Alqush Downtown Hotel

Built in 1895, the Alqush Downtown Hotel occupies a handsome, Art Nouveau building with a pink facade. A large, wooden, curved reception counter dominates the lobby, which embraces an opulent decor of gold-and-ivory-colored fabric drapes with tassels, and wooden armchairs and sofas upholstered in matching fabrics. The wrought-iron staircase is an interesting period detail, and a few potted plants add life to an otherwise dark space, despite the large windows. The hotel draws mainly tourists, especially couples and families, despite a location that's a bit removed from major attractions.

Alqush Downtown Hotel is in Prague's New Town, a short walk to I.P. Pavlova subway station, which puts most of the major sights within easy reach. There are a few bars, restaurants, shops, and convenience stores in the immediate neighborhood, but the major attractions of Old Town and Prague Castle require a drive or a ride on public transportation.

• Six-minute walk to I.P. Pavlova subway station
• Eight-minute drive to Vysehrad Fort
• 12 minutes to Wenceslas Square by public transportation (20-minute walk)
• 12 minutes to Prague Castle by public transportation
• 15 minutes to Old Jewish Cemetery by public transportation
• 19 minutes to the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock by public transportation
• 20 minutes to Palladium Shopping Center by public transportation
• 20 minutes to National Theater by public transportation
• 21 minutes to Charles Bridge by public transportation
• 26 minutes to Golden Lane by public transportation
• 28 minutes to St Vitus Cathedral by public transportation
• 49 minutes to Prague Airport by public transportation

The Algush Dowtown Hotel's 24 rooms include Doubles (some with twin beds), two-room Junior Suites, and three-room Family Apartments. All are decorated in a similar style reminiscent of Louis XVI, but the result feels old-fashioned. All are spacious, with high ceilings, tall double-pane windows, and red carpeting. Gold and cream sets the color palette, with white furniture, ornate gold-and-cream-colored curtains surrounding the windows, and matching bedspreads. Framed mirrors and floral or architectural prints adorn the walls, but they feel less elegant than grandmotherly.

All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles/coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, safes, and hairdryers. Irons and ironing boards are available on request, as well as bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. The olive-green-and-cream-tile bathrooms have shower stalls and towel warmers, but they lack counter storage space. Despite the double-pane windows, street-facing rooms pick up a bit of noise, and guests have complained about a slow Wi-Fi connection.

This small mid-range hotel offers up a limited number of amenities. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, and is served in the hotel's basement dining room, offering a selection of hot and cold dishes like breads, cereals, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, cut vegetables, eggs, sausages, and fruit. The property also has a small bar next to the lobby, and an internet corner with two PCs for guests' use. Two on-site meeting rooms can be rented for meetings and events. Secure parking in front of the hotel is available for a daily fee. Other services include currency exchange, laundry, luggage storage, and the hotel will arrange transfers to and from the airport. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.