U Krále Karla by Jenny Pidgeon

Very similar in style and atmosphere to its sibling U Páva down the hill, U Krále Karla was opened as a hotel in 1994. The imposing building dates back to the Benedictine monks who occupied the original Gothic structure before it was rebuilt in the 17th century; the Baroque style still apparent throughout. The hotel is on the cobbled street that leads upwards from Mala Strana which is now lined with small hotels between the souvenir shops and restaurants, but few are so inviting as the U Krále Karla.

Red tiled floors covered with richly coloured rugs, dark wooden pieces of antique furniture and frescoed ceilings all add to the atmosphere inside the hotel. The larger of the two restaurants has a carved, domed ceiling painted with an overly green-and-pink forest scene, which stretches right down to the tables. The breakfast room, meanwhile, depicts courtly scenes to go with your coffee and pastries. A rather grand atrium, with stained glass filtering the light down to the ground floor, showcases each floor with its balcony running around the central patio and a fine gilt staircase winds up through the levels (although there is also an elevator for those with lots of luggage).

The 16 rooms and 3 suites all have painted ceilings (some more over-the-top than others), grand antique wooden beds, stained glass and smallish bathrooms. Whilst lacking the cosy dining room of the U Páva and requiring a tiring uphill climb home at night, the U Krále Karla is highly recommended.