Prague: Hotel U Zlate Studne

[sunvalley]

My husband and I just returned from Prague, and would like to heartily recommned a hotel we found on Luxury Link: U Zlate Studne. It is truly a historic hotel, having once been the castle of Rudolph II in the sixteenth century. It fell into disrepair during the communist years in Prague, but was gracefully restored and opened in 2000 as a fine, luxury hotel. The location is adjacent to the Prague Castle, a sight no one should miss if going to Prague. In fact, you can walk directly out of the hotel restaurant onto the Castle area. The hotel has superb service, and an outstanding restaurant. We were coddled every day we were there - including a pre-packed breakfast on the day we left to catch a very early morning flight. The LL package included a choice of a three course dinner, or a Prague walking tour, and we enjoyed both. All in all, a great place.

[kyshel]

Welcome back and thank you for posting promptly. I think several of us are interested in the review of this property. I spent my honeymoon and anniversary in Prague the past 2 years. The last stay was LL Hotel Hoffmeister and we loved it.
This hotel looks so lovely--do you have any pics to post? If I could get my husband to go back tomorrow, I'd be seriously looking at this package. We just have too many places calling us...
If you would please elaborate on your experience, we'd all appreciate it. Thanks again!

[sunvalley]

We just returned two days ago, and I have tons of photos of the hotel and Prague. I think the hotel is lovely - very romantic! We also loved the location - it even has a secret door that allows you to enter the grounds of the Prague Castle without climbing the hill. The food is terrific, and the LL deal gave us both champagne and a choice of a walking tour or a dinner. We bought the deal twice, so we had both.

The staff couldn't be nicer - they absolutely coddled us. What more can I tell you?

[sunvalley]

I forgot to mention one other thing: I have not seen Hotel Hoffmeister's rooms, but I noted that their location is right on the highway, and it's not easy to walk to the sights. U Zlate Studne's location is terrific. Many great restaurants, including the Palffrey, are within a very short distance. The tram stop is close too, as well as other sights beyond the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague castle. It was a short walk across the river to OldTown, toward the Jewish Quarter as well. On our trip, we rented a car and drove to Cesky Krumlov. We loved that town, and used it and Tabor as bases for visiting 6-7 castles. Such fun.

[kyshel]

hmm,I'm confused. Hotel Hoffmeister is at the bottom of the castle steps (one block away) and Charles Bridge is short walking distance. I wouldn't consider it on a highway, since it's a 2 lane each side city street. The tram stop was right in front,tho, but 2 blocks away. I will say that those castle steps seem to go on forever--I found out later that the other route is a bit easier, but not as close!
U Zlate is definitely right there--I recall seeing the entry when we walked about. One of our fave things was "stumbling" on the guard coming out of their garrison, so we followed them to the changingwhen we were rooting around the castle area. Such fun. Did you rent the car from the airport or in the city itself? Some of us are a bit more intrepid when it comes to foreign cities/language issues. What was driving like? I've always wanted to go to Karlovy Vary, but I think a train would be our choice. Maybe I'll change my mind.
I guess I wanted to know more about the rooms. They look so elegant. What was yours like? I'm just one of those people for whom "room matters", if you get my drift. Thanks for taking the time to get back here so fast!

[sunvalley]

The rooms at the hotel were terrific - ours had a lovely view of Prague. Got to their website for photos. Our bathroom was as big as the bedroom. But the best view of all is from the restaurant, which is at a great elevation to see the entire city. We didn't shop for cars until we got there, but I've heard that you can do well by arranging it in advance from here in the U.S. We used a local company, and they delivered the car to the hotel without additoinal charge. Parking in Prague is difficult, so I would wait to take delivery until you're ready to leave town. We found driving outside of the city quite easy. We also tried a train trip, which was fun because it allows you to see the scenery, but it was very, very slow. And the trains have not been modernized.For example, a train to Cesy Krumlov (which requires you to change trains in Cesky Budovice (SP?) takes about five hours, but driving takes about 2 1/2 hours. We also drove to Tabor, which is a lovely town, as well as to Cesky Sternbeck, the Rozmberk Castle, and perhaps 4-5 other castles over 2-3 days. Distances are short, of course. We considered driving to Salzburg from Cesky Krumlov, since it's just a short hop. Vienna probably takes about 3 1/2 hours from Prague. Both would be fun.