Wander up the cobbled, traffic-free streets to The Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), clinging to the wall in the shadow of Prague Castle, and you will uncover one of the city's best kept secrets. This collection of inter-locking houses was once home to Emperor Rudolf II, and later the astronomer Tycho de Brahe. Sensitive renovation has created a cosy yet refined hotel, with a pleasing balance of mod cons and old style elegance, topped off by superlative 5* service.
Arranged over four floors, many of the rooms offer exhilarating views over the "City of a Hundred Spires" and Baroque Garden. Guests are loaned a free iPad and smartphone to help orientate and explore. Together with superb cuisine and fantastic service, it all adds up to a relaxing retreat that you won't want to leave.
Highs
- Unbeatable location in Prague's historic centre, with views over the picturesque Mala Strana district
- Top-floor restaurant: quality dining with a vista to die for
- Direct access from restaurant terrace into Prague Castle (April to October)
- The rich history of the building is accentuated by Renaissance style furnishing and unique works of art
- We found the service truly outstanding, from the super-friendly welcome to the bedside treats at turndown
Lows
- There's no spa or gym (in truth, they would feel out of place in this historic building)
- This hotel is designed for couples; don't expect family-friendly facilities
- Fans of modern design may want to look elsewhere, the look is more classical than contemporary
- The restaurant is a little pricey - but well worth it
Best time to go
There's always something going on in Prague. Spring and autumn are ideal. Bear in mind that the Czechs have serious winters, while summer in the city can be stifling.
Our top tips
Make the most of the complimentary afternoon wine and nibbles, served from 4-6pm daily. It's a lovely touch, and typical of the generosity of the hotel and their staff.
- Boutique Hotel
- 19 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
Spacious, high-ceilinged rooms enhance the sensation of staying in the rooftops of the city. Most have great views over the historic centre or the garden.
Superior Rooms are perfectly comfortable but lack views. Deluxe and Grand Deluxe Rooms overlook the garden or the city. The Suites are the largest with a separate living area and stunning views.
Wooden floors are softened with thick rugs, while the Apple TV is kept in a discreet wooden cabine (there are in-room iPads and free WiFi, too). Textiles are matched by the marble in the sparkling bathrooms, all of which have baths and showers. Don't forget to snuggle up in the complimentary gown and slippers afterwards.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast (additional cost) is a dignified affair, taken in the formal dining room accompanied by classical music. The spread includes fruit, yoghurt, cereal, cold cuts and cheese, washed down with a choice of juices and hot drinks. The black rye bread is a winner. Follow it up with grilled bacon, sausage and eggs (scrambled, fried or omelette) to prepare you for a full day in the capital.
The restaurant prepares delicious French-influenced dishes, served with a smile. The red and burnished gold theme provides an appropriately theatrical backdrop to the panoramic view.
For starters, tuck into salmon carpaccio with St Jacques mussels, sushi and ginger. Or plump for succulent snails baked with mushrooms with roasted chicory and potatoes.
Main courses include baked duck breast on red cabbage, drizzled with honey sauce and served with potato dumplings; and grilled tiger prawns on garlic butter, served with crab-filled puff pastries. For the carnivorous, there is succulent beef sirloin, while vegetarians are also well catered for.
Dinner can be taken on the terrace below the castle gardens, or in the restaurant itself. Restaurant and room service (take your pick from the restaurant menu) are available from 7am-11pm every day.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Prazsky Hrad is on your doorstep, so make the most of possibly the oldest castle in the world. Drop by the Castle Gallery for Titians, Tintorettos and Baroque Bohemian art. Rudolph II, the previous owner of U Zlate Studni, collected most of the works on display
- Stroll to Staromestske Namesti, the Old Town Square, for a slice of history followed by a slice of cake
- Peruse the varied architecture in Wenceslas Square before sampling the nightlife in Nove Mesto
- Check out the Charles Bridge with its Gothic gateways, for over 400 years the only link between the two halves of the city
- Lose the crowds on the island of Kampa, whose Museum Kampa is a spanking new gallery showcasing Czech art
- Take in a matinee concert at the Romanesque St Martin in the Wall (every Saturday and Sunday)
- Take the funicular up to Petrin Hill for sunset, then a spot of stargazing at Stefanikova hvezdárna, the Petrin Observatory
- Say it with a statue: a little down Petrin Hill stands the bust of 19th century Romantic poet Karel Hynek Macha. Best known for his love poem "Maj" (May), couples pay homage on the first of that month
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Swimming
- Tennis
Kids
The hotel welcomes children but there are not any facilities for children, nor is the hotel family orientated. Under 12s go free and cots are also available.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The twin rooms can be useful and extra beds can be fitted in the Suites (supplement cost).
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Golden Well Hotel is below the walls of Prague Castle and surrounded by the Castle rose gardens in the quaint Mala Strana or "Little Quarter" of Prague.
By Air
Fly into Ruzyne International (15km).
From the Airport
The airport is a 30-minute drive from Prague town centre - you can take a taxi or ask the hotel to send a car. Alternatively, the airport mini-bus service is cost-effective and will drop you at the hotel, although you have to wait until it is full before it sets off.
By Car
Although driving in Prague is not necessary, if you want to hire a car the hotel has underground garages for parking.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Prague and getting around
Airports:
- Prague Ruzyne 15.0 km PRG
Other:
- Beach 737.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km