The new Hilton Prague Old Town opened its doors on November 1st. This hotel, close to Náměstí Republiky, and the swanky new Palladium shopping mall, is in a great location. There’s something special about the Hilton Old Town Hotel! It houses a restaurant by top world class chef, Gordon Ramsay. Maze Prague has seating for 138 and what is more you can even enjoy the gourmet delights by room service.

Over nine floors, the hotel has 305 rooms, with 33 executive rooms and 20 suites, as well as an indoor swimming pool, the hotel also has the usual high quality that is associated with the Hilton brand. Almost within sight is the glorious Art Nouveau masterpiece which is Obecni Dum (The Municipal House). Close by is the Náměstí Republiky metro, and as well as the glittering modern shopping mall I mentioned, which has a food court and many great shops, there is a Soviet era shopping centre called Kotva as well!

http://www.obecnidum.cz/e_index.htm

Opposite the Hilton Old Town Prague is the Marriot.

Note: Reservations for this exciting new restaraunt can be made on +420 221 822300. A review will follow.

A diamond martini, served at Prague’s swanky 5 star Hotel Carlo IV’s Cigar Bar, costs $11,369 – it contains a real diamond.

The Charkes Bridge ( Karlův most) in Prague is 650 years old today. Happy Birthday!

Emperor Charles IV laid the foundation stone on 9 July 1357, at a time when Prague was the Capital of Europe at the heart of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Charles Bridge can get very busy in the daytime – and it is as well to watch your wallet or purse – but an early morning stroll in winter is the finest time to enjoy this masterpiece. One legend tells how the bridge has egg yolk mixed with the mortar to strengthen the structure – ham and eggs after a early morning stroll on the Charles Bridge? A great idea

The Mandarin Oriental, Prague is a newcomer to the hotel scene. As you would expect this is 5 Star luxury establishment – the hallmark of Mandarin Oriental Hotels worldwide. What is a little different is that this hotel is in a restored monastery dating back to the 14th Century.

The hotel is centrally situated in the wonderfully atmospheric Mala Strana district. Mala Strana means the little quarter, and it is joined to Stare Mesto (Old Town) by one of many bridges across the majestic Vltava river. The most popular bridge is the Charles Bridge! Beware of pickpockets when watching the jazz bands or artists that populate this famous Prague landmark. For good luck don’t forget to rub the brass relief on the statue of St. John of Nepomuk but you’ll probably have to form a queue! St. John was thrown into the Vlatava, and legend has it that if you rub the brass you will return to Prague.

After a long day you can retire to the chapel in the old monastery which Mandarin have turned into a holistic spa!

If you can’t afford the Mandarin, why not drop by for Afternoon Tea which is served in The Monastery Lounge. Freshly baked scones and jam await from 2pm You’ll find this hotel on Nebovidska Street.

St John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge – note the well rubbed spot on the right!

Also see Hotel Watch: UK Daily Telegraph 

The increase in traffic at Prague’s shiny new airport has lead to the creation of a long awaited hotel! It’s the Marriott and offers a range of accomodation, including 5 studios with a seperate living room. This is great news for busy travellers, or for those Czechs from outside Prague with an early morning flight. Luxury air conditioned buses also offer comfortable connections with Brno, and the famous Spa towns, from Ruzyne airport.

The Marriott is part of the Europort building, and it’s just across from the main terminal.

British travellers seeking a competitively priced short holiday are being advised to set course for the Golden City, Prague; this is according to a new survey conducted by the Co-op Travelcare division. They looked at the 10 most popular destinations, and Prague came out on top The criterion used were: accomodation, dining and sightseeing, and a spokesman said: “This study indicates why cities in Eastern Europe have grown quickly in popularity with UK tourists – not only is there plenty to see but prices are keen.”

1. Prague £203.89
2. Budapest £207.20
3. London £266.99
4. Barcelona £271.51
5. Rome £323.71
6. Copenhagen £380.39
7. Dublin £385.76
8. Amsterdam £401.36
9. New York £546.41
10. Paris £577.25

One block away from the Hotel Europa and Prague’s busy Wenceslas Square is Politickych Veznu “Political Prisoner Street”(i), a street which houses the old Communist Party HQ and also a beautiful funky designer hotel. This is the 4 **** Hotel Yasmin and it offers a unique, non smoking, ambience which is full of striking designs and colour. This hotel is less than a year old, and is one of a new breed of designer hotels appearing across Prague.

Wenceslas Square may be reached from the summer garden, which opens onto one of Prague’s many “passages” – these are walkways which are home to shops ,theatres and cafes – built in the early part of the 20th century. The summer garden itself is a pleasant place to relax; the adjacent Noodle Bar serves an eclectic selection of dishes on the noodle theme, from Italian to Thai. Like the Hotel Yasmin itself the food is light, refreshing and casual.

The staff are well trained, friendly and helpful. Rack rates start at Euro 220 a night.

Notes:

(i) During the time of Charles IV (1346-1378) the street was known as “Angel Street”, and was home to a renowned pharmacist. If you notice a pharmacy, during your walk round Prague, the chances are you’ll see a symbol of an angel.

The Hotel Europa in Prague was built in 1889 and first called “At The Archduke Stephan” – after Stephan Franz Victor of Harbsburg-Lorraine (1817-1867). This glorious building is a landmark of downtown Prague situated on Wenceslas Square.

The stunning art nouveau style dates to a rebuilding started in 1903 by two of the most famous Czech architects of that era. The interior is equally stunning, and has a delightful faded elegance; this is an hotel of another era and it hasn’t made the journey to 2007 without a few wrinkles! The Cafe Europa is worth a visit, just to enjoy the decorative interior and watch the world go by on busy Wenceslas Square. The interior has been used by film crews – “Mission Impossible” staring Tom Cruise for example.

Sounds swanky? Think again. Some of the rooms are rated 2 Star with no TV, shared bathroom, and no mini bar! In fact Hotel Europa even has a student floor!

Here are the prices, but be warned they are NOT available via reception:

1st April -1st July:

Single: CZK 800 (Euro 30)
Double CZK 1200 (Euro 45)
Triple CZK 1400 (Euro 52)
Breakfast Option CZK 150.

Hotel Europa, which is slap bang in the middle of Prague, also caters to guests seeking a few more amenities. In fact there are even two Louis XVII style apartments.

1st April – 1st July:

Single 1 person: 1,200 CZK(without en suite bathroom) 2,250 CZK (with en suite bathroom),
Double 2 persons: 1,950 CZK & 3,000 CZK
Triple 3 persons: 2,330 CZK & 3,750 CZK
Quadruple 4 persons: 4,500 CZK (with en suite bathroom)

There is a 10% discount on cash payments.

If you are looking for 5***** luxury then Hotel Europa might not be you (try the nearby Alcron Hotel) but if you after good value, atmosphere, and a hotel right in the heart of the city, then this might be just the one for you