Hotel General

With its flamboyant Art Nouveau-meets-Baroque, green and gold facade, the Hotel General certainly doesn't fail to make an impression upon arrival. This high-end hotel was opened in 2007 after an extensive renovation of this late 19th-century building, going to great lengths to retain and embellish its period charm. Stepping inside, guests are met with strains of classical music and a scene awash with classical flourishes, from ornate gilt cornices to Louis 15th-style furniture illuminated by cut-glass sconces and an extravagant centerpiece chandelier. The hotel's theme is evident in the portraits of historical military leaders displayed on the lobby wall and throughout the hotel, and each staff member is decked out in the outfit of a high-ranking officer. Despite the rather formal interiors and its military theme, the mood is warm and welcoming with friendly, attentive staff and the occasional waft of beer from the brewery opposite. Guests are well-heeled and tend to be older tourists. 

The hotel is located across from a Staropramenbrewery, between a largely quiet and residential area and the Anděl business district one block from the west bank of the Vltava River. It's positioned a fair bit away from the historical and tourist center of Prague, being almost two miles from the city's Old Town, though the Anděl Metro stop is two blocks away and connects to Wenceslas Square in just over 10 minutes. Trams from stops next to the station take around 25 minutes to get to Prague Castle and the main tourist hub. The location makes it easy to access Prague's Václav Havel Airport -- around 20 minutes by car -- and the main Praha-Smíchov train terminal is about 15 minutes' walk from the hotel. 

Each of the hotel's 20 rooms is dedicated to a historic general or military leader from around the world -- from Napoleon Bonaparte to Albrecht von Wallenstein. Decor and furnishings mirror the frilly, classical styling of the lobby, with antique-style furnishings, tasseled drapes, and ornate gilt detailing. Colors range from deep jewel tones to shimmery pastels. Amenities are suitably 21st century, with free and fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and remote control air-conditioning. In-room refreshments come in the form of minibars, and tea and coffee stations. Clean and well-maintained bathrooms have beige tile and shower/tub combos, and include hairdryers and a good suite of high-end products. While rooms are generally spacious enough, a few of the top-floor rooms with attic ceilings can feel a little pokey. Also, some may find the staid fabrics and wall-to-wall carpeting dated rather than charmingly traditional. 

The hotel serves a full buffet breakfast in its typically fanciful, Baroque-styled surrounds while a historical documentary about Prague and its art plays on a large TV screen -- breakfast is included, and cooked-to-order items are also available. Lunch and dinner menus of international and typical Czech dishes are also served in the restaurant, while a snug wine bar can be found in the basement where guests can enjoy a drink and are also permitted to smoke. A sauna is also available, however it is not free of charge and needs to be booked in advance. Private, secure parking is also available for a fee as well as limousine airport transfers.