Dittrichova 20, Prague, Czech Republic | (618) 248-8274
15-minute walk to Old Town and near multiple bus stations
Exquisite and elegant rooms with flat-screen TVs, robes, and kettles
Some rooms have large separate living rooms or balconies
Free well-reviewed continental buffet breakfast
Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza for lunch and dinner
Free all-day snacks, juice, and water
Check-in drink, free newspapers and evening turn-down service
Free access to gym and spa facilities at sister hotel
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No wellness facilities on-site (and 25-minute to those at sister hotel)
No bathtubs
Most room views are underwhelming
The 31-room La Ballerina is an upscale boutique with a romantic atmosphere and location a 15-minute walk from Old Town and the Charles Bridge. The classy and modern interiors have baroque touches, damask patterns, elegant lighting, and oversized ballerina photos gracing bedroom and hallway walls. The 25 rooms and six Suites are tastefully decorated and come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and robes, plus some have balconies. All rates include a rich continental breakfast served in a cozy restaurant that also offers great Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. There are no gym or spa on-site, but guests have free use of these at a sister hotel, although it's a 25-minute trek across the river. It's worth considering Hotel Kings Court, which has a spa with indoor pool and gym, as well as a bar with live piano music.
Scene
Modern boutique hotel with period touches and photos of ballerinas
Opened in 2014 and part of the Alchymist Luxury Group, La Ballerina is aptly named as it's just a few minutes' walk from the Frank Gehry Dancing House. Occupying a historic building in New Town, its blend of modern furnishings and classic elegance make for a romantic atmosphere. There isn't much of a lobby, just a marble-floored corridor leading to the front desk, but the chic vibe is visible from the get-go. Heavy oak entrance doors make way to olive-green ornamental accents on the walls, feminine cream chairs with gold frames, and a few bronze sculptures. A dramatic red carpet leads up stairs to a small seating area, where guests can help themselves to free snacks, juice, and water. Aside from the restaurant, all areas have walls lined with large black-and-white photos of ballerinas. Named after the Naples Opera House and with a large wall photo of it, the San Carlo Restaurant is cozy and relaxed. Its red-and-white checked tablecloths, exposed brick ceiling, and hanging garlic cloves give a true Italian pizzeria feel. Though slightly removed from the main attractions of Prague's Old Town, that means the setting is quiet and ideal for peace-seeking couples.
Location
On a calm yet central street, 15-minute walk from the Charles Bridge
The hotel is just a few steps from the Frank Gehry Dancing House in the New Town area of Prague. A tram stop is two minutes away on foot and the Karlovo namesti metro station is just three minutes farther. Much of the city can be reached on foot, with the historic Old Town, Astronomical Clock, and Wenceslas Square all within a 20-minute walk. The Charles Bridge is about 15-minute walk away. The National Theatre is a seven-minute walk but prepare for a longer half-hour walk (or 20-minute tram ride) to reach Prague Castle. Vaclav Havel Airport is a 25-minute cab ride or an hour by public transit, although the hotel provides airport pick-up (at a fee).
Rooms
Gorgeous, modern rooms with period touches, flat-screen TVs, and robes
Polished and modern rooms have just enough baroque accents to ensure they're intimate and romantic. The 15 Deluxe Rooms start at 27 square meters (291 square feet), while Ballerina and Romantic Ballerina Rooms are slightly larger. Color palettes vary, as there are monochrome colors in Deluxe Rooms, sumptuous ruby reds in Ballerinas, and slate-grays with pops of canary yellow in Suites. Textured wallpaper with floral, striped, or damask prints is striking and accented by wood floors, crisp linens and feminine-looking cream and white furniture. Lampshade chandeliers and large photos of ballet dancers continue the delicate appearance. Five one-bedroom Suites have separate living rooms and the split-level Terrace Royal Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a furnished balcony with rooftop views.Some other rooms have balconies and all rooms have desks, flat-screen TVs, large safes, free Wi-Fi, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and wardrobes. Cream-tiled bathrooms have spacious rainfall showers, but there are no bathtubs in any o the rooms. Also provided are bidets, bathrobes, and slippers plus an array of toiletries.
Features
Free breakfast and an Italian restaurant, but no gym or spa on-site
This boutique city property doesn't offer a ton of extra amenities, most notable being that there's no gym or spa on-site. However, guests have free access to a gorgeous cellar indoor pool, sauna, and gym at sister property Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, which is a 25-minute walk away. A free continental breakfast includes made-to-order omelettes alongside fresh breads and pastries, cereals, cold meats, and cheeses plus fruit. San Carlo Restaurant prides itself on its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and offers a range of Italian dishes. La Ballerina's concierge is available 24 hours and valet garage parking is offered for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.