Best Western City Hotel Moran

The Best Western City Hotel Moran has a grand, ornamental exterior that belies its rather plain interiors. An arched hallway leads to a well-lit lobby with minimal frills -- the “fanciest” element is the small, gold-trimmed front desk. Simple emerald-green chairs and black tables make up the seating areas, and an internet workstation in the corner appears to be a converted phone booth. The odd plant here and there gives a few signs of life. Overall it's a pleasant but rather unremarkable hotel, with a look that's a bit dated (not surprising as the last renovation was in 1999). The atmosphere here is quiet -- it's not a lively hub for mingling -- with most guests off sightseeing during the day.

Two blocks from the Vltava river, the hotel is in the outskirts of commercial New Town. It’s a lively, popular neighborhood thanks to its many bars and pubs, restaurants, and shops nearby. It also draws a few more locals compared to the tourist-heavy Old Town. However, the location is only walking distance to a handful of attractions. The famed Dancing House is a five-minute walk away, while the city’s Botanic Gardens are nine minutes away. The National Theatre can be reached in 14 minutes, and Wenceslas Square (site of the Velvet Revolution) is 16 minutes away on foot. However, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are both about a 22- to 23-minute trek, and Prague Castle is a full 38-minute hike, leaving most guests to opt for public transportation. (Metro and tram stations are both two-minute walks away.) Václav Havel Airport Prague is a 20-minute car ride, or 46 minutes away by public transport.

Like the common areas, room decor here is simple to the point of being lackluster. Beige walls, blond wood furniture, and white bedding is offset by shades of green. Basic wooden desks, steel-post floor lamps, or solitary wall prints are nondescript, and there’s minimal closet or drawer space in Standard Rooms. Also, most Standard, Double, and Triple Rooms have twin rather than queen beds, but mattresses are comfortable. The pristine all-white bathrooms have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, but the sinks lack counter space, and toiletries provided are the mere basics. Several guests have commented on the need for updated hairdryers as well. Modern amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also include mini-fridges as well and electric kettles with coffee-and-tea-making supplies. For many rooms, views are the best feature: Several rooms have lovely views of the castle or the river, and a few come with balconies. Cribs, sofa beds, and connecting rooms are available on request. Guests who want non-smoking rooms should specify their preference, as smoking floors are available. 

Amenities are a rather short list at this Best Western. There's no gym, bar, or restaurant, but the hotel does provide breakfast service in an old-fashioned dining room. Its breakfast buffet, included in room rates, features a wide selection of meats, cheeses, eggs, fruits, and yogurt. Other snacks and beverages can be bought at the mini market on the ground floor, but items are pricey.Laundry service and shoe-shine service are offered, and additional safes are available for free at the front desk. While there’s no designated business center, a public computer, printer, and fax machine are available, and a copy machine can be used for a fee. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free.There’s no on-site parking, however there are a few reserved slots for hotel guests at the garage opposite the hotel for hefty per-day fees. Valet parking is also an option, albeit an expensive one. Charges apply for airport transfers as well. Pets are welcome.