Golden Well Hotel

The setting and historic property are lovely, with great views from the hotel restaurant, and the location is away from the crowds and noise. In summer, the private entrance to the castle gardens must be a real highlight. The staff need more local knowledge, though: as a local, I could only check in in English, and when I asked for food and café suggestions, they sent me to the biggest tourist traps. It was also a very intense check-in, with different staff greeting us, a five-minute beer offer and a wet towel, followed immediately by a request for passports. I imagine no one wants their passports getting wet. Some details felt overlooked for such an upmarket hotel beneath the castle. The bathroom products aren’t local, there was shampoo but no shower gel, and the body lotion was far too thin for winter skin. We couldn’t figure out how to switch off the bedside radio or the bathroom light, so instructions for the gadgets would have helped. The free coffee was capsules only. A cake was left on my bedside table while we were out, and arriving late meant I kept bumping into its plate and spoon during the night. At breakfast, staff repeatedly offered soup, wine, sparkling wine and juice, which made me feel they were focused on upselling. They have the location and premises, but the staff’s final touches and sophistication let it down.

The team at Golden Well Hotel clearly wanted our stay to be special, and they succeeded. My wife and I spent four nights in Prague for our anniversary, and we’d love to stay here again if we return. Oleg and Vasyl at the front desk were especially kind and consistently helpful. Andrea, who hosted breakfast on the terrace upstairs, was also incredibly friendly. The terrace has a spectacular view, and breakfast was delicious, with fruit, bread, cheese and cereal, plus omelettes, pancakes, waffles and other made-to-order options. Each evening, turn-down service left a small dessert in our room. From about 4 to 6 PM, they also put out cookies, nuts, cake, mulled wine, coffee and tea in a welcoming little side room. Our room was lovely and well equipped, with a distant view of Old Town and a view of Saint Nicholas Church, about a three-minute walk away. The hotel sits in a beautiful 16th-century building that has been fully renovated with modern amenities. Tyco Brahe, the famous astronomer, once lived there, and the cobbled path leading to it adds to the charm. It’s in a picturesque, quiet, and seemingly safe part of the city, within walking distance of major sights. The hotel sits below the castle district, so the walk to the castle complex and cathedral is fairly short but steep. Charles Bridge is about 15 minutes away, with the Lennon wall another 10 or 15 minutes from the hotel near the bridge. Old Town is busier and takes around 20 or 30 minutes to reach on foot. The tram stop is only a few minutes away and easy to use. Public transport, including trains and the metro, is free in Prague for people over 65, perhaps over 60. We recommend Golden Well Hotel with great enthusiasm.

It’s a beautiful historic hotel with a wonderful room, excellent service, and a stunning view from breakfast. Old Town is a bit of a hike across the river, but the neighborhood is a good fit if you’re after somewhere more laid-back.

The staff were great, breakfast was a treat, and the location suited our visit perfectly. We walked to all the main sights and loved our stay. Highly recommend.