Svornosti 1143/10, Smichov, Prague, Czech Republic | (251) 219-4428
Historical
building with extravagant Baroque-style interiors
Two blocks from
nearest Metro stop
Full buffet and
cooked-to-order breakfast included in rate
Secure on-site
parking (rare in Prague)
Free and fast
Wi-Fi throughout
Snug, basement
wine bar (smoking permitted)
Elegant atmosphere with classical music playing, and historical Prague documentary on view
Far from
historical and tourist center
Decor a bit old-fashioned for some
Sauna not free of charge
and requires booking
Hotel General is
an upscale boutique hotel with lavish Baroque-style interiors and a military theme located away
from Prague's main tourist areas. The location might be an issue for some, with
the city's main attractions a metro or tram ride away, and the lavish
decor may strike guests as old-fashioned rather than grand. The 20 guest rooms are showing some wear but have attractive classic style, with silk and velvet fabrics, traditional artwork, and modern amenities such as minibars. Although
lacking the facilities one would expect from an advertised five-star property, the hotel offers decent value, and most guests come away satisfied with their stays, thanks in large part to the friendly, attentive staff.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Lavish classical decor in 19th-century building with military theme
With its
flamboyant Art Nouveau-meets-Baroque, green and gold facade, the Hotel General certainly
doesn't fail to make an impression upon arrival. This high-end hotel was opened
in 2007 after an extensive renovation of this late 19th-century
building, going to great lengths to retain and embellish its period charm.
Stepping inside, guests are met with strains of classical music and a scene
awash with classical flourishes, from ornate gilt cornices to Louis 15th-style
furniture illuminated by cut-glass sconces and an extravagant centerpiece
chandelier. The hotel's theme is evident in the portraits of historical military
leaders displayed on the lobby wall and throughout the hotel, and each
staff member is decked out in the outfit of a high-ranking officer. Despite
the rather formal interiors and its military theme, the mood is warm and
welcoming with friendly, attentive staff and the occasional waft of beer from the brewery opposite. Guests are well-heeled and tend to be older tourists.
Location
Quiet residential and business district a couple miles from the tourist center
The hotel is
located across from a Staropramenbrewery, between a largely quiet and residential area and
the Anděl business district one block from the west bank of the Vltava River.
It's positioned a fair bit away from the historical and tourist center of
Prague, being almost two miles from the city's Old Town, though the Anděl Metro
stop is two blocks away and connects to Wenceslas Square in just over 10 minutes.
Trams from stops next to the station take around 25 minutes to get to Prague
Castle and the main tourist hub. The location makes it easy to access
Prague's Václav Havel Airport -- around 20 minutes by car -- and the main Praha-Smíchov
train terminal is about 15 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Rooms
Frilly, classical decor with military leader portraits and up-to-date amenities
Each of the
hotel's 20 rooms is dedicated to a historic general or military leader from
around the world -- from Napoleon Bonaparte to Albrecht von Wallenstein. Decor
and furnishings mirror the frilly, classical styling of the lobby, with antique-style furnishings, tasseled drapes, and ornate gilt detailing. Colors range from deep jewel tones to shimmery pastels. Amenities are
suitably 21st century, with free and fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite
channels, and remote control air-conditioning. In-room refreshments come in the
form of minibars, and tea and coffee stations. Clean and well-maintained
bathrooms have beige tile and shower/tub combos, and include hairdryers and a good suite of high-end products. While
rooms are generally spacious enough, a few of the top-floor rooms with attic
ceilings can feel a little pokey. Also, some may find the staid fabrics and wall-to-wall carpeting dated rather than charmingly traditional.
Features
Free buffet breakfast, basement wine bar, and secure on-site parking
The hotel serves
a full buffet breakfast in its typically fanciful, Baroque-styled surrounds while
a historical documentary about Prague and its art plays on a large TV screen --
breakfast is included, and cooked-to-order items are also available. Lunch and
dinner menus of international and typical Czech dishes are also served in the restaurant, while a snug wine bar can be found in
the basement where guests can enjoy a drink and are also permitted to smoke. A
sauna is also available, however it is not free of charge and needs to be booked
in advance. Private, secure parking is also available for a fee as well as
limousine airport transfers.
