Aquapalace Hotel Prague

The massive indoor water park and the PlayStation in the lobby leave little doubt that the Aquapalace Hotel Prague caters to families with children. Opened in 2008, the property is situated in a contemporary white and gray building with playful colored paneling. Inside, the hotel is clean and contemporary, with plush brown and red seating accented with modern metal lamps and bamboo in light wood planters. The lobby's Barracuda Bar has a lighthearted feel with bright-red plastic chairs and cartoonish fish decorating the front of the bar. A generic-looking shopping and dining complex connects with Aquapark, although restaurants in the hotel itself are considerably more stylish. Terresa Restaurant is an ultra-modern space with sleek tables and chairs in dark-gray or white, slated-wood ceiling accents, and sheer curtains between tables for extra privacy. Astra Restaurant is somewhat warmer feeling with a cream and beige palette, albeit with vaguely futuristic orange columns that spiral down from the ceilings, and a neon-purple strip of lights. Guests are primarily families with children, so the hotel tends to be boisterous and noisy in the hallways. Guests can also expect to face long lines in the water park and restaurants at times. 

Aquapalace Hotel Prague is located about 20 minutes southeast of the city center. The hotel is still within walking distance of some popular attractions. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Dendrological Gardens and the edge of the Pruhonice Chateau and Park, a UNESCO heritage site. On the other hand, reaching popular attractions near the city center will require a car or public transportation. A bus stop is a five-minute walk away, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to and from the Opatov metro station for access to the city in about 20 minutes. Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square are about 20 to 25 minutes away by car (or approximately 40 minutes by metro from Opatov station). There’s a number of shops and dining options within walking distance, though options are not as diverse as might be found closer to the city. The Chodov shopping mall is a six-minute drive away. Vaclav Havel Airport is around a 30-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms and suites are relatively spacious and modern, with a basic design. Decor is similar across categories, although the palette varies from slate-gray and ruby-red in standard Superior Rooms to dark-mustard and light-gray in Executive Floor Rooms. All have light-wood furniture, brown patterned carpet, and striped curtains. Each room has a desk topped with coffee/tea facilities, while flat-screen TVs are mounted to the walls. Closets hold safes and minibars, and wellness bags are provided for the spa and sauna area. There are flip flops offered for a fee. Some rooms have terraces with outdoor chairs and tables. Family Rooms have bunk beds and space for four guests, while Junior Suites have living space and sofa beds, and King Suites have separate living rooms and bedrooms. Executive Floor rooms get access to the Executive Lounge and perks like free parking and a welcome drink. Bathrooms are basic and a little dumpy with white and orange tiles, but they have plenty of counter space, toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos. 

The Aquapalace Hotel is connected to Central Europe’s largest (indoor) water park, Aquapark, and guests are given free access to the park when they book room and park packages. Aquapark has multiple play areas such as slides and pools (and an outdoor area that’s open in the summer), as well as two restaurants, two bars, and an ice cream bar. There’s also Sauna World that offers 14 different saunas and child supervision, though guests should be aware it has a no-bathing-suit policy which may be uncomfortable for some. Other wellness areas include a spa that offers beauty treatments and massages, and a large fitness center with a variety of cardio and weight machines. 

For dining, both Astra and Terresa serves Czech and international cuisine, though Teressa offers a more sophisticated atmosphere. Reviews of the food are mixed. A full breakfast buffet is included in the room rates. Lobby Bar Barracuda serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, plus has a light menu of snacks. Room service is available for limited hours. 

Business travelers can make use of fully equipped conference rooms or the Executive Lounge (for those staying on the Executive Floor), which has Apple desktop computers and free refreshments. There’s a number of gift shops and convenience stores on-site. Perks for kids include a supervised children’s area in Aquapark, a Children's Corner with entertainment and games, free DVD rentals, and kids' menus. 

Wi-Fi is free, but parking costs extra. And pets are welcome (for a fee).