Hotel Leonardo Prague

On a narrow cobblestone street in Old Town, the Hotel Leonardo Prague -- also known as the Leonardo Praha -- has taken steps to put forward a classically sophisticated atmosphere that feels lively rather than stuffy. There are several grand pianos throughout the property, and live music is offered on certain weeknights. The hotel embraces Art Nouveau in lovely, handsome ways, from the fountain at the center of the outdoor courtyard to nearly all aspects of the interiors. An antique typewriter and a camera are on display in the reception area and the lobby has light-wood floors, an ornate staircase, Art Nouveau antiques, and contemporary beige chairs arranged near the front desk. The open-air and glass-enclosed terraces provide charming settings for the winter and summer months. Photos or paintings are exhibited in the winter garden and available for purchase. This hotel’s central Old Town location is a draw for tourists, and the meeting rooms also bring in business travelers or couples planning weddings. 

This hotel is situated on the western side of Prague's historic district, the Old Town, and overlooks the Vltava River and Prague Castle. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the immediate area, not to mention the dozens of historic sights and picturesque streetscapes around every corner. Old Town is home to the Klementinium (a Baroque library) and the Charles Bridge -- both are less than five minutes away on foot -- while Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The nightlife and bar scene around Wenceslas Square is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the historic Jewish Quarter can be reached in slightly less time on foot. It’s a 20-minute walk to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, though the same trip can be done in about 15 minutes by taxi. Prague Station, the city's main rail hub, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel while Vaclav Havel Airport Prague is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The closest metro station is at Narodni Trida, a seven-minute walk from the hotel.

The 82 rooms at Hotel Leonardo Prague are modern and simple, with an abundance of softer tones that range from white and gray to brown and pops of red. The look is relatively straightforward, with small black-and-white photos of Prague scenes on the wall adding a dash of classic charm. Lower category rooms can feel a little less fresh, with heavy bedspreads and drapes alongside bland furniture. However, some suites have exposed beams and skylights in vaulted ceilings, which give them a nice dash of character. 

All rooms are reasonably spacious by European standards, and the entry level Classic Elegant Rooms start at 22 square meters of space (237 square feet). Superior Rooms, unlike Classic Elegant Rooms and Suites, have kitchenettes with two-burner stove tops, kettles, and minibars. Spacious Junior Suites offer sitting areas, and some have balconies. Castle View Maisonettes -- as the name implies -- overlook the Prague Castle and feature lofted bedrooms. Castle View Junior Suites feature Art Nouveau furniture in sitting areas. Family Suites have 40 to 45 square meters of space (431 to 484 square feet) and can accommodate up to four people. Bathrooms are modern and include bidets, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos or whirlpool tubs and showers. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars, and more-expensive rooms offer bathrobes and slippers. A few guests have complained about inadequate air-conditioning and some rooms facing the street can pick up noise on occasion.

The Platina Restaurant & Garden, which is also open to the public, features faux-finished walls and murals that make for a charming atmosphere. The restaurant serves classic Czech dishes and gets solid marks from guests and locals alike. Stone-arched ceilings create an Old World ambience in the breakfast cellar, where the hotel serves a free American and European breakfast that’s laid out on a grand piano and buffet counter. Hot and cold options plus juices and coffees are included. Dining is also available in the winter and open-air summer gardens. Two desktop computers and a printer are in the lobby for guests to use. Other perks include an afternoon happy hour, free newspapers, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Two conference rooms -- the Mona Lisa and Vitruvio -- can accommodate up to 70 people for receptions, and a courtyard with an Art Deco fountain can also be rented for private events or weddings.