Smetana Hotel

Pachtuv Palace has a rich history, evident in the ornate Baroque vaulted ceilings and original frescoes that it's retained -- and in its roster of famous guests. The 17-century property was once Mozart's temporary residence, and as the story goes, the palace's owner, Earl Hubert Karel Pachta, locked the composer in a room until he'd finished an orchestral piece. Today, the hotel has a harmonious mix of classic and contemporary decor, with a clever reuse of the former palace's common areas. The hotel's cigar club, which occupies what was once the home's private chapel, is a particularly warm and inviting space. A peaceful courtyard is in the center of the property, which serves as the cafe's outdoor seating area in warm weather. The hotel mostly draws couples given the romantic atmosphere.

Pachtuv Palace is in an excellent location at the west end of Old Town overlooking Charles River, Mala Strana, and Prague Castle. It's one of Prague's closest hotels to Charles Bridge, just a two-minute walk away, and numerous cafes and restaurants are in the area. 

The Karlovy Lazne tram stop is across the street, and the Narodni Trida metro station is about five minutes by tram or a little more than five minutes on foot. The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Baroque Church of the Holy Saviour. Old Town Square and Prague Astronomical Clock are about a 10-minute stroll from the hotel, as is Wenceslas Square and the National Museum. Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral are about a five-minute drive or a little more than 20 minutes by bus. Hlavni Nadrazi train station is a little more than a five-minute drive or 20 minutes by tram from the hotel. Vaclav Havel Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive from the Pachtuv Palace, or 35 minutes by airport express train from Hlavni Nadrazi station. 

Rooms and suites at Pachtuv Palace aren't overly luxurious, but they have a refined and upscale look. Expect chandeliers, parquet floors, quality dark wood furniture including four-poster beds, and a mix of classical and modern art. Spaces are done in warm neutrals, with gold decorative throws and burnt-orange pillows that add extra polish. All guest rooms have AC, kitchenettes, minibars, espresso machines, large flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Beds are comfortable, and rooms also come with turndown service.  

Suites have seating areas, and some boast views of the river, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. Bathrooms are spacious with decor that's more contemporary. All have shower/tub combos and some have separate showers and tubs.  The hotel offers the first three free of charge. All bathrooms come with L'Occitane products, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers. The aromatic shower caps scented with lime, peppermint, or rose are a bonus, and the first three are free of charge. 

A few rooms may get noise from the promenade or an adjoining alley. Rooms start at a generous 388 square feet, and are all nonsmoking. 

Pachtuv Palace doesn't have a ton of amenities, but there are excellent eating and drinking options. There's a fine-dining restaurant that serves Czech-French fusion cuisine. Menus focus on seasonal and local ingredients, with entrees such as Guinea Fowl with Paprika Sauce and Spatzle. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and Vltava River views from its dining room. The cafe overlooks the river, too, and serves drinks, pastries, and a fantastic breakfast for a fee, with Eggs Benedict as a highlight. In fine weather, guests can dine alfresco in a courtyard. The hotel offers 24-hour room service.

An intimate cigar club is situated in the palace's early 17th-century chapel. In addition to a wide selection of fine cigars, it has a lengthly menu of liquors and wines. The Pachtuv doesn't have an on-site fitness center or pool, but a nearby health club offers the use of both for a reduced fee. The hotel also offers in-room massages (for a fee), and has meeting rooms, wedding services, concierge services, airport transfer (for a fee), and parking (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout.