The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 259

For information and reservations in Prague, contact Cedok, at Na Príkopê
18, and also at Václavské nám. 53, Praha 1 ( & 224-197-632; fax [phone];
www.cedok.cz). Many hotels also provide spa and health treatments, so ask
when you book your room. Most will happily arrange a treatment if they
don't provide them directly.
If you're coming for just a day or two, you can experience the waters on
an “outpatient” basis. The largest balneological complex in town (and in
the Czech Republic) is the Alzbêtiny Láznê-Láznê V, Smetanovy sady 1145/1
( & 353-222-536; www.spa5.cz). On their menu are all kinds of treatments,
including water cures, massages, a hot-air bath, a steam bath, a whirlpool,
and a pearl bath, as well as use of their swimming pool. You can choose
packages of different procedures between 90Kc and 600Kc ($3.75-$25/
£2-£12). It's open Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm for spa treatments; the
pool is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
The Sanatorium Baths III, Ml;nské nábrezí 7 ( & 353-225-641 ), welcomes
day-trippers with mineral baths, massages, saunas, and a cold pool. It's open
Monday to Friday 7am to 2pm for spa treatments; the swimming pool and
sauna are open Monday to Friday 3 to 6pm and Saturday 1 to 5pm.
The Castle Bath (Zámecké Láznê), Zámeck; vrch ( & 353-222-649 ), is a new
spa and wellness house located in a reconstructed site at the foot of the Cas-
tle Tower (Zámecká vêz) in the old city center. Visitors are welcome daily
from 7:30am to 7:30pm to enjoy individual spa treatments. A single entry
for 2 to 4 hours costs between $21 and $54 (£12-£30).
meals at reasonable prices. There are several good seafood options. Children will
appreciate the extensive pizza menu here. Don't forget to get a good Italian cappuc-
cino served here in funky ceramic cups.
Vrídelní 23. & 353-224-232. Soups 30Kc ($1.25/£1); main courses 120Kc-350Kc ($5-$15/£2-£7). AE, MC, V. Daily
11am-11pm.
Inexpensive
Cafe Eléfant COFFEE/DESSERT Who needs to travel all the way to Vienna?
Since this is a cafe in the true sense of the word, all you'll find are coffee, tea, alcoholic
and nonalcoholic drinks, desserts, and enough ambience to satisfy the hordes of Ger-
mans who flock to this landmark.
Stará Louka 32. & 353-223-406. Cakes and desserts 20Kc-120Kc (85¢-$5/40p-£2). AE, MC, V. Daily 10am-10pm.
SHOPPING
Crystal and porcelain are Karlovy Vary's other claims to fame. Dozens of shops
throughout town sell everything from plates to chandeliers.
Ludvík Moser founded his first glassware shop in 1857 and became one of this
country's foremost names in glass. You can visit the Moser Factory, kapitána Jaro s e
19 ( & 353-449-455; www.moser-glass.com; bus no. 1, 10, or 22), just west of the