Prague – Czech Republic
Modern-day Prague seems caught up in some glorious, medieval time warp and must be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in Europe. Its belfried Romanesque churches, landmark castle — once the home of kings and princes and now of the Czech President —  and the ancient and legendary Charles Bridge, are a testament to the skill of medieval builders and architects; its maze of alleyways and historic squares and quarters date back to the Middle Ages.

Bridges of Prague page XIII (photo S. Greg Panosian)

High on the list of ‘must see’ for almost every visitor is the historic and sprawling Old Town Square, (Staromestske namesti) and its 15th century astronomical clock, from where the Twelve Apostles emerge on time every hour, to the delight of the crowds gathered below. Lined with street cafes and souvenir shops (and the inevitable horse drawn carriages) the square is dominated by some of the city’s famous church bells and spires and is almost always teeming with people – especially at night.

Hotel Ventana

The Hotel Ventana is situated in the centre of Prague, just a few steps from the Old Town Square. The city can be easily explored on foot from this location and a car is not necessary. Some rooms have a balcony with views to a corner of the square. The hotel is across a cobbled laneway from the towering Gothic towers of the landmark Tyn Church and is within walking distance of shops and restaurants and most of the city’s tourist sites. Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and some people’s idea of shopping paradise, Pariska (Paris) Street, which leads on to Josefov, the Jewish Quarter and the historic Jewish cemetery are easily accessible on foot from here. 

Some of the guestrooms at the Ventana have small balconies; all rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with the usual 5-star amenities including bathrobe, slippers and toiletries. Wheelchair friendly rooms are available and a modern glass elevator is installed in the lobby. Breakfast is so good and so varied that it is sure to keep the hunger pangs at bay all morning, and sparkling wine is on offer should you need it to get a start on.

Old Town Square Suite, Hotel Ventana

If you arrive in December you could stock up on stocking fillers at the colourful Christmas Market in the Old Town Square, where stallholders set up their stands around a dazzling, brilliantly lit Christmas tree. And there are enough wooden pinocchios, puppets and cackling witches on display to put a smile on any (big) kid’s face.      

The price is a nice surprise for a hotel of this standard. Rooms from around 140.00 including full hot breakfast. Specials are often available.
www.ventana-hotel.net

Adalbert Hotel

The Adalbert is a clean, comfortable and safe 3 star hotel in a building which was once-upon-a-time a thriving convent. The hotel is located in the idyllic grounds of one of Europe’s oldest monasteries, the Benedictine owned Brevnov Monastery (Brevnovský klášter) which celebrated its 1000th birthday in 1993. The monks were banished during the long years of Communist rule, but in the early 1990s reclaimed their former home and began a process of restoration. Each weekend the monks conduct tours of the monastery, the gardens and of the adjacent, 18th century St Margaret’s Basilica, handsomely decorated by Czech painter, Peter Brandl (1668–1739). A convent of Benedictine nuns is also on the estate. The Brevnov monks once owned most of the land that Prague now stands on and are believed to have planted the first vineyards in the country. The Hotel Adalbert (named after the founder of the monastery, Prague bishop St. Vojtech (Adalbert in English) is approximately 7 kilometres from Old Town Square and is situated west of the Vltava River, on the same side of the city as Prague Castle.

A choice of clean, comfortable smoking or non smoking rooms, family rooms and rooms with wheelchair access are available. Each guestroom has full en suite facilities and a hairdryer is provided. All rooms have a mini bar, satellite television, radio, telephone and an internet point. There is a lift and plenty of car parking. Breakfast is served and there is an excellent Czech restaurant on-site. A tram stop is outside the monastery gates and it is a 15-20 minute ride in to the city.

Hotel Adalbert - Brevnov Monastery on the right

Next to the hotel, the monks’ bustling restaurant, the Klášterní šenk opens for lunch and dinner and a paved outdoor area is used during the summer. The restaurant is popular with the locals for its welcoming rustic ambience and the hearty platters of Czech favourites such as goose, duck breast, dumplings of countless varieties and pancakes with thick, sweet cherry sauce. A litre of Klášter (Monastery) beer is cheaper than a cappuccino, as was gleefully pointed out to me by my two young traveling companions. However, take it easy! This heavenly tipple is also known as ‘monk’s revenge’.
From  €95.00 for a double/twin room including full hot breakfast.
www.hoteladalbert.cz

Klasterni Senk Restaurant - Brevnov Monastery

 Monastery beer- Klasterni Senk Restaurant Prague

Trish Clark is author of Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe, Vols I and II, both published by Hidden Spring, an imprint of Paulist Press NJ.

She writes a monthly column for Wandering Educators as the European
Accommodation Editor. You can find her at http://goodnightandgodbless.com/

feature photo:

Old Town Square Prague –  Hotel Ventana is the cream building at the end of the street on the right of the photo.