Not your typical Holiday Inn

This Crowne Plaza has got to be one of the chain's most unique properties, as it is in the former International Hotel, built by the Soviets in grand-Stalin-dictator style in the 1950s. You have to see the lobby to believe it -- I would have paid to do so. The hotel's fascinating history and former guest list is hidden on the second floor above the restaurant. Despite this, I got the impression neither the hotel's employees nor their corporate bosses in America wanted to emphasize the hotel's Communist past. It's an impulse I understand but nevertheless it is what makes this hotel so interesting.

It is in a quiet, residential neighborhood but not nearly as far from Prague's center as some might think. Getting to the center requires only a short, five-minute tram ride (on a line that ends at the hotel) to the Metro and a short (5-10 minutes) Metro trip. The hotel even sells all-day transit passes for 3 euros each. We never felt we were too far or remote and kind of liked having a little distance from the hordes of tourists in the old city.

The rooms are large and comfortable. Ours had a small alcove with a table and chairs and a large bathroom. Parking in the guarded lot is supposed to be 10 euros but we were never charged for it. The only reason the hotel doesn't get an excellent rating is breakfast. It wasn't included in our rate and we made the mistake of paying for it one morning. It was 15 euros per person and pretty awful -- I would have skipped it even if it had been free.

Overall, though, this hotel is a bargain for what you get for the cost of a short train ride and is, in some ways, a sight in itself. We would definitely stay here.

Royal treatment at sensible prices

Stunning hotel lobby, very clean, friendly professional staff. Free maps / guides at reception,

transport transfer tickets sold at hotel. Order a hotel taxi to the airport so you don't get ripped off, (590Chk C). There is a supermarket

up the road (2nd right out the hotel, 15 min walk) Very cheap for snacks drinks etc ( ie 6 beers £2 ).

Got free upgrade at check in to deluxe suite. tram stop ( No 8 ) outside to castle and near old town sq.

(15 min) , quiet air-con, beds to die for, gym, no pool. Piano music in bar lounge.

Would definetly go back. Breakfast £10 a head, a massive feast to set you up for the day. enjoy!

Superb Hotel!!

Having surfed the web for reviews of hotel without luck. What a magnificent hotel! A very luxurious hotel with a stunning marble floor reception. Bedrooms are of standard decoration but are very clean. The hotel incorporates Gym, sauna etc... After reading bad reports about private taxis we opted for the hotel transportation service to and from the hotel priced at 550CKZ each way per car, we were greeted at the arrival lounge by a chauffer...well worth it!! But I'm sure you could travel for less if you opt for a private taxi. For a relaxing drink following a long day of sight seeing and shopping the lobby bar incorporates a pianist playing a wide range of music...great!

The hotel is situated outside of main centre of Prague 1, but with the tram and bus station directly outside, travel is no problem. Tickets are very cheap at 12CKZ which is valid for a 60min period once validated. They are readily available from most shops, hotels. We bought 3 or 4 tickets at the same time so we would have to worry about tickets for the return journey. The tickets allow you to travel on all public forms of transport including the underground tube. The main underground station is about 15-20min walk or 2-3mins on the tram (Dejvicka on the A line). All major attractions i.e. the castle, old town sq etc... are available via the underground network.

The hotel is within the residential area of Prague and subsequently there are only a few restaurants to choose from; however I can recommend the Pizzeria located near the circle and the Cantonese.

Great hotel, but a little far out

When you think of Crowne Plaza and then you stay there, it does not fall below any of your expectations. This hotel was wonderful. The only downfall is the tram service to the hotel, if you do not have good timing, then it can be a long wait (up to 20 minutes or more the later at night it is). It really is a long walk to the hotel from the nearest subway. So if you don't mind waiting for the tram, then it is perfect! I got a great rate from their website, because I did not include breakfast. There is a grocery store just around the corner from the subway/tram stop, so when we had to wait the 20 minutes, we grabbed food for the morning.

The best yet

An excellent hotel. Three of us stayed in an executive suite. Service was superb. Food in hotel and surrounding area was fantastic. Local people are the most friendly I have ever encountered, people volunteered to help us when we looked lost! Standard of hotel, attention to detail were excellent and staff could not have been better. I would highly recommend.

Superb Hotel

We stayed at this wonderful Hotel from the 25th April to 1st May 2004

Cannot fault this hotel

Stayed here from 11 March for 4 days. Check in was quick and pleasant.

Our room was perfect, just the right size. Very warm and cozy too.

Breakfast is a bit mixed but it has to be , they try to cater for all......didnt actually have dinner at the hotel because we went out every evening. There is a restaurant called Patriot X (I think !) located near Republisky Square and metro stop...highly recommended. The hotel dont offer much breakfast when u want room service , so it is better to eat in the restaurant for more choice. The hotels location is not a disadvantage at all. The number 8 tram is directly outside the door and runs almost every 10 minutes. You get on and get off at the 2nd stop. From there u go down to the metro and get off on the 3rd or 4th stop and ur in the centre of Prague. Excellent Metro and Tram system all round and very cheap. Prices for beer etc are obviously higher in the hotel bar as it is 4 star, but most places in town will charge u no more that 30 crowns or 1 euro. I would go back to this hotel tomorrow. Very friendly staff too, and very helpful.

Five Stars All Round!!!

We stayed in this fantastic hotel for 3 nights from 18th March 2004. We were a little concerned about the distance from the hotel to the main tourist areas in Prague. In the end we worried for nothing. The hotel is literally next door to Podbaba, the final stop on the tram system. You can take the number 8 upto Dejvicka, here you can board the metro for a fast and efficient service into Prague centre. Alternatively, you can stay on the number 8 tram right into the centre (admiring the views along the way) and get off at Nameski Republiky...literally minutes from the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. If distance is stopping you from booking the Crowne Plaza, then think again. Within 15mins you can leave your hotel room and find yourself on the Charles Bridge. It really is that easy. As for the hotel, well I can't pay enough compliments. It really deserves five stars in my opinion, compared to its 4 star deluxe status. Our room was huge with a lobby entrance leading to the bathroom/bedroom areas. The bed was huge and very comfortable. Breakfast was included, it is like an American Buffet type breakfast. Hot and cold options, and endless supplies of bread, pastries etc. It really is something special and well recommended. We paid ?132 all in for 3 nights in a double room, which I believe is extremely cheap even for Prague. The rack rate was ?175 per night!!!!! All in all our spending money totalled ?100 for 3 days and nights, with three course meals all 3 nights. Prague is cheap.....don't even get me onto the Budvar!!!! An excellent hotel, in a quiet location with magnificent transportation links. Book it, you won't regret it.

Wonderful Crowne Plaza.

My stay at the Crowne Plaza, Prague, was wonderful. Although quite a way out; the reliable tram service to the hotel was effortless.

The hotel staff should be congratulated on their efficency, friendliness, and hard work. I would definitely stay again. Thank you.

Not bad at all

I stayed there about a year ago, quite a few stops out of the city via tram and metro. But very good quality hotel. Everything there was great and I enjoyed my stay I had a small suite