Ibis Praha Old Town

Situated on a main street surrounded by a mix of historic buildings, shops, and cafes, the Ibis draws budget-conscious travelers looking to be near Prague's Old Town. An open-plan lobby and adjacent bar are bright, contemporary, and colorful, though outfitted with the quality of furnishings you'd expect from a value hotel. Minimalist orange pleather sofas and coffee tables fill the lobby's lounge, while the casual and fun bar has chrome accents, retro chairs, and an opaque bar-front. Most striking are the large photos of Prague sights and street scenes that decorate the hallways, lobby, and bar. Guests are mostly seen grabbing breakfast before heading out or enjoying a quiet evening drink in the bar.

Just a one-minute walk from Namesti Republiky tram and bus stations, and five minutes for the metro, the Ibis' location is central, lively, and definitely well-connected. Palladium shopping mall is next door and has over 180 stores and a supermarket. The Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock are a 10-minute walk and a tram can get travelers to Prague Castle in 15 minutes. The Charles Bridge is a bit out of the way, but it can be reached in 20 minutes on foot. Concert venue, Municipal House, is less than five minutes away. Dozens of cafes and restaurants surround the hotel. Vaclav Havel Airport is a 25-minute drive or 45 minutes by public transport. A bus from the airport runs direct to the hotel, but there's no similar return journey.

Well-maintained rooms are small and simple, outfitted in a minimalist design found throughout the chain's hotels. Expect charcoal carpeting, basic light-wood furniture where the beds, desks, and exposed shelving and wardrobe are all seemingly connected. Gray and powder-blue accent walls, and orange linens on benches provide pops of color. Though they lack fridges, all rooms have small flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels, and kettles can be rented for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, though it can be weak and guests may need to repeatedly reconnect. Tiny bathrooms have white tiling, green plastic countertops, stall showers, and hairdryers. Toiletries are basic multi-purpose liquid soap in wall dispensers. Views can be uninspiring and some rooms directly face nearby windows or trash cans, though guests report that they're quiet. Eight Family Rooms are available, as are five Suites with separate living spaces, and four "My Rooms" with more attractive, personalized decor. Rooms lack safes and ironing facilities, but these are available at reception. 

This Ibis property lacks a full restaurant and gym, but it provides a few other amenities dining-wise. Breakfast is a popular -- but not too crowded -- scene, and served until noon, which can be handy for late-risers. Served buffet-style (at a fee), standard cooked options include sausages and scrambled eggs, and there's a well-stocked array of continental items like pastries, cereals, yogurts, and a limited selection of fruit. Rendezvous Bar serves alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, while snacks can be purchased 24/7 at the Food Corner. Alongside the free-to-use lobby computer are two conference rooms that can seat up to 30 people. Secure off-street parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, although connection is intermittent and signal can be weak.