The Charles Hotel

In Prague's Lesser Town and right by the Vlatva River, the hotel is on the area's principal street. Behind an unassuming wood door, marble floors, illuminated Renaissance paintings, and chandeliers under cathedral ceilings show the hotel's historic side -- its 13th-century origins are protected by Czech National Heritage. Small seating areas near a 24-hour front desk have striped period furniture, and red-carpeted stairs with wrought-iron bannisters lead to the rooms. Parts of the hotel are showing wear and tear but for the most part, it's well-restored, and an elevator is a perk.

The basement bar and restaurant doubles up as a breakfast area; it has a div-y feel with cellar-like vaulted ceilings, forest-green walls, and red leather banquet seating. Wall-mounted vinyl and beer plaque displays add a pleasant touch of character. The room is dark and guests find it most inviting in evenings, when authentic draughts are served at the sit-up bar and the kitchen dishes up proper goulash in hollowed-out bread. Guests are a mix of tourists and couples, mostly here for the traditional setting and excellent location.

The hotel sits near the River Vlatva's west bank, two minutes on foot from the famous Charles Bridge. Its Mala Strana location is central and filled with activity, plus the hotel is a two-minute walk from Malostranske namesti tram stop and seven minutes from Malostranske metro station. These shorten walking times to sights, but plenty can be reached on foot. It's a 15-minute walk across the river takes to the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock. Wenceslas Square is closer to half an hour, while Prague Castle is just 13 minutes on foot. Kampa Museum is a seven-minute walk, and Kampa Park is just four minutes away. Trams take under 15 minutes for the Palladium shopping mall and Parizska's upscale boutiques. A 20-minute tram ride from Prague's Main Railway Station stops five minutes from the hotel and prepare to add 10 minutes to the 30-minute drive from Vaclav Havel Airport if you're coming by public transport.

Charmingly traditional rooms are comfortable, featuring original painted ceilings, wood floors and furniture, and linens in varying shades of green or red. Damask-patterned bedspreads, painted accent walls, and artwork add quaint touches. Small seating areas come alongside small flat-screen TVs, minibars, and old-fashioned wardrobes containing kettles for tea- and coffee-making and electronic safes. Also standard are desks, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, and rooms can be fitted with cribs. Executive Rooms and Suites have full living areas with Old World chests and period rugs.Black-marble tiling in the modern bathrooms is sleek, and they have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. All come with hairdryers and toiletries. Bear in mind, the primary complaint regarding rooms is one of noise, as some are close to a nightclub -- not all rooms suffer equally, so it's best to make an enquiry when booking.

The hotel's free breakfast is served buffet-style, and includes cooked options of scrambled eggs, bacon, and mushrooms, and more traditional cold cheese and meat platters alongside breads, yogurts, fruit, tea, and coffee. Note that the space is dark and seating can get cramped during peak times. The room opens its bar and restaurant during the day, and its beers and Czech dishes are popular. Fax and copy facilities are available at reception, as are paid permits for street parking. The hotel can arrange city tours and excursions, as well as laundry services (all at a fee). Wi-Fi is free everywhere in the hotel.