Fodor's Expert Review Golden Well

Consistently rated one of Prague's best boutique hotels, the Golden Well is hidden away at the top of a narrow side street in Malá Strana. Effectively built into the side of a hill below Prague Castle (it's so close, guests get free tickets to the castle gardens), the location affords spectacular views of the city. The hotel's restaurant, too, is a top-quality affair, but what most distinguishes the Golden Well is its staff; they're easily the best, and the friendliest, in Prague.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It's a hilly but fairly short walk up to the Golden Well, although if this is an issue cabs can drive right up to the gates of the property.

room

Rooms are done in a classic, sumptuous Renaissance style, some with original ceiling beams, although the age of the building means electrical outlets are in short supply. But other modern touches are welcome: there's a coffee maker, iPod, iPad, and free Wi-Fi in every room.

The beautiful Tyco de Brahe suite suite is named after the astronomer, who lived in this very building. He was the court astronomer and mathematician to the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and the hotel's private entrance to the castle gardens was his quick way in whenever he was summoned.

bathroom

Bathrooms are spacious—some rooms even come with corner Jacuzzis. The palette is a soothing burnt orange, brown, and cream.

lobby

The hotel's plush reception area, up a few stairs and with a lovely terrace of Prague to the side (complete with chairs for guests to enjoy complimentary afternoon drinks), is serviceable, but the staff seal the deal: nothing is too much trouble.

spa

There's no spa, but you can get massages in your room, or make your room feel a little like a spa with the hotel's aromatic bath service: they'll have your hot, relaxing soak ready for you when you get back from sightseeing.

dining

Consistently voted one of the best in the Czech Republic, the Golden Well's eponymous restaurant (U Zlate Studne in Czech) serves delicious, luxury food in relaxed but swanky surroundings--and the view from the terraces (two heated, and one indoors) over the red rooftops of Prague, towards the Old Town, is to die for. In the morning, a delicious breakfast is served here complete with sparkling wine.

The hotel's private dining venue, for 4 people, is available in the summer and is directly in the palace gardens, with its own entrance through the hotel. It is truly lovely.

drinking

The hotel's recently renovated bar, tucked into the side of the windy, ancient hotel building, has a pleasant, sunny outdoor terrace close to the castle gardens, or inside the bar things are suitably glitzy. The bar and restaurant are part of an exclusive handful worldwide that are eligible to serve vintage Moët & Chandon champagnes plus Rémy Martin Louis XIII Fortress liquor.