The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 226

great value for the money. On a side street between Old Town Square and the
National Theater stands this former convent, which was conveniently seized for use as
secret police holding cells under the Communists. One of their most frequent guests,
before the place was turned into a postrevolution pension, was none other than the
pesky dissident and soon-to-be-president Václav Havel. But once the bizarre allure of
staying in Havel's former hoosegow wears off, you realize that this is a pretty artful
attempt at providing decent accommodations at a good price. The cells and rooms
range from doubles to quads, with comfy mattresses and clean linen provided. There
is no curfew, and the complimentary breakfast of cold cuts, rolls, and cheese is fresh
and plentiful. The joint bathrooms are clean enough to pass.
Bartolomêjská 9, Praha 1. & 224-221-802. Fax [phone]. www.unitas.cz. 36 units (shared bathroom facilities).
From 1,200Kc ($50/£24) double in pension; from 490Kc ($20/£10) per person in double room in hostel. Rates include
breakfast. AE, MC, V. Metro: Národní trída. Amenities: Coin-op laundry.

NOVÉ MÊ STO (NEW TOWN): NEAR WENCESLAS SQUARE
Very Expensive
Palace Hotel The Palace has long been the quintessential Prague address for
visiting dignitaries and celebrities like Steven Spielberg, the Rolling Stones, and
Britain's Prince Charles. The 1903 Art Nouveau building offers a more stoic “Vien-
nese” approach to the era's architectural fashion than the more ornate Pa r í z (p. 225).
The lobby boasts accents like buttery-wood paneling and furniture with subtle flow-
ered upholstery, but the overall effect is that of contemporary wealth sampling the past
rather than building a museum to it. The staff makes a point of remembering guests'
names and provides excellent service.
The soothing, delicately colored guest rooms are some of the largest luxury accom-
modations in Prague, each with an Italian marble bathroom.
Panská 12, Praha 1. & 224-093-111. Fax [phone]. www.palacehotel.cz. 124 units (tub/shower combination).
From 10,770Kc ($448/£215) double; 11,880Kc ($495/£238) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Metro:
M*stek. Amenities: 2 restaurants; cafe; concierge; business services; 24-hr. room service; laundry service. In room:
A/C, TV, VCR, minibar, safe.
Moderate
Andante This best-value choice near Wenceslas Square is tucked away on a
dark side street, about 2 blocks off the top of the square. Despite the less-than-appeal-
ing neighborhood, this is the most comfortable property at this price. It lacks the char-
acter of the old Hotel Evropa (see below) but is better cared for. With modern beds
and good firm mattresses, as well as high-grade Scandinavian furniture and colorful
decorations, the rooms gain in comfort what they lose in adventure. They offer plenty
of space and white, well-kept bathrooms with tub/shower combinations, some with
shower only.
Ve Smeckách 4, Prague 1. & 222-210-021. Fax [phone]. www.andante.cz. 32 units (some with shower only,
some with tub only). 3,300Kc ($137/£66) double; 4,560Kc ($190/£91) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Metro:
Muzeum. Amenities: Restaurant; tours arranged w/the reception desk; business services; limited room service. In
room:TV, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safety box available at the reception desk.
Inexpensive
Hotel Evropa Born in 1889 as the Hotel Archduke Stephan, the Evropa was recast
in the early 1900s as an Art Deco hotel. However, this is yet another classic that has
seen much better days. Though the statue-studded exterior, still one of the most strik-
ing landmarks on Wenceslas Square, has recently been polished, the rooms are aging;

Value