The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 224

PENSIONS These guesthouses with few services are cheaper than hotels, but when
compared to similar Western B&Bs, they're still relatively expensive. Some have found
a niche offering a quaint stay in a quiet neighborhood.
Several local agencies offer assistance. The leader now is Prague-based E-Travel.cz
(www.travel.cz or www.apartments.cz). Its office is near the National Theater at
Ostrovní 7 ( & 224-990-990; fax [phone]). Another agency, especially good for
those arriving late by train or air, is AVE Travel Ltd. ( & 251-091-111; www.ave
travel.cz). It has outlets at the airport, open daily from 7am to 10pm; at the main train
station, Hlavní nádra z í, open daily from 6am to 11pm; and at the north train station,
Nádra z í Hole s vice, open daily from 7am to 8:30pm.
HRADC ANY
Very Expensive
Hotel Savoy Just a few blocks from the castle, the Hotel Savoy welcomes
you with a modern lobby. The guest rooms are richly decorated and boast every
amenity as well as spacious marble bathrooms. The beds are consistently huge, which
is in contrast to the customary central European style of two twin beds shoved
together. The pleasant staff provides an attention to detail that's a cut above that at
most hotels in Prague. Its Hrad c any restaurant is excellent (p. 229).
Keplerova 6, Praha 1. & 224-302-430. Fax [phone]. www.hotel-savoy.cz. 59 units. From 9,600Kc ($399/£223)
double; from 12,900Kc ($537/£258) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Tram: 22 or 23. Amenities: Restau-
rant; bar; “relaxation” center w/small set of exercise machines; sauna; whirlpool; concierge; business services; salon;
24-hr. room service; massage; laundry. In room: A/C, TV, VCR, DVD, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, safe.
Expensive
Hotel Neruda Squeezed into a long row of curiosity shops on Nerudova street
is a strong contender for the best boutique hotel in Malá Strana—the Hotel Neruda.
This refurbished 20-room villa has combined a high level of modern elegance with the
original accents of its 14th-century shell. Most of the fixtures—from the fresh new
bathrooms to the beds and dining tables—suggest a bold sense of Prague's promising
future, but enveloped within its Renaissance past.
Nerudova 44, Praha 1. & 257-535-557. Fax [phone]. www.hotelneruda-praha.cz. 20 units. From 5,550Kc
($231/£110) double. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Tram: 22 or 23 to Malostranské nám. Amenities: Cafe-
restaurant; concierge. In room: A/C, TV, VCR, minibar, hair dryer, safe.
MALÁ STRANA (LESSER TOWN)
Expensive
Best Western-Hotel Kampa On the edge of the park where troops once camped
along the banks of the Vltava, the Kampa occupies what was a 17th-century armory.
The rooms are comfortable enough if you don't expect first-class surroundings. The
best ones boast a park view—request one of these when booking or checking in.
There's a restaurant, but you'd be better off visiting one of those nearby, like Kampa
Park under Charles Bridge (p. 230).
Vsehrdova 16, Praha 1. & 257-404-444. Fax [phone]. www.euroagentur.cz. 84 units (shower only). From
5,400Kc ($225/£108) double. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Metro: Malostranská, then tram no. 12, 22, or
23 to the Hellichova stop. Amenities: Restaurant w/garden; bar; room service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:
TV, minibar, hair dryer, safe.
Hotel Aria This new music-themed hotel is just around the corner from the
St. Nicholas Cathedral. Each of its four floors is tastefully decorated by Versace design-
ers to evoke a different genre of music. The rooms and bathrooms vary in their size