Review of Golden Well, by Jenny Pidgeon

The Golden Well (U Zlate Studne) in central Prague is a gem of a boutique hotel that sits beneath Prague Castle in the lovely Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter). Five minutes’ walk from the Charles Bridge, you wind your way up to the end of a cobbled lane and under an archway to find yourself in a courtyard with a fountain and red geraniums brightening the spotless white walls.

The 16th century building has been tastefully restored and a peaceful atmosphere pervades the patios and wooden corridors. The interiors feel fresh and stylish, yet have lost none of the charm of their original buildings (a series of interconnecting houses once owned by Emperor Rudolph II, and then astronomer Tycho de Braheh).

The Golden Well’s reception area has a stone tiled floor, wooden panelling around the lower walls and a wooden staircase leading up to the guestrooms. The lobby opens onto a small outside sitting area with tables and chairs perfect for morning relaxation with a newspaper. There is another little patio on the first floor with a fountain.

The hotel has a great restaurant that serves French-inspired cuisine to a backdrop of panoramic city views. Guests can either eat on the terrace or in the red and burnished gold dining room, with both allowing amazing views of Prague’s rooftops and church spires. The terrace allows guests direct access to Prague Castle during summer months, and complimentary tea and coffee is served here daily.

Breakfast is a help-yourself buffet with ready-prepared tea, coffee and sausages and eggs which are left to congeal in warm containers. Late-risers be warned that the 11am cut off time is rather zealously observed by the otherwise friendly waitress, but all will be forgiven when you look out of the windows at that fabulous view.

The Golden Well’s 19 rooms are all stylishly kitted out with iPod docking stations. While each room is slightly different, all have wooden floors, antique wooden furniture, a small sitting area with desk and colourful floral bedspreads (choose between blue, red or green –themed rooms). Beds are comfortable and thankfully have just one double duvet rather than the two separate coverings found in many Czech hotels.

Best of all are the views out of the windows looking over the Old Town and terraces of the Castle’s Ledeburg gardens. Fountains tinkle gently through the night and guests enjoy a privileged early-morning view of the gardens before the herds arrive. Choose room 25 or 35 for the best views of the city and 34 for a corner Jacuzzi big enough for 3 people. Other bathrooms feature whirlpool baths and marble tiles matching the colour of the room’s fabrics.