pentahotel Prague

While its sleek facade of cool grays doesn't project the friendliest of vibes, inside the pentahotel Prague is a different story. Though still moody, a combination of atmospheric lighting, exposed brick walls, and a generous scattering of vintage objects and furnishings creates a cozy-yet-cool nightclub-style ambience. An open-plan ground floor includes reception, a restaurant, and breakfast area, together with a PlayStation 4 and pool table, to create a hip warehouse feel; the space is designed to encourage guests to gather in this all-in-one common area rather than hunker down in their room. Opened in 2013, this design hotel is part of the pentahotel chain, whose properties draw a similarly young, hip clientele in town for both business and pleasure.

The hotel is set in the Karlin area of the Prague 8 District, a rejuvenated neighborhood of the Czech capital that stretches along the right bank of the Vltava River. While a little removed from the main tourist attractions, a tram stop in front of the hotel connects to Prague Old Town square in 10 minutes, and it's a little farther for the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle District. There's also a subway stop within a two-minute walk of the hotel, which connects to Wenceslas Square in two stops, or about 15 minutes. Vaclav Havel Airport is about a 30-minute drive.

The pentahotel Prague has 227 rooms spread over seven floors, all of which feature cool, contemporary styling with back-lit headboards, Prague map wallpaper, and hip vintage touches, such as old-fashioned telephones or lamps. While quite chic, the feel is far more sparse and austere than the hotel's public spaces. Amenities include iPod docks that connect to 42-inch flat-screen TVs with free on-demand movies; Nintendo or PS3 consoles are also available on request. Basic Wi-Fi is free of charge but it's open access and can be slow, though premium Wi-Fi can be purchased. Clean, well-maintained bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers. Most rooms open to small, unfurnished balconies. Guests have complained that some rooms are prone to internal noise, and there are no in-room minibars or mini-fridges.

The hotel serves a particularly tasty and free buffet breakfast, which includes both hot and cold items, salmon, French cheeses, espresso, and even chilled sparkling wine, but it can get crowded during peak times. The restaurant serves full lunch and dinner menus, including quality steaks, and there's also a bar and plenty of space to hang out. A spacious fitness room provides modern exercise equipment, though little natural light. Well-equipped meeting and event spaces are also available. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout, and guests can upgrade to faster premium Wi-Fi.