Clarion Grandhotel Zlaty Lev

The breakfast had an amazing, wide selection, and I liked that dogs are allowed. But we found some serious problems in the room, and thankfully we only stayed one night. The hot and cold markings on the bathtub tap, red and blue, were opposite to how the water actually worked. Under the bed there was a really thick layer of dust, with old tissues and candy wrappers. It looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks or months.

For an affordable hotel, the place feels luxurious, like staying in a palace. The rooms are spacious and well designed, with plenty of amenities. The standout was the very high-quality breakfast, with lots of choice: roasted vegetables, plenty of desserts including yoghurt panna cotta, plus the usual scrambled eggs and more. It really helps this hotel punch above its weight.

Our stay was great value, and the historic tavern downstairs exceeded my expectations for meals. The 460-year-old beer is a must-try. The breakfast buffet was excellent too. Service wasn’t flawless, but the staff showed more care and passion for hospitality than I’ve seen in most 4-star hotels in Prague. This is a beautiful art nouveau grand hotel, opened in 1906 by Emperor Franz Josef of Austro-Hungary. The facades are in great condition, and the updated interiors still mostly fit the original concept, even without a "Versailles" renovation budget. It’s good for families, with reasonably priced family rooms and suites and a large kids corner where adults can bring drinks and chat while the little ones run around.

We’d planned to stay one night and carry on touring the Czech Republic on our motorbike, but a major breakdown brought us back to the Clarion Grand Hotel just a couple of hours later. After we explained the situation to the manager, they let us book day by day while we figured out what would happen. The Clarion Grand Hotel personnel stayed friendly, helpful and supportive throughout our five-night stay, until we were repatriated to the UK. Our room was comfortable and clean, with a nice view of the old castle and the park opposite. The breakfast was superb, with a fantastic selection, and the Breakfast Staff, Vladimer, a lady whose name I didn’t get, Ella and the others greeted us each day with warm smiles and asked how things were going. The hotel facilities and personnel made an unexpected stay comfortable. It’s only minutes from Liberec town square.