EMPIRENT Karlin Apartments

The flat was a good size, looked nice and was well located. We also liked having air conditioning and a pleasant balcony. The staff were friendly, although the reception desk was nearly always empty and most communication happened by phone. Our door was changed during the stay without any advance notice. We weren't told how to use the new card, and three phone numbers didn't work. In the end, we found a number posted by the house entrance and got the information we needed.

Thanks for sorting out the little problems we ran into so quickly and efficiently. You made our time in Prague special, and we're taking home lovely memories. Hope we can visit again soon! Inge Lucas

I was left outside in the rain, wondering whether I'd been scammed. The address led to a locked residential building, with a mailroom and then another keypad that kept people out. There was no hotel front desk, no check-in instructions or sign explaining what to do, and no one I could reach. I ended up having to book a last-minute hotel down the street, which cost me time and money. I'd made a Saturday-night reservation weeks in advance and arrived at noon on Saturday. The building had a restaurant and a flag marked empirent, but that was all. When I called the number, I was told they were open Monday to Friday and to call back on Saturday. With no staff available and no way to get in, I was completely stuck. If check-in works in an unusual way, guests should be told ahead of time. A hotel can't leave people with no help on a weekend. It was a miserable experience. Don't make the same mistake I did.

The breakfast delivery was a nice touch: pastries, yoghurt, porridge, fruit and juice each day. The apartment itself was roomy, spread over two floors, and well equipped, with an open kitchen and dining area, two bathrooms, a washing machine and ironing board. The sofa also converts into a bed. There’s a balcony with outdoor seating, and the three large skylights are remote controlled. The main bathroom had a deep bath and high-end fittings. The Czech beer package was especially good value, and the other extras you can buy were good value too. The B line metro is about a two-minute walk away, and it takes around three stops to reach the old town at mustek. There’s also a nice Italian takeaway next door. The TV has Netflix, though we brought our own Android box. The only snag was that the 5.1 surround sound wasn't connected to the DVD player, so it didn't work, but the TV sound was fine. A wonderful stay, and I'd definitely come back.