Review of Romantik Hotel U Raka ('At the Crayfish'), by Anna Jankovich

Among Prague's narrow winding roads, near the central Castle district, lies one of the city's best-kept secrets, U Raka (meaning 'at the crayfish'). This cosy, local, family-run boutique hotel consists of just six bedrooms, very tastefully arranged. From the outside, it looks like a charming private house and as you are greeted at the front door, you come into an oasis of tranquillity, charm and retreat.

The facilities

This boutique hotel has two wooden houses connected to each other by a charming courtyard filled with colourful flowers, old wheelbarrows, aged pots and pans and wicker baskets. Three doors lead to individual rooms, each equipped with all the comforts one expects tucked under beams. Behind the reception desk and the small lounge is a lovely garden filled with flowers, tasteful garden furniture, singing birds and a running stream (where crayfish once existed).

Although the boutique hotel is not in the dead-centre of the city, it is the ideal place to escape the congested streets and catch your breath again. The wood-decorated restaurant oozes with warmth and they offer a variety of local dishes. Although it is a very friendly boutique hotel, it is more of a romantic couples retreat than a family getaway as there are no inter-connecting rooms.

The rooms

The six rooms at this boutique hotel are all comfortable, simply decorated and equipped with everything you need. The "exclusive room" is largest and worth a stay. It is spacious, has its own fireplace, an ancient well and a winter garden as well as its own private outdoor terrace. The combination of ancient beams, red bricks, wicker baskets and heavy wooden furniture give the room a charming rustic feeling much to be enjoyed during a winter visit.