Hotel Savoy

We found the location especially useful for Prague Castle, with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Malý Buddha was a highlight, great Asian food at very reasonable prices. We’d return to Prague for that meal alone. The building’s striking facade and impressive public areas also made a great first impression, and the hotel feels well placed in this historic part of the city. Our room was spotless and comfortable, with a good bed, modern bathroom, and an excellent shower with strong pressure, steady temperature, and good coverage. The TV was current and easy to use. Breakfast was generous and varied, served in attractive surroundings. The restaurant and bar teams were professional and pleasant. The senior barman was consistently knowledgeable, attentive, and personable, and his service lifted the whole bar experience. Still, the stay didn’t feel like a true four-star experience. The basics were solid, but service lacked the polish and thoughtful touches I’d expect at that level. Reception staff were professional but not especially warm or accommodating. At check-in, no one explained the room features, Wi-Fi, breakfast hours, or spa and wellness facilities. The wellness center itself is small, really just a couple of well-appointed basement rooms. It’s pleasant and functional, but the hotel shouldn’t present it as a luxurious center. We also opted out of daily housekeeping for privacy during our five-night stay. On day four, we asked for fresh towels, more toilet rolls, and replacement coffee pods. We were told the pods would cost extra or could be bought at the bar. We were left with just three pods for four days and had to choose between paying or going without. At this price and advertised star rating, charging for basic in-room supplies when guests decline housekeeping feels inappropriate. The policy, or how it was communicated and handled, was poor and undermined the stay. It felt more like two- or three-star practice.

The receptionist dealt with our complaint politely and professionally, and offered wellness access, including the pool and sauna, plus breakfast as a goodwill gesture. But we had paid almost €750 for the weekend, and expected the room and service to match a hotel in this price category. They didn’t. On arrival, we found beard and pubic hairs in the shower, bidet, and sink. The shower and kitchenette had limescale stains, the kettle was full of limescale, and the floor hadn’t been vacuumed properly. We took photos. When we raised it, the housekeeper reacted rudely and defensively, saying it couldn’t be true because the cleaning lady had blonde hair and the hairs must be ours, although we had only just checked in. She then spoke Russian or Ukrainian in front of us and complained about us. That was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional. I’m a professionally trained Diploma Hotel Management Assistant and have worked in five-star hotels, so I know the hygiene and guest service standards expected. What we experienced was far below them.

The location is right beside the castle on the hills, and the hotel has a perfect public transport connection to the city. The train station is about 30 minutes away. In good weather, the view across Prague is wonderful. Our spacious attic room was quiet, tidy, clean, and full of character, and we were welcomed with a fruit basket and a bottle of Prosecco. There was one issue after showering: the carpet outside the bathroom door got wet. Also, sauna and spa access costs €49 per person per hour on top of the reservation. Staff told us this, but my daughter and I had been excited to try the spa on the rainy second day. At that price range, I think the extra charge should be made clearer in the advertising.

We were very happy with our stay and would return. The rooms and public spaces were spotless, with no mould, cobwebs, or dust in the corners. The beds were super comfortable, well insulated, and had all the amenities. There’s a terrace on the seventh floor for a quiet drink outside. The tram 22 stop is right outside, Prague Castle is a five-minute walk away, and Petrin Hill takes about 15 minutes on foot. There are plenty of cafes nearby. Everyone was very friendly and spoke English well. Martin at reception was especially helpful, and you can buy three- or seven-day passes there.