Archibald City

This modern hotel that opened in 2005 in the heart of Prague’s central business district hosts a diverse mix of guests, from business travelers to tourists from around the world. It’s a relatively quiet hotel that sees most of its traffic at the free breakfast buffet in the rather plain restaurant, which, despite being open for dinner, sees limited diners in the evening. The lobby has low ceilings and is rather small, but nicely decorated with cream marble tile floors and amber wood paneling. A sheer curtain separates the front desk from a cozy sitting area that's furnished with boxy leather sofas and small tables. Bar service is provided here in the afternoons, as well as on the rooftop terrace (weather permitting), which offers fantastic views of the city. All in all, the Archibald is a pleasant hotel with little in the way of memorable design.

The Archibald Hotel is located in New Town, a seven-minute walk from bustling Wenceslas Square and the National Museum. This part of Prague is also home to the central business district, and lacks the level of historic character found in the Old Town and Lesser Town -- though it also lacks their tourist crowds. It's a convenient area, however, with several restaurants and shops nearby, some just a one-minute walk away. Several other hotels are in the immediate area as well. The Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock is a 17-minute walk from here, while Charles Bridge is about a 20-minute walk away (both can be reached in 13 minutes via public transportation). Prague Castle can be reached in 18 minutes by metro; the station is about a seven-minute walk away. Prague's main train station is a 15-minute walk away or about a five-minute drive, while the airport is a 25-minute drive or about 40 minutes via public transportation.

The rooms at the Archibald are clean and well maintained -- though they're devoid of personality or even a hit of color. Decorated in a simple, contemporary style, they feature various shades of brown and beige. Bedspreads and carpet are solid chocolate brown, and the leaf-pattern drapes have multiple brown hues. The walls are cream or a light toffee color. The matching blonde wood furniture, which includes headboards, desks, and armoires, lightens the spaces. Rooms are comfortable and spacious by European standards, with enough room to include small pedestal tables and upholstered armchairs. Bed options include Twins, Doubles, and Triples, with the Triples having either three Twins or one Double and one Twin. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. White-tile bathrooms are bright and have plenty of space, with shower/tub combos and bidets. Amenities here include magnifying mirrors and heated towel racks, but there's little storage space for toiletries, as the small glass shelves above the ceramic sinks offer scant room. Rooms are generally quiet, and some of them feature nice views of the city skyline including Prague Castle.

The amenities at this relatively small hotel enhance its overall value, starting with a free breakfast buffet with hot items. Another welcome perk are the free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages offered every afternoon. The Archibald Restaurant serves dinner nightly, and bar service is available in the afternoons in the lobby sitting area and on the rooftop terrace (weather permitting). Between breakfast and dinner, the restaurant is available for private meetings and events. The hotel lacks a fitness center or a true business center, though a computer and printer are available for guests to use in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. For those that wish to unplug, the hotel also has a book-lending library. Other perks include currency exchange, valet dry cleaning and laundry services, and car service to the airport, for additional fees. Parking is available on-site as well, but it’s limited and incurs a fee; guests are advised to reserve spots in advance. Pets are welcome with a fee.