The Golden Wheel Boutique Hotel

With the Charles Bridge below and Prague Castle above, The Golden Wheel is steeped in historical charm. It starts with the fairytale-like Baroque buildings and vintage street lamps lining the way to the hotel. Inside the charm continues, starting in the lobby, which melds together design elements from different ages, including an ancient wood plank door, arched ceilings, gilded mirrors, and tribalesque statuary by Italian sculptor Paolo Piazza. A few details, like the striped upholstered furniture, feel a touch dated, but on the whole the hotel reads as elegant. The back patio also looks up at the office of the Czech President. Guests are usually couples happy to embrace the romantic look.

The main tourist path of Prague, the Royal Road, runs right out front of the Golden Wheel, connecting the Charles Bridge below with Prague Castle. The castle is just five minutes on foot, while the bridge is 14 minutes away. The hotel's street, however, is on a strong slope that can challenge anyone with mobility issues or a bellyful of beer and goulash. The bus and tram service stops at the bottom of the hill, about seven minutes by foot (double going uphill). The metro is another seven-minute walk beyond that, but many guest opt to simply stroll to sights. Old Town Square, 24 minutes away on foot, can be a bit of a trek, but it does cover some beautiful streets. Wenceslas Square is even farther, at 31 minutes. There are plenty of dining options and bars in the surrounding streets. Václav Havel Airport is a 23-minute drive away.  

As with most buildings erected more than 500 years ago, space is at a premium, with most Standard Rooms considered “snug” by American norms. Still, guest rooms are plenty comfortable, with large double beds, arched and/or angled ceilings, light beige walls, and blond wood floors and furnishings. There's a distinct romantic flavor as well, visible in the welcome rose on every bed. The boutique veneer keeps it feeling fresh on the whole, with in-room tech -- free loaner iPads, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs -- adding modern comforts. Other amenities include minibars and electric kettles with tea/coffee supplies. Simple black-and-white tiled bathrooms have bidets and shower stalls or shower/tub combos. 

Upgrading adds more space and historical ornamentation; the junior suite even has a private terrace with castle views. Street noise may affect sensitive sleepers in the front of the building, and only a few rooms, mostly on the upper floors, come with air-conditioning. 

While its location and atmosphere add appeal, the Golden Wheel has little in the way of features. The hotel does offer a breakfast buffet, a generous spread of egg dishes, fresh fruit, pastries, and other standards that most guests find is worth the additional cost. The selection caters to people with gluten allergies as well. There's also an adjoining Cafe that serves light bites throughout the day like sandwiches. Guests receive a small discount. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's a computer workstation available for guests' use.