Ventana Hotel Prague

The Ventana Hotel Prague looks like a sleek residential building from the outside and has a discreet entrance on a side street facing the Tyn Cathedral. Inside is an elegant lobby decked out in magnificent cream and black Italian marble with matching dark columns and accents, original paintings, an impressive crystal chandelier, and other eclectic pieces of art. An original stone staircase dating back to 1887 still stands and leads all the way up to the sixth floor. There is also an impressive glass-walled elevator that looks out on the hotel's interiors. 

The hotel is located in the historic center of Prague, which is also the prime tourist district, a 30-minute drive from the airport. The hotel is just off Old Town Square, near restaurants and souvenir shops. It's a short walk from main attractions and shopping avenues, but removed enough to remain quiet. Nearby attractions include the Astronomical Clock, the Jan Hus Memorial, and Tyn Cathedral. The Klementinum, home of the Czech Republic’s National Library, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. A 10-minute stroll west will lead visitors to Vltava River and Charles Bridge. From the Charles Bridge crossing, the 18 and 53 trams connect the Old Town and the New Town, which are separated by the magnificent all-glass structure of Laterna Magika.

The 29 rooms and suites at the Ventana are spacious, simple, and comfortable, and have the homey feel of a friend's guest room. Features include chandeliers, built-in wall wardrobes, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, work desks, and well-stocked minibars. Most have views of either Tyn Cathedral or the Old Town Square. Simply decorated bathrooms have small shower/tub combos with hand-held showerheads, Pascal Morabito toiletries, and hairdryers. Junior Suites on the higher floors have beautiful wooden beams on the ceilings, sunken living areas, small kitchenettes, and upstairs bedrooms. Decor in the Old Town Square Suite has the most character and features plush velvet green seats, bedside benches, and matching floor-to-ceiling curtains that contrast with a bold, red sofa. This suite also has a dining area, a living area, a bedroom with French sliding doors, and a beautiful green-tiled bathroom.

Although the Ventana Hotel lacks a restaurant, a free breakfast is served in an elegant dining area, and a small portion of the room is dedicated to a bar. Breakfast offerings include eggs, meats, and an assortment of cheeses, cereals, yogurts and fruits. The hotel also offers cookies and juice throughout the day in the lobby, a nice extra for anyone looking for a quick snack. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and up to two small dogs are allowed per room (for a fee).