Hotel Ambassador – Zlata Husa

This hotel is actually made up of two hotels -- Hotel Ambassador and Zlata Husa -- which were built on this landmark square in the 1920s and merged into one property in 1964. The two seven-story buildings are typical of this central, historic district, with neo-classical facades and period details such as bay windows and Art Nouveau decorative elements. Interiors are done up in a highly ornate style, which might feel a bit overdone and antiquated to some. The lobby and public areas, including the restaurants, are decked out with marble floors and granite counters and tabletops, crystal chandeliers, period furniture, lots of faux leather, scarlet-colored carpeting and upholstery, and many gilded decorative flourishes. The hotel's Wenceslas Square location attracts travelers from across the spectrum -- couples, business travelers for its Congress hall and meeting rooms, friends traveling together, and families. 

Ambassador - Zlata Husa is on Wenceslas Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Prague's most important landmarks. Located in New Town, the hotel is within walking distance of many tourist attractions, and Mustek subway station is less than a five-minute walk away. There are several restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in the immediate vicinity. 

• Four-minute walk to Mustek subway station
• Seven-minute walk to the Astronomical Clock
• Eight-minute walk to the Old Town Square
• Nine-minute walk to Palladium Shopping Center
• 12-minute walk to Prague Castle
• 13-minute walk to the National Theater
• 14-minute walk to Charles Bridge 
• 15 minutes to Old Jewish Cemetery by public transportation
• 15 minutes to Golden Lane by public transportation
• 18 minutes to St Vitus Cathedral by public transportation
• 41 minutes to Prague Airport by public transportation

The Ambassador - Zlata Husa's 162 rooms are spacious, with large windows and high ceilings. Done up in a florid Empire style, furnishings include crystal chandeliers, drapes and bedspreads made of richly patterned fabrics, period furniture in dark wood or painted white, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Those looking for Old World atmosphere will find it in full supply here, but some may find the decor fussy or even dated. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes, but no coffee- or tea-making facilities. The marble bathrooms are equipped with whirlpool bathtubs and separate (small) shower stalls, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. Most of the rooms have views of Wenceslas Square, and some have balconies. 

Past guests have complained about housekeeping, worn and damaged furniture -- such as broken springs in chairs, and cracks in the bathroom sinks -- and inefficient air-conditioning. Also, Wi-Fi can be touch and go, and soundproofing is inadequate.

Without a fitness center or pool, Ambassador -- Zlata Husa comes up a bit short in amenities for an upscale property. It includes a buffet breakfast of various breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, and hot dishes such as pancakes, bacon, sausages, and eggs in the room rates, and a lunch and dinner menu of local and international fare is available at the Ambassador Lobby, where live piano music is a feature each evening. The Pilsner Restaurant has a hunting theme, and specializes in traditional Czech cuisine. 

The Thai & Wellness Club -- the hotel's on-site spa -- offers herbal steam baths, a variety of beauty treatments, and Indian Ayurveda and Thai massage treatments. The hotel's impressive Art Nouveau-style congress hall can seat up to 500 guests theater-style. There are also five other meeting rooms available, all equipped with air-conditioning, a free Wi-Fi connection, and audio-visual equipment. The hotel has two other on-site restaurants, which are strictly for private events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and nearby parking can be reserved for a fee.