9 Best Hotels in Stare Mesto (Old Town), Prague

This gorgeous hotel, with a chic courtyard and atrium, is tucked away on a quiet alley in Staré Mĕsto and is a comfortable haven from the hustle and bustle of Prague. Sleek white walls contrast with beautiful dark wood, from the breakfast room to the bedroom headboards, but the design doesn't overshadow comfort, with hypoallergenic bedding and roomy beds. The price point is good, considering the location and atmosphere of the hotel. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and breakfast is included. A relaxing choice but book early, as it is popular.

A friendly jewel-theme hotel that's close to all the Staré Mĕsto 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. Beds are large and luxurious, though some rooms are not huge. Save money by booking one of the three single rooms if you're traveling alone. There can be a little street noise; the hotel bar overlooking said street is a cool place to start or end your night and offers discounts for guests.

Though it has plenty of competition at the top end of the market, the Prague outpost of the Four Seasons luxury chain keeps up, not least because it simply has one of the best locations in the city: right on the river, close to the Charles Bridge, giving guests beautiful views from many of the rooms and a general fairy-tale feel. It has a mix of old European-style and more modern rooms across its different wings (there are four buildings in all; the modern structure is joined by existing buildings from the baroque, neoclassical, and neo-Renaissance eras). It's classic Four Seasons throughout: exceedingly comfortable, stately, perhaps-a-little-too-traditional decoration combined with all modern conveniences, a knockout spa and pool, and formal, conscientious service. There's a lavish breakfast spread that, alas, is not included in the basic rate. Both the Italian and Japanese in-house restaurants (the latter on the roof) are brilliant, too. Try to reserve well in advance (three months) to get a better rate.

This stately old art nouveau palais dominates a picturesque corner near the Powder Tower and Námĕstí Republiky. The rooms are decked out in elegant cream linens and dark-wood furniture for a conservative tone (save for some whimsical carpeting). Although the location is good, the rooms can be a bit overpriced when compared with others in the area. The upper-floor suites have amazing views of Staré Mĕsto. During the communist period the hotel was used as an exclusive residence for high-ranking party members. Don't miss the hotel tour.

The main selling point here is the amazing location (practically on top of one of Prague's most famous sights, the astronomical clock), but this has its downside: with the wonderful views comes a big tourist scrum from the moment you venture outside. A hearty breakfast is included, and the hotel's Cafe Mozart is a nice spot for a drink. Some rooms have views that are a stone's throw from the clock, but these come at a slightly higher price point.

If you're looking for history, the Iron Gate has it in spades—the original building dates to the 14th century, and the architectural details are fascinating (ask to see a room with painted ceiling beams). During the 16th century it underwent a major renovation, adding balconies and terraces. In 2003 it was restored yet again, exposing the original frescoes that had been hidden for years. The sleigh beds, tasteful antique touches, and fluffy terry bathrobes are nice details.

Cool, clean, white lines dominate the decor of this ultra-hip modern boutique hotel designed by London-based Czech architect Eva Jiricna. There are no suites, only single and double rooms, so the sizes range from small to smaller, but Jiricna knows how to manipulate space, glass, and color to make even the smallest space breathable. 

The rooms in this former convent once served as interrogation cells for the communist secret police, and the late president Václav Havel was once even a "guest" here—though, fortunately, the lobby and rooms betray nothing of this gloomy past. Cozy twins, doubles, and suites are airy, light, and modern, and the central location is good. Although it's no longer the great value it was when the Christian charity Unitas ran it as a hostel, the historical pedigree makes up for it.

Surprisingly quiet considering its location just steps from Old Town Square, the Ventana delivers old-school style and charm in spades. Beautiful black-and-white tiles line the lobby of this old grande dame building, and staff go out of their way to make the grown-up, old-fashioned crowd that stays here feel at home. The standard, beige rooms lack a little of the wow factor of the lobby (and the bar, housed in a five-story atrium with a serious chandelier in the middle), although the two-floor loft rooms complete with beams are pretty special, and many rooms offer views of the Prague skyline, picturesque Týn Church, or Old Town Square itself. A good breakfast is included.