A travel guide to lodging in Prague and a review of the hotel Leon D’Oro.
Lodging is an essential part of any trip, and selecting the right hotel can make all the difference. Thankfully, Prague’s compact city center makes the decision easier, as many of its must-see sites are concentrated in a small area. During my 5 days in Prague, I noticed that Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Lesser Town) were ideal for travelers, especially those spending only a few days in the city. These areas are conveniently located within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shops, saving you time and money regarding public transportation and ride-share services.
Prague Lodging Tips
Staré Mesto (Old Town)
This district is home to the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, the Jewish District, and several other noteworthy sites. It also has a great number of restaurants and shops. My hotel was situated in the heart of Staré Město, just a 5-minute walk from Old Town Square. Its location made sightseeing easier as I could walk to most places without relying on public transportation. One drawback to lodging near Old Town Square is the crowds and noise, which can become bothersome during peak travel seasons, such as summer and Christmas. The immediate area around Old Town Square also felt very touristy.
The northern section of Staré Město, especially the area around the Jewish Quarter, is a great place to lodge. Travelers are still near the must-see sites, but this part of Old Town tends to be less crowded and more peaceful.
Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
Across the Charles Bridge from Staré Mesto, one finds Malá Strana (Lesser Town). This district is also close to most sites, but unlike Staré Mesto, it tends to be less crowded and less touristy. When my parents visited Prague, they lodged in Malá Strana at the Hotel Pod Vezi, which is near the river. They shared that not only was their hotel perfect, but that the area around it had minimal crowds, allowing them to enjoy peaceful evening strolls
Malá Strana has more hills than Staré Mesto and Nové Město, but none that I would consider steep. The steeper hills are found in the northern portion of Malá Strana as one walks towards Hradčany Square and Prague Castle.
Nové Město (New Town)
To the east and south of Staré Město, one finds Nové Město (New Town). Although the area has “New” in its name, it still boasts a wealth of historical buildings and sites. In Nové Město, one finds the historic Wenceslas Square and Národní Muzeum (National Museum), alongside more modern eateries, cafes, stores, and bars. I spent one day in this part of Prague, and it definitely felt more modern than Staré Mesto and Malá Strana.
While Nové Město is relatively close to sites found in Staré Město, travelers may need to use public transit to reach attractions in Malá Strana and Prague Castle. Public transportation is plentiful in Nové Město, and this area is home to two major metro stations, Můstek and Muzeum.
When selecting a hotel in Prague, travelers should keep in mind that older, historic hotels may not be fully accessible. My hotel, built in the 1930s, did not have accessible rooms or an accessible breakfast area.
Review of Prague’s Leon D’ Oro
My visit to Prague was part of a tour, so the company handled all aspects of lodging. Fortunately, they selected the Leon D’Oro, a charming hotel situated in the heart of Old Town. The Leon D’Oro offers travelers spacious rooms and suites, a hearty breakfast buffet, and amenities such as a business center, luggage storage, and a parking garage. It also provides an airport shuttle service for an additional fee.
My favorite part of the Leon D’Oro was the terrace that offered stunning views of the Clock Tower and St. Vitus Cathedral, especially at sunset. I was very fortunate to have this feature, as the hotel has only a handful of rooms with balconies. I also loved being able to walk everywhere and not having to hassle with public transportation. I was a stone’s throw away from Old Town Square, a 10-minute walk from Charles Bridge, a 15-minute walk from Wenceslas Square, and a 30-minute scenic walk from Hradčany Square and Prague Castle.
When I emailed the hotel to reserve additional nights before the tour, the staff was very responsive and helpful in answering my questions. The staff also provided great customer service during my stay and quickly addressed a maintenance issue.
Did I feel safe in the hotel? Yes, very much so! My first two days in Prague were spent as a solo traveler, so safety was a major concern, and this hotel exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this hotel to female travelers while visiting Prague.
Per my reservation, I had a double room. The room was very clean and had considerable storage space: a dresser with several drawers and a large cabinet with hanging space. The bathroom was also spacious. The only drawback was the high placement of the mirror. I am only 4 feet, 11 inches, and all I could see in the mirror was the top of my head!
The room also had a safe and a water kettle along with packets of coffee, tea, and sugar.
The Leon D’Oro offers travelers a hearty breakfast buffet that is sure to keep you full for hours! Several tables were laid out, filled with a variety of breads, danishes, fruits, eggs, meats, yogurts, and specialty items, such as avocado toast. There was also a coffee machine that made delectable espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and more. And the selection changed every morning, so even after several days, breakfast never got boring. I really miss the heart-shaped pancakes and the cappuccino machine!!
Would I recommend the Leon D’Oro? If you are looking for a lovely, classic hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and great customer service, then this hotel will meet your needs. I suggest requesting a room with a balcony so you can also enjoy the splendid views of Prague!
Visit the Leon D’ Oro’s website for more information and to make a reservation.
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