Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag

The six-story Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag takes up the corner wedge of a block in Prague's New Town. Its 19th-century building looks quite regal and blends in with other hotels in the area. Inside, the lobby aims for a contemporary look, with Danish-style armchairs topped in zebra-print cushions and maroon leather sofas. But on the whole, these public spaces don't feel especially stylish, and much of the look seems like it hasn't been updated since 2004, when the property first opened its doors. Still, most guests here -- often couples or business travelers drawn by the location -- are pleased by the hotel's helpful features and convenient access to public transportation.

There's plenty of benefits to the Falkensteiner's location. One side of its building overlooks a leafy park, and it's just a short walk to the city's train station and transit hub. The surrounding New Town streets hold several restaurants, cafes, bars, and supermarkets, all easily accessed on foot. On the downside, while a few Old Town sights are accessible on foot, most of the city's popular attractions (Charles Bridge, Prague Castle) require driving or taking public transportation. The Airport Express bus arrives and departs from the main train station, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel.

• Three-minute walk to Hlavni Nadraz metro station 
• Six-minute walk to Prague's main train station (Hlavni Nadraz)
• Five-minute walk to Wenceslas Square
• 13-minute walk to the Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square
• Seven minutes to the Old Jewish Cemetery by public transit (20-minute walk)
• 12 minutes to Kakfa Museum by public transit
• 13 minutes to Charles Bridge by public transit 
• 16 minutes to Prague Castle by public transit 
• 19 minutes to Golden Lane by public transit
• 20 minutes to St. Vitus Cathedral by public transit
• 42 minutes to Prague Airport by public transit (25-minute drive)

Blond wood runs throughout the Falkensteiner's guest rooms from the floors to the furniture to the wood paneling on walls. The result is a warm and airy vibe, enhanced by twisting paper lanterns that give a soft glow. In most rooms, large black-and-white photographic prints depicting Prague streets adorn the walls, adding a decorative touch. But aside from that embellishment, rooms can feel simple and somewhat plain, though they do provide a counterpoint to some of the overdone historic hotels in the area. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Nespresso coffeemakers. Modern, beige-tiled bathrooms are fitted with roomy walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and come with hairdryers and magnifying mirrors, but showers only have soap dispensers instead of individual  toiletries.

For a hotel of smallish size, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag offers a surprisingly robust list of features. The swankiest on-site amenity is the hotel's spa. In addition to treatments, the spa offers a relaxation room, sauna, and steam bath, which all guests of the hotel can enjoy without additional fees or booking. (Treatments can also be performed in rooms.) This space also holds a small fitness center. Though it's limited to three cardio machines, it's three more than most small-scale hotels in the area.

The on-site restaurant offers Czech, Mediterranean, and Croatian dishes, along with an excellent breakfast buffet (for a fee), with American and continental selections. Vegan and gluten-free options are on hand as well. The bar serves drinks and light snacks, and there's free fruit and water available in the lobby area throughout the day. 

The hotel offers two meeting for up to 50 people, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Dogs are welcome for a fee, and the hotel even offers an “arrival package” that includes treats, information on dog-friendly walking paths, doggy blankets, towels, and feeding bowls. Parking is available in the hotel's on-site underground parking garage for a daily fee.