Occidental Praha

It's fitting that Occidental Praha, formerly the Barcelo Praha Hotel, caters to business travelers because the cavernous lobby resembles a stylish retro airport lounge. There's orange modular seating that's very 1960s, a sizable gift shop selling everything from gold jewelry to tourist tees, gigantic prints of pop art and groovy abstract designs, and a gleaming minimart tucked into the corner.

A large revolving door at the entrance opens up to the expansive reception area, set up for handling large crowds without a glitch in traffic flow and for speedily rolling a suitcase across the high-gloss floor. A wide reception desk with multiple stations is primed to quickly check guests in and out. There's also a conference center that's bright with natural light thanks to a wall of windows. Mirror-image details are carried over to the restaurants and bar, creating a matchy look. Clustered pod seating and cushions on chairs and stools are covered in the same hue and fabric, and tables are lined up in neat rows across the room. 

The minimalist space doesn't feel sterile or cold, but cozy it's not. It isn't the kind of place where you'll be lured into dropping your bags to chillax for awhile. The vibe suits the business clientele, who are constantly on the go. 

The hotel is roughly four miles from central Prague, along a busy highway. It's only a 12-minute walk to Budějovická metro, but reaching major city sights averages about a 40-minute ride on the train. Driving may be a better option; it takes more than a half-hour to get to Old Town Square via public transit but it's only a 12-minute car ride. Václav Havel Airport Prague is about 17 miles from the hotel and averages about a 30-minute drive. The hotel is also within walking distance of Hewlett Packard and Microsoft offices, and there's a gas station off the property's parking lot.

Attention to detail in texture and tone make the streamline, almost minimalist rooms attractive and cozy. The rustic, heavy grain wood used on floors and accents throughout lays the groundwork. Light glowing from behind headboards, sable brown wallpaper with vertical striations, gauzy ivory curtains, and cushioned benches warm up spaces even further. 

Ample amenities, which include flat-screen TVs, minibars, terrycloth robes, electric kettles, china cups and saucers, and free coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi, make for a comfortable stay. Sleek bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers and removable showerheads, separate toilets with pocket doors, large, wall-mounted sinks, and bath products. 

Executive Rooms are a significant step up from Standard Rooms, since the former offer free breakfast and gym access, and pillow menus. Junior Suites have additional desks and flat-screen TVs, pullout sofas, espresso makers with free coffee pods, irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas. Some rooms have nice views of the surrounding city. 

Features cater mainly to the hotel's business clientele. There are two restaurants: one is buffet style with continuous service, and the other offers an a la carte dinner menu and a more elaborate buffet breakfast that's free only for guests staying in Executive Rooms and Junior Suites. The lobby bar has a shorter menu of lunch and dinner options and serves wine by the glass, local Czech beers, and spirits. Additionally, a minimart is stocked with everything from wrapped sandwiches and snacks to drinks and ice cream near reception. 

With only four pieces of cardio equipment, the hotel's gym is extremely small, and it isn't open 24 hours. While there's no pool or spa, in-room massages can be booked through the front desk. 

There's a conference center that holds up to 350 people. Wi-Fi throughout is free, as is using the lobby's public computer, and printing and photocopying documents at reception. There is no formal business center. The three elevators keep wait times to a minimum, and handy perks include an ATM, a currency exchange machine, and an eclectic gift shop in the lobby. Parking is free, although guests note that the lot fills quickly.