Where to Stay

The options for accommodation in Prague are vast, from romantic luxury hotels and swish boutiques to vibrant backpacker hostels and longer-stay apartments. Many of the best hotels are crammed into the inner-city areas such as Old Town, New Town, and Malá Strana, but there is an increasing number of decent options in districts like Holešovice and Vinohrady. Below are some of the best places to stay for visitors looking to fully interact with everything Prague has to offer.

Hotels

Romantik Hotel U Raka — Hidden away above the historic castle district, Romantik Hotel U Raka is a rustic, retreat-style accommodation option offering just six rooms. The lodgings are restored timber cottages, originally built in the 18th century, and while not high-end as such, they are very charming and comfortable, featuring pastoral paintings by the owner, as well as en suite bathrooms and — in one room — a real log fire. The peaceful atmosphere is complemented by a rock garden, a café area where breakfast is served, and personalized service.

Hotel Josef — Prague’s first boutique hotel, Hotel Josef, has held up pretty well since it opened a couple of decades ago. This is partly testament to the vision of London-based architect Eva Jiricna, whose interiors might have dated a little, but — from the bold colors of the furnishings to the glass-walled bathrooms — are still undeniably chic. The breakfast buffet here is one of the most generous in town, and the location in the atmospheric Jewish Quarter is a boon, too.

Innside Prague Old Town — One of the city’s more recent openings, the Innside Prague is an affordable all-rounder, with a savvy blend of comfort, location, and a reasonable dash of style. The rooms and public areas are comfortable and feature good standard, design-savvy furnishings, and the spacious ground-floor restaurant serves a solid mix of international and Czech dishes, and a lovely breakfast buffet.

Buddha Bar Hotel Prague — This Prague outpost of the Buddha Bar franchise ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a seductive weekend — namely, a dimly lit interior, hi-tech rooms decorated in decadent reds and golds, and a funky pan-Asian restaurant (as well as a more casual ground-floor café). There’s also a dedicated spa with a whirlpool tub, and the location, on the edge of the Old Town, is very convenient.

Luxury Hotels

Golden Well Hotel — With only 19 rooms, Malá Strana’s Golden Well (U Zlaté Studné) is an intimate, romantic, and decidedly sophisticated option. The wood-heavy rooms are elegantly attired with artful sculptures, luxury fabrics, and Renaissance paintings, but also loaded with mod-cons like iPods and coffee machines. The high-end restaurant has fabulous vistas over the city, and service is impeccable.

Four Seasons Prague — Prague’s Four Seasons is a large and predictable luxury option, perhaps, but it remains one of the best hotels in the city. The vast property, made up of several historic buildings set alongside the river near to Charles Bridge, offers a variety of interior styles, from the plush but play-it-safe rooms to the more contemporary in-house restaurant, and the swish and comprehensive AVA spa. There are pop-up rooftop dining experiences in summer too, and it’s very family-friendly.

Augustine — Set inside a former monastery complex that dates back to the 13th century, Augustine is a sleek hotel that features a mix of medieval detail, stately design, and some surprisingly edgy interiors — from the fashion-savvy cocktail bar (a former refectory with painted ceilings) to the mix of historic and cubist references in the rooms. Other amenities include a basement spa with treatment rooms and a spacious restaurant with a lovely terrace.

Emblem Hotel — Hotels don’t get much slicker than The Emblem. From the deskless check-in procedure to the slew of contemporary artworks, incredibly dapper bedrooms, and impeccable designer furnishings throughout, the place pretty much screams ‘chic boutique’. There’s a small rooftop spa and gym, and one of the city’s best steakhouses, George Prime Steak — which also offers a handsome bar — is right next door.

Hostels

Mama Shelter Prague — Prague’s Mama Shelter enjoys a unique location inside a former communist hotel. Situated in the up and coming arty district of Holešovice, it’s a great option for those returning to Prague and wanting to check out a different area. As well as comfortable, freshly decorated rooms, its generous public spaces include play areas with arcade games and pool tables, lounges, a couple of restaurants, and an outdoor terrace for summer parties.

Sophie’s Hostel — Set on a quiet residential street in Vinohrady, this top-notch hostel has everything you’d want from an accommodation in Prague. The rooms and dorms are large and impressively chic, with industrial-esque metal beds and local artworks dotted throughout. There’s also a ground floor area that doubles as a breakfast space in the mornings, and a lively bar in the evenings. The friendly staff are happy to give sightseeing tips and organize tours.

Hotel SAX — Offering something a little different from the norm, Malá Strana’s Hotel SAX revels in its playful retro stylings. Awash in eye-catching pop-culture artworks and handpicked vintage furnishings, the immediate impression is fun and friendly, enhanced by features like a jukebox in the lobby-bar area, 50s-era radios in the rooms, and the occasional Mickey-Mouse themed bathroom. Although it’s more boutique than hostel (there are no dorms), it’s nonetheless an unpretentious and affordable option.

Airbnb

One bedroom attic conversion — If you’re traveling alone and seeking accommodation in Prague that is well-appointed but quirky, this one-bedroom-attic conversion is a great option. The room itself is only 140 square feet, but the main (shared) space is 645 square feet and has a modern, open-plan design built for communal living. It includes a living room with couches, a library, and a wooden fireplace. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen with its own guest fridge, wooden floors, and a garden terrace with sweeping views of Prague Castle and the city below. Note that the bathroom is shared with two other Airbnb rooms, and the toilet is separate from the bathroom.

Two bedroom apartment close to the Vltava River — This beautifully decorated apartment exudes a chic and calm atmosphere and offers great views of nearby Kinsky Garden and Petřín Hill. Although it has only two bedrooms, the rental sleeps six with an additional travel cot and toddler bed. If you are traveling with a family, previous guests state that the pictures do not do justice to the size of the listing, so there’s plenty of space and all modern amenities are included.

Renovated one bedroom studio — This small but smartly designed studio, with its turquoise and gold color scheme, is a great option for couples visiting Prague. Its showpiece circle seat is complemented by a DeLonghi coffee machine, a smart TV, and a small kitchenette with well-stocked cupboards. Located in the Žižko, it’s only a 20-minute jaunt into downtown with the tram. The owners also leave their own insider guide to the city with lots of great city tips, including the lowdown on local pubs, parks, and shops.

Two bedroom apartment in Old Town — Modern, clean, bright and ideally located in Old Town, this two bedroom apartment is a great base for those wanting to explore the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood. A small terrace offers outdoor space and from the kitchen window, you can enjoy views of the synagogue next door. The design aesthetic of the apartment is modern with eclectic and colorful accents throughout. If you are planning a visit during December, this rental is very close to the city’s Christmas Markets and other seasonal shopping spots.