Prague Marriott Hotel

In a modern block building on the edge of Prague's Old Town, the Marriott is a smart chain property with a corporate atmosphere. The design throughout is contemporary and slick, albeit a bit bland -- think marble floors and a neutral palette. Multiple front desks make for a swift check-in and small lounge spaces with swirl-patterned carpets and relaxed armchairs add some color. A lobby bar and pleasant restaurant with chalkboard-like skyline murals provide communal areas, though most guests spend their days outside the hotel, resulting in a quiet setting.

On the fringes of Prague's historic Old Town, the Marriott's location is great for exploring the city. Masaryk Railway Station, Namesti Republiky metro, and tram and bus stops are all within a three-minute walk, plus there's a taxi rank outside. For some retail therapy, the Palladium shopping mall is three minutes away on foot and the designer boutiques of Parizska Street are a 10-minute walk. The Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, and Wenceslas Square are within a 15-minute walk and the Charles Bridge is just five minutes farther. The Hybernia Theatre is a two-minute walk and a supermarket is on the same block as the hotel. Vaclav Havel Airport is a 25-minute drive or one hour by public transit.

Renovated in 2016, air-conditioned rooms are modern and sophisticated, though a tad generic -- this is a chain hotel after all. Spacious, neutral-tone rooms have elongated headboards, geometric-print carpeting, oversized armchairs, and black-and-white photos of attractions like Charles Bridge. Small desks with leather chairs cater to business travelers, and closets come with safes, ironing facilities, and bathrobes. Also standard are 32-inch flat-screen LCD TVs with premium channels and on-demand movies, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and AC. Executive Rooms and Suites add living areas. Modern sand-tone bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. Guests should note windows do not open and Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott Rewards members and upgraded rooms.

Though lacking a bit in terms of wellness offerings -- no pool or spa here -- the Prague Marriott has a good deal of dining and business features. The Bourbon Bar serves wines, cocktails, and light bites, while more traditional dishes can be ordered at the Midtown Grill Restaurant. The latter also serves a great buffet breakfast (for a fee) of hot and cold items like waffles, bacon, and made-to-order eggs. The 24-hour fitness center is well-sized and has a good selection of cardio and weight-training machines, plus free weights and mats in front of floor-to-ceiling mirrors. A business center and 11 conference rooms have audiovisual and multimedia equipment, and include the 650-person capacity Bohemia Grand Ballroom. Executive and Suite-level guests have access to a lounge with free continental breakfast, daytime snacks and drinks, and evening hors d'oeuvres. On-site parking is at a fee, while Wi-Fi is free in common areas, or everywhere for Marriott Rewards members.