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Fodor's Expert Review Maximilian

Name: Maximilian
Address: Haštalská 14, Prague, Praha, 110 00, Czech Republic
Telephone: -225–303–111
Price range: $$

Haštalská 14, Prague, Praha 110 00, Czech Republic See on Map

Jennifer Rigby

A beautifully designed hotel in the heart of Old Town is a tasteful fusion of light, airy modernism. The look works perfectly in the lobby, with chrome lamps and square armchairs, but is less successful in the rooms, which can be dark and gloomy. What is mood-lifting is the hotel's Planet Zen spa. The location can't be beat, with excellent restaurants nearby and a five-minute walk from Old Town Square or the Námĕstí Republiky Metro station.

Guests can even borrow a goldfish to keep them company in their rooms.

room

Stripped back elegance is the name of the game here, and for solo travelers, single rooms are available. The look doesn't always work--sometimes the rooms can feel too stripped back--but the simple whites, creams, and blues of the rooms are soothing.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel is comprised of two buildings, the Red House and the Black House. In the Red House, the elevator only goes up to the 5th floor, so if you have mobility issues, make sure to clarify where your room will be beforehand.

bathroom

The bathrooms are spacious, crisp and clean, with large mirrors, although perhaps not quite enough counter space. There are rainfall showers too, but the glass partitions may not be for everyone.

lobby

The Maximilian's lobby is a bit of a show-off: all lacquer check-in desks and a backlit yellow onyx wall. It looks pretty good, though.

spa

The Thai-inspired Planet Zen spa is a relaxing, gently lit corner offering massages and beauty treatments. The Zen Romance, an aromatherapy massage for two followed by a coconut milk and flower petal bath and champagne, is particularly recommended. Guests get discounts on some treatments if booked in advance.

dining

The hotel offers a fantastic breakfast, often included in the basic rate, but there's no on-site restaurant for dinner.

drinking

The cosy honesty bar and library at the Maximilian are a lovely touch.

LOCATION

Getting Around

For any of the sights of Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, you are within a couple of minutes' walk. You are also close to the outer edge of the pedestrianised parts of the Old Town, so getting a cab is easier than in other Old Town locations. Metro and tram stops for trips further afield are also not far away (head to Náměstí Republiky).

Restaurants

You are within a few meters of two of Prague's finest dining options, for very different reasons. First up there's Lokal (1-minute walk), a modern take on the traditional Czech brewpub with great versions of classics like svíčková, beef with cream sauce and dumplings. Then there's La Degustation (1-minute) a fancier, tasting-menu style place with a great reputation for inventive Czech or European-inspired dishes and a Michelin star.

Bars

For clubbers, Harleys (3-minute walk) doesn't take itself too seriously and plays fun tunes in a slightly sweaty basement bar. For more refined imbibing, try swanky cocktail bar L'Fleur (4-minute walk).