Best Hotel Bets

Best Panoramic Views: The pride of the former Communist tourism industry was the Hotel Forum, which has since been privatized, sold again, and renamed the Corinthia Towers Hotel (tel. 261-191-111). Each north-facing room at this high-rise south of the city center provides a wide-angle view stretching to Prague Castle and beyond.

Best Malá Strana Views: The upper floors of the Hotel U trí pstrosu (tel. 257-532-410) offer some of the best old-world views over Malá Strana's red rooftops. The corner rooms are best, providing glimpses of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

Best Bohemian Country Setting: The Romantik Hotel U raka (tel. 220-511-100), in a secret ravine minutes from the castle in Hradcany, has cozy rustic rooms and a tastefully folksy atmosphere.

Best Hotel Closest to Prague Castle: The U Krále Karla (tel. 257-532-869), on the main castle-bound thoroughfare Nerudova, tries hard to provide a stay to match its Renaissance motif. It's a few steps above the main turn to the castle, avoiding much of the noise, which has become a nuisance to rivals down the street.

Best for Business Travelers: Just off námestí Republiky near the imposing Czech National Bank, the new Prague Marriott Hotel (tel. 222-888-888) comfortably fits the bill for those who need to get in, use their laptops, cut a deal, and then get out to see the city (especially if your firm is paying the bill).

Best Romantic Pension: Although the Pension Vetrník (tel. 220-612-404) is well outside the city center, this family-run B&B is a very friendly and romantic place, easily accessible by tram or taxi. It's built into an antique windmill amid lush gardens, and you can't beat it for charm and price.

Best Throwback to Prague's First Republic: The restored Art Nouveau Hotel Paríz (tel. 222-195-195) recalls 1920s Prague, one of the wealthiest cities on earth at that time. The hotel's beauty oozes with period elegance. It's across from another newly remodeled gem, the Municipal House (Obecní dum).

Best for Families: Consider a private apartment from an agency. Larger and cheaper than hotel rooms, these apartments come with kitchens so you can fix your own meals. (For more options, see "Family-Friendly Accommodations," later in this chapter.)

Best Health Clubs: The Hotel Inter-Continental Praha (tel. 296-631-111) is fully equipped with modern machines and free weights and is home to Prague's most narcissistic aerobic classes -- an after-work gawking paradise for stockbrokers. The new Prague Marriott (tel. 222-888-888) actually has a better-equipped fitness center but it's not yet as clubby as the Inter-Con's.

Best Tom Cruise/Leonid Brezhnev Haunt: The Hotel Praha (tel. 224-343-305) was once a heavily guarded bastion for visiting Communist bigwigs. The lingering chintz of the Praha has unexpectedly emerged as a refuge for luminaries who want to lie low, including the star of Mission: Impossible. A wacky choice.