Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Prague in the Malá Strana district (west side of the river), lies what can only be described as complete bliss in the form of one the city’s best hotels – The Golden Well. This Renaissance style hotel dates back to 1528 when the property was originally held by Rudolf II, the Roman Emperor and Habsburg King and sits immediately below the ramparts of Prague Castle and a mear stones throw from the Czech parliament.
Hotel Details
Small in size at only 17 rooms and 2 suites the property is petite but perfectly formed, and whilst away from the centre in complete privacy you are a only a five minute walk to the Charles Bridge and 15 minutes into the main town square so you can have the best of both world’s when you stay.
Ambiance & Check In
The hotel is tucked away up a cobbled lane so you might be forgiven for struggling to find it first time around. Walk straight uphill from the Czech Parliament follow a cobbled lane to the right and at the end of the lane lies the Golden Well Hotel.
Enter through the courtyard with the well still visible to your left, ahead of you is the reception, go through the door and pull back the velvet curtains into the small homely reception area.
Check-in is a personal affair, with the feeling of arriving at a long term friends house rather than hotel. The usual documents are taken, refreshing hand-towels are given, swipe of the credit card and maps and ‘what to do’s in Prague’ are provided. A nice little finishing touch is that we were presented with a voucher for two classic cocktails which we could enjoy in the bar during our stay which appeared to be part of the process for all guests.
The Rooms
There are three room types and two suites. (Superior, Delux, Grand Delux). We stayed in room 21, which was a Superior with a view out to the Royal rose garden and city beyond. The room has a feel of a royal retreat, not surprising given the proximity to the castle.
Superior rooms come with a king sized bed, which was incredibly comfortable I was out like a light. Writing desk if you are feeling in the creative mood and lots of other little extras and wooden floors and rugs which given the room a traditional finish. The usual well stocked mini bar, television with large amount of channels and safe were all present and correct.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was generously proportioned, modern and clean, completed in a mix of tiles and marble. Ahead of you is large wash basin, to the left bath with rain-shower and seperate paddle shower. Bathroom amenities were Molton Brown and six large bottles are provided.
Being a man I love gadgets, and yes I was fascinated by the Japanese electric toilet, which took ‘spending a penny’ to the next level.
Some of the practical things I liked
The room had it’s own Ipad directly connected to the internet. I am seeing this more and more now in luxury hotels and it’s certainly a good idea if you need to check something online and don’t want to start pulling out laptops or trying to get onto the hotels wifi (which was free for reference). One bedside table had an iphone charger/sound system.
Some of the finishing touches
The room had so many little finishing touches …..where do you start! Whilst I almost expect a Nespresso in every room I stay at now, it is always a welcome sight to see proper coffee-making facilities. A bowl of fresh fruit was on the dresser table on arrival.
Turn Down Service
An evening turn down service was given during our stay and we came back from dinner out to the bed turned down and bottled water and cakes on the bedside tables and the curtains drawn.
Other Parts of the Hotel
The hotel is small, so there are not the usual plethora of spa, gym and other communal areas you get in larger properties, but you really don’t need it here it’s perfect just the way it is.
Opportunities to see the buildings historical past are visible throughout the property. Open plaster walls visible in the stairs to the first floor.
Club Lounge
A stay at the hotel does grant access to the club lounge, decked out with art-deco settee and sideboard. There is a business centre with refreshments provided throughout the day and extended refreshments provided daily between 4pm and 6pm.
Food and Drink
Restaurant Terasa U Zlate
Few restaurants in Prague offer such a winning formula as Terasa U Zlate the hotels restaurant; award-winning for both its food and views.
The restaurant is a destination in itself attracting Prague’s elite. It would be in the cities summer months where the restaurant can be taken to it’s full advantage with outdoor dining and cocktail terrace providing breathtaking views across the cities rooftops. Breakfast is also served here and what a great place to start the day!
Being limited on time didn’t manage to eat in the restaurant, but we did drink the hotels welcome cocktails in the rather cute little bar next to the restaurant.
Afternoon Tea
Between 4 and 6 each day a free afternoon tea buffet is served in the club lounge, providing a wide selection of teas, coffee, light hors d’oeuvres and cakes.
Final Thoughts
This hotel was just what I was looking for in a retreat from a days exploring one of Europe’s prettiest cities. It has all the modern conveniences you need, but it’s historical charm and superior attention to detail place it firmly at the top in Prague hotel terms, a must stay in this charming city.
Finances and Details
A stay in a superior room is approx £180 per night.
Address: U Zlaté studně 166/4, 118 01 Praha 1, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 257 011 213
Web: www.goldenwell.cz/default-en.html
Malá Strana, 118 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czech Republic
