautiful -and obviously the largest- in the all Czech Republic!). Each room is fully air conditioned. VIPs enjoy the two independent telephone lines (four telephones in total), with a fax machine and PC. Safes are very large, and can accommodate a laptop. Satellite TV features plenty of channels, and is linked to an in-room VCR. Note that the mini bar, full with reputed Czech beer, Moravian wines and soft drinks, is complimentary: which is, as far as we know, unique in the world ! We found the place so glamorous, with the "Lobby Bar", its Library displaying antique books, its marble fireplace still operating, and its pullman armchairs fitted to enjoy the glass of chilled Champagne the hotel offers with compliments as a welcome drink. Some jet setters like to use it for most brilliant private parties. The breakfast displays a superb full buffet breakfast (with fresh smoked salmon and plenty of other exclusive delicacies... and even authentic Japanese Sushis on special request!), served in the HRADCANY which has been confirmed as one of the top restaurants in Prague in the last edition of the Michelin guide book. There is a well equipped fitness centre, with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, to help you loose extra weight. Conference rooms are particularly elegant, decorated with ancient paintings. Still one of the best four star deluxe hotels in the Castle District. During our last stay, in August 2000, we found the service even more anticipating and friendly than ever. The new reception staff is extraordinary: we came late from an appointment, and realized the guest relation employee took care of friends waiting for us by offering them complimentary coffee at the "Library". Just an example to show how you are pampered when choosing the right place to stay in Prague ! We understand why more and more State Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers of Foreign Affairs like to make booking here during their visit to Czech Republic: mixing with international businessmen and famous artists from all around the world. All like the grand Presidential Suite: it features a large terrace with a commanding view over the Hradcany district. Prices are quite "grand" also, as a matter of fact: fares rank between EUR 234 - 265, and very interesting corporate rates are available on request. Managed by the Austrian company VIENNA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS & RESORTS, this is a one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. SAVOY:
Keplerova ul. 6, 11800 Prague 1
HOFFMEISTER
(****): This small deluxe hotel What about the hotel ? You could imagine that, with such a curious feedback, this is a most enjoyable place to stay. The 42 rooms and suites are sumptuous. We particularly recommend the "Relais & Chateaux" single or double: with rich furniture and fabrics made out of elegant shade of pink and yellow, nice items and drawings (by Adolph Hoffmeister, of course), they are all air-conditioned, fully equipped with IDD telephone, satellite TV, mini bar, and any facility you could find in a four/five star hotel. Milos Forman always drops here when visiting Prague: he was back to the USA the day of our inspection... but the heavy smell of his Cohiba cigars remained in his lovely suite number 201... Like Henry Kissinger or Larry Flynt, he is one of the regular VIP guests. They will soon be upgraded to the new duplex suite, Martin Hoffmeister built for their special comfort few weeks ago. What the HOTEL HOFFMEISTER brings you more is a family oriented concept, which make you feel home... or "castle", as this one and only "Relais & Chateaux" in the Czech Republic, can be given some peerage indeed! You are expected to spend between USD 125 and 223 for a room. Suites start from USD 205. The President Suite is USD 395, on high season (rates applicable during our visit, on February 1999). During our short two days stay, we had actually no time to test the reputed ADA RESTAURANT ("Ada" used to be Adolf Hoffmeister's nickname); which was a pity, as their game and Czech specialities seemed quite appetizing. Moreover, prices are actually amazingly affordable for a "Relais & Chateaux". Just like his father, Martin Hoffmeister is a wine lover: his cellar displays some interesting and affordable bottles. Just try, for instance, a local "Sauvignon 1997" pozdni sber, which is supposed to have won some international wine contests over our beloved "Sancerre"! The service is very much "Relais & Chateaux": anticipating ! HOTEL
HOFFMEISTER : Pod Bruskou 7, Klarov,118
00 Prague 1
OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS:
CORINTHIA
TOWERS (*****): The former Forum, now managed by CORINTHIA
HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, is just a 30 minute drive from Ruzyne This 24 storeys building, standing right across the road from the Prague Congress Centre, is THE place for meetings and incentive: with cyclopean extendible ballrooms and pleasant conference rooms. Tourists will also enjoy very much its discerning luxury. Its 544 rooms include 17 Junior, 12 Executive, 9 Standard and 1 Presidential suites. We stayed at the brand new triplex Executive Club Floors . Our room was larger than the Prague standard in this category. The view over the city was dramatic: one of the very best we could have from any hotel in town. Businessman will like the extended working desk. All rooms have radio, satellite TV with different movie channels, IDD telephone with voice mail, mini-bar and hair-dryer. The Club Lounge serves complimentary breakfast, and free soft drinks are available all day long. We enjoyed the evening happy hours: with a large selection of canapés, wines, Ports, Cognac, offered to the VIP guests. Free of charge! Just besides the Lounge, a large and well equipped Business Centre allows free access to the Internet: how many hotels give such a facility in Prague? We also liked also the luxuriously appointed and well equipped Stratos Health & Fitness Centre. On the top floor, with a breathtaking view, it is has a lovely pool, saunas, massage (including authentic traditional Thai massage, by special trained staff imported from Bangkok!), solariums, gymnasium and squash court. The entrance fee is not expensive; but Executive floor guests don't have to pay for it at all. The CORINTHIA TOWERS is also reputed for its restaurants, including, where guests can experience a great variety of cuisine and atmospheres. We had one of the most delicious and generous buffet breakfast in town at the Toscana: which is a pizza and pasta elegant setting. Some details in that restaurant, at least for breakfast, shows the quality of service and F&B in this hotel: for instance, the smiling waitress came to our table with the traditional "coffee or tea?" question, but also kindly suggesting us a fresh made orange juice. We believed that Czech Republic was one of the largest importer of artificial orange powder: well, obviously the CORINTHIA TOWERS is not part of it! The amazing RICKSHAW Restaurant serves the smartest and most authentic Far Eastern cuisine in the all Czech republic. There are also the Let's Meet, Let's Eat, the Cafe Praha, and the entertaining Beer & Bowling Diner: with a wide selection of draught Czech beers and 10 pin bowling (4 lanes), ideal for affordable and relaxed dinner with friends. The hotel's cellar displays fine wines, and a rare choice of Armagnacs dating from as early as 1922. Rates start from approximately EUR 127 - 219 for a standard room. Those are rack rates. The hotel offers money saving packages: some of them (just like the Corinthia 24 Hour Delegate Package) even include meeting room rental. Fine hotel with a fine service. CORINTHIA
TOWERS: Kongresová 1, 140 69 Prague 4
HOTEL
PRAHA (****): This oasis of relaxation, once a top protected residence
for the international nomenklatura (lots of communist leaders used
to make it their Located in Hanspaulka, one of Prague's finest residential areas, on a 20-Acre estate enjoyed by guests only, the HOTEL PRAHA offers exceptionally fresh air and an extremely pleasant countryside atmosphere in the very heart of the city. On the top of a hill, this S shaped modern building is made such a way that its 80 Double rooms, 36 Junior Suites, 6 Apartments, and 2 Presidential Suites all offer a breath-taking view of the city's panorama. All have a huge terrace overlooking the Prague Castle: enjoying breakfast or room service here is particularly romantic. This is the unique hotel in Prague offering such an unusual and exceptional facility. Another plus of the HOTEL PRAHA is its air-conditioned rooms: certainly the largest in town. Ours was a Junior Suite: twice the size of a similar room in most of Prague hotels. The terrace was almost as large as the suite! But even their Standard Rooms offer lot of space and discerning comfort. All are equipped with satellite TV, minibar, IDD telephone, large bathroom and own terrace. The wood panelled walls create a great intimacy. We also enjoyed the design of the furniture: that style you just find in those post-Soviet top deluxe hotels. American upper class travellers, but also lots of European people, actually enjoy the atmosphere created by such a "back to the 80's" decoration. Within two decades it will be top fashionable; expecting that the HOTEL PRAHA will not be refurbished a more "international" way by that time... At least you feel like somewhere. In term of facilities, the hotel is perfect. If we found the restaurant Les Continents little bit plain, we enjoyed the beer cellar packed with a lot of friendly locals and hotel guests. There is an indoor swimming pool, sauna, massage parlour, fitness centre, gym, outdoor tennis and volleyball courts. By the billiard room is a bowling alley (with the unique "Czech Bowling" available in any hotel: balls are smaller, heavier, and without holes for the fingers). Beauty and hair-dressing parlours are also available. There is a safe parking. Service is perfect. There are two very reliable concierges (a Czech lady, but also a Cuban gentleman who knows Prague and the Czech Republic even better that his native island!), whom you can rely for any kind or advise or booking. They helped us on many occasions: always with a smile. Note, last but not least, that the HOTEL PRAHA offers a full range of comfortable services for social events, small seminars and workshops, as well as for larger conferences in spacious, fully air-conditioned premises. And, just repeat it: this is where you will find the largest hotel garden in the "Golden City". Prestigious guest like Helmut Kohl, Tom Cruise, the Japanese Chairman of the Parliament, as well as some prominent Sheikhs, necessarily stand out in this hard to match hotel. Rates are in the five star range; though quite good value for money. HOTEL
PRAHA: Susicka 20, 166 35 Prague 6
CORINTHIA
PANORAMA (****): This modern high-rise building is the Corinthia
Towers sister hotel. This is also a good alternative offered by this
group to corporate Most of the 427 rooms and 10 suites has been splendidly refurbished: what used to be not such a brilliant socialist style hotel four years ago has been turn on into one of the best address in Prague for beautifully designed, large and very well equipped four star rooms. Ours was a Junior Suite, at the 17th Executive floor. We found the decoration very tasty, with a generous use of the finest quality of wood and fabrics. Smooth blue carpets and silky white wall paper create a pleasant, intimate and smart atmosphere. You feel like staying relaxing or working in the room with pleasure. Each room and suite is air-conditioned and has colour television with local, satellite and video programs, minibar, large safe, IDD telephone and hair-dryer. Executive Room guests receive, after only a few visits, a remarkable VIP treatment. We have been impressed by the general level of service; but when it comes to Executive, it becomes nothing less than amazing. Happy few guests are pampered with one bottle of wine, snacks, fruits and pastries brought in the room on a complimentary basis. Also, they receive free of charge entrance to the trendy brand new Top Desk fitness center: conveniently equipped with pool, whirlpool, sauna, and workout tools. Last but not least, they have separate buffet breakfast in the trendy MEZZO restaurant. Another good mark goes to the efficient concierge, sincerely pleased to provide you with any practical, business, or simply touristy information. The CORINTHIA PANORAMA takes part of its reputation for its meeting and banqueting facilities for up to 300 people in multi-purpose rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. But, of course, this excellent business hotel is also very popular among tourists, who will appreciate its location and the exceptional view over the city one gets from the rooms. For guest safety, there is a guarded parking. Rates are not "panoramic". A Standard Double Room starts at EUR 107. Our Junior Suite was EUR 146 - 255, depending on low or higher season. Excellent hotel. CORINTHIA
PANORAMA: Milevska 7, 140 00 Praha 4
Our selection of charming and good value hotels is in: SEE OUR COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PRAGUE
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SAVIC
(*****): Opened in December 2006, this lavish
boutique hotel already ranks number 16 (out of 521!) in the incorruptible
have
been much impressed by this property, 
and
within walking distance of the Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter and the
Old Town square. The panorama from the rooms is well worth the trip: from
most of them, guests can see the river, the Letna green hills and the Castle,
from the huge windows or, in some rooms and suites, from the large balconies
and terraces.
without
redundancy, this is first of all a charming -one should say nowadays "boutique"-
hotel where one feels immediately at ease. Unique and picturesque, the
HOTEL ÉLITE shrouds in myths and legends.
brilliant
picture
of this Baroque landmark 
Stylish,
though cold, gray marble walls from the original 1930's building, alternate
with what is certainly the most captivating lobby in town: gilded pearls
support the check-in desk, and glass walls bear enigmatic asian-like calligraphy.
on
the door step. Amazingly quiet despite of such a great -and therefore crowdy-
position. Romantic and picturesque, with a lovely café-lounge where
antiques are tastefully exhibited (and can be bought from the shop next
door), it provides a comfortable, homey lodging, ideal for families and
couples alike.
area
where this hotel gladly stands. One minute by foot from Venceslas square.
Two minutes more, and you reach the Old City square. All tourist attractions,
shops and business spots agglomerate all around.
street
corner. The most luxurious shopping malls, the National Opera House and
the Old Town Town Square can be reached by a short walk.
the
late evenings hours : without the possibility to enter the city through
the City Gate (now the Powder Gate), which used to be closed every day
at dusk. In the 17th century, the son of Empress Marie Terezie, Emperor
Josef II, spent a night here.
meters
from the Venceslas Square, and a five minutes walk to the Old City. Ideal
for tourists and corporate travellers alike. The latter have been particularly
targeted: beside its location in the prime business district, the hotel
features all the facilities executive guests might expect. From the pleasant
and conveniently spacious (78 sq. m) «Majestic Conference Room»,
hosting 70 persons in a smart and well equipped daylight room, till the
public areas and bedrooms equipped with complimentary broadband Internet
access. Not to mention the breakfast room, which can be converted
into a cozy banquet rooms for corporate venues.
building
from the late XIX th century. Totally refurbished in its original splendour
by a specialized team from the Czech National Gallery in 2002, with its
antique furniture and chandeliers, it is 
minutes
walk to the IP Pavlova metro and trams hub), with an unbeatable value for
money. From outside, it looks like an Italian "palazzo". The lobby displays
a fresh and trendy atmosphere, with some high-tech touches (flat screen
TV on the walls), and opens to a lovely atrium.
leisure
travellers alike. Located in a smart Art Nouveau building, in the heart
of Prague (a stroll to Wenceslas Square and the main business, shopping
and touristic areas), it displays a cozy reception lounge & bar.
We
actually love the SAVOY, its yellow "Art Nouveau"
facade, and its elegant marble lobby. Tastefully rebuilt and renovated
in the early 1990s, it survived the terrible years of destructive marxism:
still with this typically old fashioned Central European charm 95% of large
hotels are lacking in town.
is
definitely a unique and attractive place, in a unique and attractive city.
Imagine the hotelier is a film director who, when you interview him, like
to speak about culture before promoting his property. The
HOTEL HOFFMEISTER is a small
kingdom of culture on its own: the walls are covered with extremely stylish
caricatures of illustrious friends and acquaintances by the late father
of the owner: Adolf Hoffmeister. Let's mention his name, because he is
the soul of the hotel. Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Paris between
1948 and 1950, this humorist, playwright, novelist and painter used to
meet the complete Parisian intelligentsia during this short period of time.
Nowadays, when entering the intimate lobby of the HOTEL
HOFFMEISTER, one actually feel like in a post war Montparnasse atmosphere:
surrounded by the portraits of Cocteau, Picasso, Tsara, or Sartre...Note
that, many years after his death, Adolf Hoffmeister is still well known
in the Czech Republic -and also abroad- for being the author of Brundibar:
this opera, whom he wrote the lyrics on a music by Hans Krasa, was made
for the kids jailed in the infamous camp of Terezin during World War II.
It was played 40 times in the camp; after the war, it had been performed
in many countries world wide.
International
Airport, and only two stops away from the centre of Prague by the next
doorVysehrad station. One of the leading hotels in town, reputed
for its world class service, the CORINTHIA TOWERS invested huge financial
and management resources to upgrade its comfort.
home
away from home), is now one of the top five leading hotels in Prague.
