Fodor's Expert Review Design Hotel Jewel Prague

A friendly jewel-themed hotel that's close to all the Old Town action, the staff here go the extra mile, from the little afternoon tea cakes brought to your room to the bedtime story cards distributed in the evening. There can be a little street noise; the hotel bar overlooking said street is a cool place to start or end your night.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Light sleepers may be bothered by the street noise, but not all rooms face the street: ask for a quieter spot if you have concerns.

room

Beds are large and luxurious (with extra-large, cosy duvets provided, and a pillow menu), though some rooms are not huge. All are attractively decorated according to their jewel name: pearl, amethyst, sapphire, and so-on. Save money by booking one of the three single rooms if you're traveling alone.

Forget using up your roaming data on weather apps: the hotel staff deliver you a weather forecast every evening, alongside your bedtime story and a dessert.

bathroom

The small-ish bathrooms are also jewel-like, with attractive mosaic tiles on the walls and in the showers. Cosmetics are by Eco-Boutique, and the provided towels, bathrobes, and slippers are fluffy.

lobby

The reception is also brightly decked out, with shining mosaics, and staff are keen to help. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, and the stone stairs leading up to the rooms blend the building's history with warm, vibrant modern colours.

dining

Breakfast is good, with various tasty fruit and salad pots. It's included and served in the restaurant/bar at the front of the hotel, which apparently has 10,000 crystals dotted around. It manages not to be garish, though, and there's a regularly changing, modern menu.

drinking

The restaurant doubles up as a cafe and bar, and is a scene-y spot for a classic cocktail, wine or beer--it can get busy later in the night, with DJs playing, but it has a nice chilled atmosphere even if you are the only guests early on. The outdoor tables are a good place to watch the street traffic go by, in a pleasant, wide street on the edge of the Old Town.

There are discounts for guests in the bar--try the Martinis.