Hotel Selsky Dvur

In June 2013, Hotel Selsky Dvur was hit with floods that destroyed the entire building, prompting a total renovation -- the result is a somewhat awkward marriage of historic details and modern, sleek guest rooms. Public spaces maintain a traditional, Old World look, with curved ceilings, Oriental rugs, heavy antique wooden furniture, and romantic murals or stained glass details. The hotel's restaurant continues the effect with exposed wood ceiling beams, classic murals, terra-cotta floors, wooden tables and chairs, and atmospheric ironwork in the breakfast buffet area. But it's the hotel's courtyard with patio seating that may convey the building's history best, with an old wooden water mill and a brick pathway that cuts through green grass. The crowd here is mostly made up of couples, who enjoy a bit of quiet away from the bustling city center -- and the fairly reasonable prices. Note that this isn't the best place for those with mobility issues as there are no handicap-accessible rooms or elevators. 

Hotel Selsky Dvur is surrounded by green parks and is located about a 15- to 20-minute drive outside of Prague’s city center. It is a great place to relax and get away from the city, but if Prague sightseeing is part of the itinerary, a car or willingness to take public transportation (a 35-minute ride) is absolutely necessary. There’s a bus stop in front of the hotel and a tram stop that takes five minutes to reach on foot. Nearby is Hostivar Park -- a five-minute walk -- while Hostivar Reservoir, where guests will find water activities like sailing, is a 20-minute walk away. The Park Hostivar is a shopping center that takes 11 minutes to reach on foot. There are some dining options nearby, most of which are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. It’s a 35-minute drive to Vaclav Havel Airport, or about an hour by public transportation.

In sharp contrast to the public spaces, guest rooms are sleek and modern with a dark, masculine palette of grays and browns. Furniture in a dark wood veneer, massive headboards in espresso-colored leather, and narrow striped curtains set the tone.  Beds feature Chianti mattresses from Magnifex, an Italian company, and extensive pillow menus. Some rooms overlook the park, while others have views of the street. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Guests in Deluxe Rooms and Executive Deluxe Rooms get extra perks like discounts to the restaurant, plus Deluxe guests get half-off spa prices, while Executive guests get free access. Executive Deluxe Rooms also have kettles, slippers, and robes. Bathrooms are similarly dapper with black tile and earth-colored marble counters with vessel sinks. They’re all equipped with hairdryers, toiletries, and shower stalls or shower/tub combos with waterfall showerheads. 

The Selsky Dvur provides a decent range of features, such as a spa offering massages and beauty treatments, as well as a sauna, baths, and showers. Unfortunately, it's not included in standard rates (Executive Deluxe Rooms have free access; Deluxe Rooms receive a 50 percent discount.). Guests can pay for the spa hourly or rent out the entire area. There are no fitness facilities, however. The restaurant offers local cuisine for lunch and dinner, and a superb free breakfast buffet in the mornings with homemade hot and cold items. Room service has limited hours and costs a fee (it's free for Executive Deluxe Rooms). Guests can take their meals on the lovely courtyard patio during warm months. There’s a number of meeting spaces available here, from a fully equipped meeting room to the atrium and the restaurant. The hotel is also host to many weddings and offers extensive services and packages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and pets are welcome for a fee. There’s free street parking in front of the hotel, but the Selsky Dvur also provides parking in a gated area with camera surveillance for a fee.