Hotel Residence Agnes

Set on a calm cobblestone street, the Hotel Residence Agnes sports a dashing pale-pink-and-white facade that harmonizes well with neighboring buildings in other pastel shades. The building has a lengthy history dating back to 1369, but it's well maintained and underwent extensive renovations as recently as 2012. A wooden front desk topped with green apples and floral arrangements sits by the entrance to greet guests. But the most impressive feature of the hotel is its small atrium, a bright and airy space with cobbled floors, green trees, plants, and flowers, that make these interiors far lighter than many other historic properties. The biggest drawback of the property is the elevator which doesn’t reach the fourth floor, requiring some guests to walk up a flight of stairs. The hotel mainly attracts couples who want a charming and quiet sanctuary in Old Town. 

The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. Many restaurants and cafes are within walking distance of the property, and most popular attractions can be reached on foot, including the Charles Bridge, a 17-minute walk away; the Josefov or the Jewish Quarter, a nine-minute walk; and the Municipal House (a concert hall), a seven-minute walk away. Old Town Square and its Astronomical Clock are an eight-minute walk away. Prague Castle is a bit of a hike at 23 minutes away, though the hotel provides a free car service to the sight. It takes five minutes on foot to reach the Palladium shopping center. A trolley and a bus stop is a three-minute walk away, while Vaclav Havel Airport Prague is a 24-minute drive. 

Guest Rooms at the Hotel Residence Agnes have a traditional, tasteful look with brown carpeting, forest-green bedspreads in a floral pattern, wrought-iron chandeliers, and dark hardwood furniture and accents. White walls add a bit of lightness, but the dark color scheme and small windows can make the rooms feel heavy. Beds are framed with wooden headboards with built-in nightstands and lamps flanking both sides; some rooms like the Family Rooms have a tan pullout sofa with metallic throw pillows. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, and minibars, though they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are sleek, albeit small, even Family Rooms have snug bathrooms. But they're neatly outfitted with glossy tan tiles, wall-mounted sinks, and shower stalls. Hairdryers, toiletries, magnifying mirrors and towel warmers are tucked into these spaces as well.

Hotel Residence Agnes’ central location is the boutique hotel’s best feature, as it has few on-site amenities to speak of. There’s a breakfast buffet, usually included in the room rate, that’s  served in the breakfast room, but it can also be brought to guest rooms. Free tea and coffee is offered in the lobby and helpful staff often offer free drinks and snacks to travelers coming and going. For those staying more than three nights, there’s a free airport or train pick-up service. And a free car service can take guests to Prague Castle. Though the hotel can set travelers up with parking, either on the street or in a nearby garage, it costs a fee. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.