Royal Court Hotel

Opened in 2008 and spanning five floors of a former 19th-century Royal Court, the hotel's building reflects its historic past. Inside though, it's a modern scene, with the funkiest decor found in the rooms. There isn't much of a lobby, just a 24-hour front desk in a sterile space with the hotel's wall-mounted logo and tourist leaflets. Elsewhere in the hotel is far more attractive. The breakfast room is a cutesy space with simple wood tables, and pink duo-toned walls with gray-striped inlays, prints of crown-toting animals in old-fashioned throne chairs, and white-framed mirrors. Over the buffet station are fun zig-zag and silver butterfly details. Since the hotel lacks a proper seating area, its mostly tourist guests are mainly seen grabbing a table before heading out or relaxing in the Egyptian-themed spa.

The hotel isn't in the best location for reaching Prague's sights on foot, but it's a seven-minute walk to I.P. Pavlova metro and tram stations and an equal distance to Namesti miru metro. The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are both a half-hour walk (or 20 minutes by public transport) and though Prague Castle is five minutes farther by metro, Wenceslas Square is just a 15-minute walk. The hip Vinohrady distrcit is a haven for coffee lovers and has some great bars, and it's also 15 minutes away. Vaclav Havel Airport is a 25-minute drive or 50 minutes by public transport.

Rooms are modern and stylishly decorated with wood-effect wallpaper in turquoise, pale green, and blue, linens in a similar palette, simple white furniture, and  quirky deer heads along the walls - and sometimes in the throw pillows. Large mirrors give a sense of space, although the shortage of shelving space and small wardrobes are a little less clever. Also, Standard Rooms are tiny at 16 square meters (172 square feet) , while less-of-a-squeeze Superiors measure 24 square meters (258 square feet). Another downside is that thin walls can mean noise from nearby rooms. All rooms have small seating areas, desks, phones, AC, and minibars, plus a flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels but Netflix. Kettles for tea- and coffee-making and electronic safes are also provided.

Modern bathrooms have mosaic or glossed red tiling with fun wall-mounted photos, cute decorative touches, large walk-in showers, and hairdryers. Toiletries are limited to wall dispensers and guests should note towels are only replaced every three days. 

Though a busy scene, breakfast is free and served buffet-style. Cooked options include scrambled eggs and oatmeal alongside some Czech specialities like fried cabbage and potato dishes. Continental options include Medovnik cake, cereals, cold meats and cheeses, and fresh fruit. Guests that book a stay on Fridays also get free beer. On the downside, there's no full restaurant or bar here. Although the hotel also lacks a gym, the small spa is a welcome extra. The glitzy spa has red and blue mood lighting, shimmering gold mosaic tiles, and Egyptian touches with themed artwork, bronze pots with scented candles, and glittering throw pillows. A whirlpool, sauna, and treatment room for Thai massages are on offer, however, a fee is required to use any of the facilities. Secure off-site parking is at a fee. Guests can bring small pets for a charge, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.