Hilton HHonors - Hilton Prague Old Town Trip Reports and Reviews

MODS--Feel free to move this to a master thread for this property if there is one--I did a lazy search but only found a few threads that were more questions/answers.

My wife and I stayed in the Hilton Prague Old Town over the weekend and had a fabulous stay. We booked the internet EUR 119 rate (single beds lol) and were upgraded on arrival to a King Executive Room. Check-in was seamless--I noted our noon arrival on the instructions, and we ended up a little early. Room was pre-assigned as an upgrade and ready for us. We were also granted access to the executive lounge. Room wasn't anything spectacular, but after expecting a single bed, I was thrilled. Within a few minutes of checking in, housekeeping came up with two beers and a welcome note for us. We never frequented the bar or restaurants . . . well we didn't need to . . . the best part of this hotel was the executive lounge. Free continental breakfast (and if you ask for hot stuff they'll tell you there's a charge, but then they waived it each time). The best part of the executive lounge though . . . free booze (and it was open 6am to 11pm). And when I say free booze, think international business class lounges . . . liquor, wine, champagne, and beer, all self service. We ended up having breakfast in the lounge daily (the lounge attendant XYZ (I'll send his name to Hilton) was awesome), then for an hour or so before dinner and an hour or so after dinner.

Housekeeping was also really good---folded our used clothes, etc.

Hotel's location is decent--short walk to the Old Town.

All things considered, I'd highly recommend this hotel.

My wife and I stayed at the Hilton in Prague. However, this sounds dif - "short walk to Old Town." Is there a new Hilton or has there always been another one I did not know about?

My wife and I stayed at the Hilton in Prague. However, this sounds dif - "short walk to Old Town." Is there a new Hilton or has there always been another one I did not know about?

Additional Hilton in Old Town as of late last year - used to be a Renaissance - across from Marriott

Prague: Hilton Old Town (May, 2008)

The location of the Hilton is quite good; only a couple of minutes walk and you can be in Old Town Square. However, personally I find the hotel far too sterile.

Check-in was efficient.

The exec lounge is located directly off the check-in desk and provides the standard free liquor, beer/wine, and pseudo-champagne. The snacks consist primarily of some spiced nuts, and the occasional small platter of cold uninspired appetizers. A very-small room off the lounge’s small main area has two tables and a desk with a decent computer/Internet; however no printer. There is a definite lack of comfortable seating in the lounge; no couches or lounge-style chairs to be had here. That’s OK though, you probably won’t want to stay too long anyway. Breakfast is good with a do-it-yourself cappuccino maker and a decent selection of breakfast meats, fruits, and cereals. If you want hot items, expect to pay.

I was given a king non-smoking (EU 179) on the 8th floor. I'm Diamond, but didn't request the Exec floor as they gave me lounge access. I don’t know if the 9th level exec floors are superior, but my room itself is fine.

Internet access from the room is good but rather high at CZ 579/night (USD ~37).

The hotel car service has been quite good; but expect to pay about 2x the rate of a AAA taxi off the street.

Gordon Ramsey has opened, or at least lent his name to, a restaurant in the hotel. Food is good and prices seem pretty reasonable, starting at around the same price as Internet access.

I'll try the Marriot across the street next time...or maybe tomorrow.
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The hotel car service has been quite good; but expect to pay about 2x the rate of a AAA taxi off the street.
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Becareful of just any taxi off the street--it can cost you much more than the car service if you get one that has an "interesting" way of doing math. Let the Hilton staff call your cab--they know the good ones. Nice hotel & quick walk to Old Town. There is a grocery & pharmacy on the way too.

Hilton Prague Old Town (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/PRGOTHI/index.do)
V Celnici 7, Prague, Czech Republic 111 21
Tel: 420-2-21822100 Fax: 420-2-21822200
General Manager: Remco Norden

Hilton HHonors Reward Category: 5 (35,000 points per night)

No, this is not the Prague Hilton, as mentioned previously; it is indeed the rebadged and refurbished Renaissance, not too many yards from Staré Mésto (old town,) much more convenient than the Prague Hilton for walkers and those who prefer being closer to everything that Prague has to offer.

Our check-in (standard non-smoking king booked) was handled efficiently, we were lodged on the ninth floor Executive Floor and granted access to the smallish Club Lounge (accessible via your room key, situated to your immediate right as you face the check-in desk, open 6:30 - 23:00 / 11 PM.) Hint: if there is a queue at check-in ask to be let into the Lounge, as lounge staff can presumably check you in as well.

The Executive Floor room is the same size as the standard seems to be, but is provided with terry robes, slippers, snack bag, courtesy bottles of still water every day and copies of the Financial Times delivered daily as well. Our room has views of a number of rooftops, but it is possible some other rooms have views. The room is not large, not small (for Europe.) Those who stay in their rooms for a long time may find it confining, I suspect. Furnishings include a bed with end tables, a desk with HSIA cable and chair, a lounge chair with Ottoman, a Philips LCD television above the ubiquitous and expensive minibar, coffee machine, small closet with safe (hanging locker with about 10 hangers, a few shelves,) and there are three deeper shelves adjacent to the minibar.

The rooms are some of the most sound-proof I have ever stayed in - the door closes with a rubber gasket, and sounds like a high-end large car when it closes. Even though we were given room 901 next to the elevator banks, we could hear only slight noise (not enough to request a more distant room,) and even the occasional kids running down the hall were muted. There are both an ice machine and a shoe shine machine in the first open door down the corridor to the left of the elevator banks as you face them - across from room x34, which I would avoid.

Furnishings are in medium-coloured wood and the overall effect reminds one of an upscale Scandic - functional and somewhat minimalist, which some may indeed perceive as sterile. Room lighting is just adequate in the room at night, and the large openable window is covered with a curtain with reasonable blackout properties. There are also an ironing set and hair dryer (in closet and bath, respectively,) and the nice well-lit bath is provided with the usual La Source amenities. There is one towel rack, and the ubiquitous signs about hanging towels you wish to reuse on the racks. Hansgröhe plumbing makes it all work well; the towels are fluffy but not bath sheets or even large towels, though by day 3 the housekeeper was leaving bath sheets for us. N.B. There is no clock - the hotel was not designed with electrical outlets near the bed area, ergo no clock, according to the G.M. (Lighting by the bed is built-in.)

Air con is European - central air with "auto" and three speeds, and a potentiometer allowing hot to cold - but in the end, even with weather just over 80F / 27C, you will probably find the air con so inadequate you will find the thick duvet entirely stifling. (The bed is quite comfortable, with a feather bed and two down pillows.) We were using the terrycloth robes instead of the thick duvet... but the excellent housekeeper noticed and left a (empty) duvet cover as a top sheet on our bed thereafter. ^ (I have left her a 30 CZK / USD $2.00 tip as thanks daily.) The bathroom has plenty of illumination, and a multi-voltage multi-prong outlet for shavers.

The only restaurant here is Gordon Ramsay's third iteration of "Maze" - quite good but pricey indeed. The resto is entirely nonsmoking, service and food are very, very good - attentive and accurate. The lobby bar is definitely a smoker (about 2/3 of the area,) and though the menu says smoking is not permitted, the well-used ashtrays give the lie. The lounge does offer snacks and pub grub, all cooked in the Gordon Ramsey kitchen, so it is quite go[B]od food. N.B. This paragraph is no longer accurate - Gordon Ramsay has suffered a financial setback and this is one of the restaurants he has closed; preparing meals for the room service and lobby bar was one of the factors mentioned in this restaurant losing money. I do not know who operates the restaurant services now. Link (http://www.praguepost.com/tempo/607-gordon-ramsay-pulls-out-of-maze-prague.html) to related article. (Updated August 15 2009)

Within one block are pizza and fast foods restaurants, the grand French Francouzská Restaurace (http://www.francouzskarestaurace.cz/en-francouzska.restaurace.html) in the beautiful Municipal House nearby (great concerts in the lavish Smetana Hall here,) a "Yessi" takeout (sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, desserts, etc.), and a Billa supermarket - as well as ATMs / cash machines / bankomats (HSBC to the right of the hotel is nearest, and the Marriott across the street has one as well, in the rear of the lobby area near the WCs.) (As with many tourist destinations, one should exercise watchfulness at outside ATMs - but the neighborhood seems safer than some of the very impacted tourist lcoales. As of this post, the exchange rate is USD $1.00 = CZK 15.177.) (AVOID the ubiquitous cambios /change houses stating "NO COMMISSION" - the exchange RATES are as stacked in their favour as the machines in Las Vegas are in the house's.)

The Club Lounge is nonsmoking, and offers as stated above, a sparkling Czech wine, a red and a white, a number of low/medium end liquor offerings and soft drinks, waters, juices, all day. Some small sweet cakes are out at "tea" time, one tray of early evening micro-hors d'oeuvres (tiny bite-size open faced "sandwiches" with cold meats, etc.) and nuts are provided and apparently is not replenished (sometimes staff is not good about replenishing other consumables, such as still and sparkling mineral waters, etc.)

Early in the day the lounge is not full - but 'round 10:00 it is full of families with children taking leisurely breakfast and relaxing, at least in summer, and it can be tricky to find seating. A PC with accessible USB ports and Skype installed is provided, with an HP 990 deskjet, and very good HSI connection - but limited access is the rule due to popularity, unless you get it late at night or early morning - more than once during our stay families have used the PC for entertaining their children, instead of for business or e-mail. Two more PCs (no USB access, but connected to low-end HP 6127 color deskjets) are provided in an Internet cubby behind the Concierge's desk (near the WCs - and quite noisy due to the proximity to the canned music and nearby lobby.)

Breakfast is an "extended Continental" affair, with no hot dishes on the counter - four juices, a few breads, cheeses, jams, charcuterie (cold cuts, sausages, fish including smoked salmon, etc.) a selection of often underripe and not at all flavourful, as well as a few preserved, fruits, and a self-service cappuccino machine with Illy café - served 6:30 - 10:00 AM. You can in fact order an omelet made to order from the Lounge attendant, at no cost (we were never offered such, but on seeing another guest order, I inquired - it did seem to take 10 minutes or so.)

Many restaurants are within walking distance - we found Bellevue (http://www.bellevuerestaurant.cz/en/bellevuerestaurant/), Smetanovo nabrezi 18, just up from the Charles Bridge and fronting the Vltava River, excellent. Lovely river views (though a large tree does cut off most guests from castle and bridge views,) with some of the best food in Prague, and excellent service to boot. This is a nice restaurant, requiring bookings for dinner, with an excellent degustation menu (example (http://www.bellevuerestaurant.cz/en/menu/degustation-menu/mango-menu/vzatisi/)) with a wide range of international wines (including a very nice Tanzberg Mikulov 2005 Pinot Noir.) More information on Bellevue, as well as nearby and good riverviews Mlynec, and zatisi at their website (http://www.zatisigroup.cz/en/).

Across the Charles Bridge, within walking distance but also available by taxi under 200 CZK, is Kampa Park (http://www.kampapark.com), with great river views (try the downstairs balcony or the ground level terrace in nice weather,) Na Kampê 8b - just NORTH at the far end of the bridge and bordering on the Kampa canal. Access it via the gate adjacent to the Kampa Park children's playground (NOT where it is in the Moon book map,) for dinner or lunch, 364 days a year 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM. www.kampagroup.com lists their restaurants. Their Hergetova Cihelna (http://www.cihelna.com) across the canal has great views, but uneven food and service (though the strangely-named Nove Vinmstri 2007 Cuvée Asparagus (sauvignon blanc and veltliner blend) was refreshing and grapefruity - and welcome with fish on a hot day.)

Near the Klementinum on Karlova at Liliova near the Charles Bridge is Reykjavik, with inside and street seating, and lots of seafood, as you would expect. Yes, in the tourist zone, but good for a meal anyway - especially handy if you are attending a concert at the lovely and intimate (across the street) Klementinum or its Mirror Chapel, as we did last night, where W. A. Mozart played.

We just settled in the evening of June 27, after arriving from Bratislava by rail. Holesovice station was a bit of a zoo, but we found a cab without problems - 370 CZK to the hotel, being sure the taxi was official and the meter on (if you want a taxi, there is a "taxi mafia" kind of guy who assigns the next driver - keep an eye on the meter etc.) Two taxi companies listed as reliable include the ubiquitous AAA and Profitaxi - our experiences with them have been Sterling.

BTW, the great airport van shuttle service - which unfortunately does not begin service early enough for some to make their flight - is located less than a half block up the street (turn right as you exit the hotel main entrance, with comfortable large vans half-hourly.)

Diamond recognition seems fairly good, with upgrades and lounge access - the lounge can seem cramped at times, and in my opinion is often underserved, particularly when compared with better Hilton lounges (especially Budapest castle!) for sure. One young woman is attentive, the rest seem disinterested and distant at best. (The lady concierge in the lobby mornings is very helpful, and she is the better source of information.)

As we were checking out early July 2 for our 7:55 departure, I requested both a wake-up call and Express Checkout. Express Checkout was not provided, but the woman at the desk was rapid and accurate, and apologetic about the Express Checkout not being provided.

N.B. I listed this lounge staff issue in my commentary to the hotel, as well as a comment about the lack of clock in the room. I received an e-mail from the G.M. by the time I returned home stating the reason for the lack of clock (lack of wiring near the bed and cost of installing same,) stating he would assure a clock for us when we return, and that he had taken my concerns to the Lounge staff and discussed it with them. That is very rapid response, and by the G.M., no less. ^

We left July 2 early for the US, with the intent of putting some photos on SmugMug in the next week. Would I stay again? Yes.

We stayed here in May/June 2005, when it was Reinassance, were not impressed at all, it was not much more than a glorified motel 6 then, with staff attitude, specially the front desk. Had a room with a courtyard view. It was then purchased by a private equity group and perhaps sold or rebranded as Hilton. Seems like things are much better now. Location is great and just a short walk to old town. There is or at least was a bowling alley across the street, at the end of the block of Marriott. It was a fun break from all the sightseeing for a 28 year old traveling with us.

I'll add as the stay develops, but I'm glad there have been many changes - the hotel is comfortable, staff is attentive, and location is of course much closer to the Staré Mésto than the pre-existing Hilton.

We've hunted down cafés or the like, including possibilities in the Marriott andit's non-smoking lobby bar for pub snacks, for light munches - a pizza palce to your left as you exit the hotel, a fast food and takeout and Billa supermarket to the immediate right of the Marriott, and the streets to old town are lined with cafés and the like.

We stayed here in May/June 2005, when it was Reinassance, were not impressed at all, it was not much more than a glorified motel 6 then, with staff attitude, specially the front desk. Had a room with a courtyard view. It was then purchased by a private equity group and perhaps sold or rebranded as Hilton. Seems like things are much better now. Location is great and just a short walk to old town. There is or at least was a bowling alley across the street, at the end of the block of Marriott. It was a fun break from all the sightseeing for a 28 year old traveling with us.

Looks like this has become the de fact Master Thread for this hotel. Mods might want to label it as such.

Just got back from the Hilton Old Town Prague on June 29. I basically agree with JDiver's very informative comments, though I'm just a bit less positive about the hotel. No real complaints, especially since my wife and I stayed on points, had breakfast and lounge access comped as part of my gold status, and found the location very convenient. Just that the room is on the small side, lacks drawer space, doesn't have great air conditioning (though fortunately we didn't encounter any really hot weather) and is otherwise undistinguished. Similarly, the hotel as a whole isn't anything really special, though I that agree the new restaurant (or at least the room service we ordered) is very good. Spent so much time just walking around Prague (which is an incredible city) that I didn't check out the health club.

One more positive feature that I'm not sure others have mentioned is that there is free internet access at a couple of terminals in an area just behind the concierge desk.

I'll try to post separately re our Prague visit, but one restuarant I wanted to flag because it's just a few blocks from the hotel is a place calls Zvonice. Quite good food in a unique setting--near the top of an old bell tower. Kudos to MikeSilv for letting me know about it.

Bottom line is that if I were to return to Prague I'd check out other options, but would certainly stay at this hotel again without any problem.

One more positive feature that I'm not sure others have mentioned is that there is free internet access at a couple of terminals in an area just behind the concierge desk.

We're flying to Prague early next week and have stays at both Prague Hiltons. We wonder whether it's worth taking our laptop along. As Diamonds we hopefully expect lounge access and are wondering if there are any free wireless signals. We don't intend to pay the US $35-40 a day I gather the Internet service costs.

Shall we just leave the laptop at home and look for an Internet cafe if the lounge computers are continually tied up?

Thanks for any info!

Cheers,
Fredd

We're in the midst of a week in Prague and I may have to file a more thorough dissenting report comparing and contrasting the Old City Hilton negatively with the Prague Hilton in much more detail. :)

We spent our first two nights at the Prague Hilton, for us about a a 7-8 minute brisk walk away from the Old Town Hilton, where we just checked in this morning and left our luggage.

At the larger Hilton we were immediately whisked to the Executive Floor, offered a glass of sparkling wine as we checked in to our river view room on the lower executive floor, and found a nice little bottle of domestic white wine (albeit too sweet for our tastes) in the room along with a welcoming letter.

The lounge is fantastic, as far as we are concerned, certainly in the same league for us as the Munich City Hilton and the Buenos Aires Hilton, but much larger, with a room at one containing FIVE computers online for guest use. This morning before checking out we elected to eat at the Lobby-level Atrium restaurant, which was our option as Diamonds, and we enjoyed one of the better buffet breakfasts we've had in some time, featuring both Czech and American specialties.

When we returned this afternoon to the Old Town Hilton after leaving our luggage, we had to raise the issue of why we were not granted access to the Executive Lounge. The desk clerk said we were "too late"and there was no room on the Executive Floor.

We pointed out that the new policy applies as of tomorrow (another clerk at the counter confirmed that as well) and we are here for a four-night stay. Awhile later the desk clerk came up to our room with new keys giving us access but asking us not to "tell anyone." What nonsense! :td: Oddly enough, our welcome letter here was signed by the Lounge manager but didn't offer us anything. I'm really curious as to how full the executive floors really are that there is supposedly "no room" for us.

I am now sitting in this rather lame excuse for a lounge and wondering whether to suggest the manager give us our pre-paid room rate back and we'll be happy to relocate back to the other Hilton. As far as I'm concerned, it's close to a dump compared to the other Hilton, which I would point out is also only a 2-minute walk from the closest Metro stop (walk out of the Florenc station, turn right and walk 10 yards, cross at the crosswalk and walk through the corridor of businesses (sort of a mini-mall across the street) and there you are at the entrance. For us it's just a few minutes of additional walking to the Old Town and we walked our rollaboards from one Hilton to the other this morning in about 7-8 minutes.

No, if and when we return to Prague our choice will be a no-brainer.

Cheers,
Fredd

P.S. there seem to be a number of threads about these two but computer use is so limited that I don't have time to find the best thread. Mods - please feel free to send this to a more appropriate thread.

Edited to add: Now I'm annoyed. I just saw a room clerk pop his head in the door and show a couple the lounge, saying to them "everything is free." I swear he's upselling it and yet there wasn't room for us as Diamonds two hours ago. Grrr...

Glad to be hearing some reports strt to filter in on Old Town - I'm headed to Prague for new Years. There have alsways been rave reviews of the Hilton Prague, but the Old Town location was intriguing. Sounds like if I'm staying Hlton, I'll go to the original and have a nice walk into Old Town.

Curious....for any posters who have stayed in Old Town location...did you get a chance to check out the Marriott which is across the street?
I'm also considering staying there....

[QUOTE=mdaecher;10205560]Glad to be hearing some reports strt to filter in on Old Town - I'm headed to Prague for new Years. There have alsways been rave reviews of the Hilton Prague, but the Old Town location was intriguing. Sounds like if I'm staying Hlton, I'll go to the original and have a nice walk into Old Town.

/QUOTE]


Will be in PRG in a weeks time booked the Hilton Prague basically cause it was less pts then H. Old Town and since people were saying its a 10 min walk between them

From reading the above posts Im happy I did just that

As for the Marriott I'll be there for 1 night as well 25k on a pt saver usually 30k (got to say MRs pts saver dont really save anything near to what a HH pt saver will save you a Cat4 goes from 30k to 18k now thats a Savings:D

Will try and remember to report back

As for the Marriott I'll be there for 1 night as well 25k on a pt saver usually 30k (got to say MRs pts saver dont really save anything near to what a HH pt saver will save you a Cat4 goes from 30k to 18k now thats a Savings:D

Will try and remember to report back[/QUOTE]

That'd be great - especially a perspective from someone like you who stays at both HLT and MRT

This has me rethinking my plans. I am set for an award stay in October. If the number of points were the same, would you still choose the Prague Hilton over the Old Town? We will be tourists with no car.

This has me rethinking my plans. I am set for an award stay in October. If the number of points were the same, would you still choose the Prague Hilton over the Old Town? We will be tourists with no car.

As Diamonds with a "right" as of Aug 15 to lounge access we would choose the Prague Hilton over the Hilton Old Town without hesitation. YMMV.

Our Executive-floor room was slightly nicer at the Prague Hilton but our room here at the Old Town is perfectly adequate, exactly as JDiver has described it so thoroughly up-thread. A couple of funny anomalies, I have to admit. The Prague Hilton supplies bath sheets, the Old Town provides the smaller bath towels. The Prague Hilton supplies mouthwash. No mouthwash here at the Old Town and only one bar of soap (not two) for the entire stay. :p I successfully requested and received a sheet and light blanket to replace the duvets in both hotels. Our executive room at the Prague Hilton held a bathtub and a separate shower, a nice touch but the the combined tub and shower at the Old Town is satisfactory and the bathroom floor is heated, a feature incidentally that Mrs. Fredd doesn't favor. You can't please everybody. ;)

The employees appear in general to be happier and much more motivated at the Prague Hilton, despite its apparently being the largest hotel in the Czech Republic. It's hard to get a smile out of the employees at the Old Town, with one or two exceptions. The apparent lounge manager here sits glumly at his computer most of the time and looks thoroughly bored. The first morning of our stay after the disagreement over lounge access I asked him for the letter outlining the hours and services. The letter arrived that night with the promise of our "gift amenity" and somebody apparently tried to deliver it when we were napping according to a note at the door, but they never followed up so I can't say what the amenity is. At the Prague Hilton it was a .5 liter of a sweetish white wine in an ice bucket, but I suppose it's the thought that counts. ;)

Yes, the Old Town is adjacent to one of the major pedestrian areas, right at the edge of the action and next to the Republica metro stop. The Prague Hilton is a 6-8 minute walk from here but it is only a 2-minute walk from the Florenc metro stop once you step off the hotel property so for us with five-day passes the location isn't a determining factor. We noticed we could cut through a mini-mall that runs the length of a building separating the Hilton from the metro stop. It's labeled Lékárna, which I believe means pharmacy in Czech.

Here in the Old Town lounge there is a pleasant but limited continental breakfast, an espresso machine, and there are a couple of choices of cold snacks out in the afternoon for tea (cakes, etc.) and in the evening (a mini-quiche last night and a plate of cheeses). At the Prague Hilton the breakfast choice was much larger, including jugs of coffee at our table and encouragement to order from a supplementary "hot" menu, and we were offered the option of dining in the lobby restaurant, which we did one morning - a marvelous buffet breakfast! ^

The evening offerings at the Prague Hilton are of the type that tempt you to skip dinner if you've had a large lunch. For example, one night there, along with the salad bar and the large variety of breads, the hot appetizers were mini-hamburgers (surprisingly tasty and even cooked rare!) and won tons complete with dipping sauce.

We've met one quite friendly young employee from the Phillipines (she apparently has a Czech boyfriend) in the Old Town lounge. She has been helpful and hospitable. Otherwise, the "team" spirt at the Prague Hilton is much more obvious.

I was initially annoyed at the Old Town's chiseling attitude of denying us the executive floor and especially lounge access on the first night of a four-night stay until we complained but after three nights here I think I can look past that. Ironically, the lounge has never been crowded, despite its rather small size.

In summary, either hotel is okay, the Hilton Old Town is closer to, well, the Old Town, metro access is similarly convenient, and the lounge and the general ambience at the Prague Hilton are vastly superior IMHO.

Cheers,
Fredd

Does anyone have a contact email for this property?
Thanks!

Does anyone have a contact email for this property?
Thanks!

Hilton.co.uk gives the following e-mail address:
reservations.prague-oldtown@hilton.com

Fredd - Your review is very good, but there is no way a person can 'walk' to the metro stop in 2 minutes. You can sprint and assuming you make the green light just right, you might be able to get to the down stairs in a couple of minutes or so. But you still have to negotiate yourself to the actual metro platform. It is a very fine hotel, but it is inconvenient to the main tourist attractions. Navagating the Prague streets is frustrating since there are so few street signs.
Cheers!

Fredd - Your review is very good, but there is no way a person can 'walk' to the metro stop in 2 minutes. You can sprint and assuming you make the green light just right, you might be able to get to the down stairs in a couple of minutes or so. But you still have to negotiate yourself to the actual metro platform. It is a very fine hotel, but it is inconvenient to the main tourist attractions.

We've been out of the country and I just ran across this reply. Heh. ;)

Please read what I wrote once again: The Prague Hilton is a 6-8 minute walk from here but it is only a 2-minute walk from the Florenc metro stop once you step off the hotel property so for us with five-day passes the location isn't a determining factor.

Once you step off the hotel property you walk through the Lékárna mini-mall and either use the light or - gasp - jaywalk as we did once or twice along with locals, about a two-minute walk for us. Yes, it might take three. Yes, I plead guilty to describing the metro stop as the top of the stairs at the stop, not all the way down to the platform. I didn't count the number of steps either. :D

If you have one night in Prague and want to walk out of your hotel immediately onto a pedestrian thoroughfare, you won't go wrong picking the Old Town. If you're staying for several days and planning to buy a multi-day public transit pass and travel to various locations by public transit, particularly if you're a Hilton Diamond, I stand by my strong recommendation of the Hilton Prague over the Old Town. YMMV.

Cheers,
Fredd

We've been out of the country and I just ran across this reply. Heh. ;)

Please read what I wrote once again: The Prague Hilton is a 6-8 minute walk from here but it is only a 2-minute walk from the Florenc metro stop once you step off the hotel property so for us with five-day passes the location isn't a determining factor.

Once you step off the hotel property you walk through the Lékárna mini-mall and either use the light or - gasp - jaywalk as we did once or twice along with locals, about a two-minute walk for us. Yes, it might take three. Yes, I plead guilty to describing the metro stop as the top of the stairs at the stop, not all the way down to the platform. I didn't count the number of steps either. :D

If you have one night in Prague and want to walk out of your hotel immediately onto a pedestrian thoroughfare, you won't go wrong picking the Old Town. If you're staying for several days and planning to buy a multi-day public transit pass and travel to various locations by public transit, particularly if you're a Hilton Diamond, I stand by my strong recommendation of the Hilton Prague over the Old Town. YMMV.

Cheers,
Fredd


Hi guys, this is a funny thread. Let me put in my 2 cents. I used to be local, speak flent Czech a know the area relatively well. If you know what you are doing, yes, you can reach the subway in 2 or 3 minutes and get to the tourist attractions. You can also walk to them if you are willing to add 10 more minutes, are a brisk walker and again, know where you are going. I am a Hilton guy, but in Prague always stay in a private apartement in Kampa (across the river). Cheers and enjoy the city.:cool:

If you know what you are doing, yes, you can reach the subway in 2 or 3 minutes and get to the tourist attractions. You can also walk to them if you are willing to add 10 more minutes, are a brisk walker and again, know where you are going.

I seem to have a Czech Mate! :) Thanks Vaclav. ^

Cheers,
Fredd

I have been a HH Diamond member for going on 5 years now...and the Hilton Prague is by far the nicest Hilton branded property I have had the pleasure of staying in.

The hotel is enormous and has a very updated modern decor. The centerpiece of the hotel is a huge 8 story high atrium that gave the lobby a very light & airy feeling. They offer Diamond check-in services up on the 8th floor, in addition to express HHonors checkin lines at the front desk. The smell of the new Natuzzi leather couches near the reception area was very nice!

The Executive King Rooms were not huge, but they were very adequate. The furnishings & layout of the room were very sharp, clean & modern. The bed & bedding were first rate, and we had a beautiful view of Prague from our window. The room was equipped with plenty of electrical outlets, a nice flat screen TV, individual reading lights, soft padded leather headboard, etc.

The bathroom was equipped with nice fixtures and it had a separate (single person sized) shower and tub...there was a separate speaker control so you could listen to the television while in the bathroom. The amenities were plentiful (multiple body washes, shampoos, conditioners & bar soaps). They also provide large bath sheets, a fluffy bath rug, and robes & slippers.

This is the first Hilton property (other than the Miami Conrad) that I stayed in that had a fully stocked mini-bar in the room...in addition to that, the hotel offered a very extensive 24-hour full room service menu...something you generally would expect on a more luxury property. They even had express 3 hour laundry/pressing service.

The pay-per-view movie choices were quite lacking, however it did have several American channels like CNN, CNBC and Discovery channel.

The Executive Lounge very much rivaled the amenities of the international first/biz class lounges of American Airlines & British Airways...a full hot breakfast buffet served til 11 am daily (including a FREE hot menu you could order from), finger sandwiches, snacks, cakes, cookies & desserts served throughout the day. A cappucino machine, and cold bottles of soda, juices, mixers, etc. And about 30-40 bottles of premium alcohol...all completely free. In the evening for a couple hours, they roll out even more food -- usually a couple of hot entries. Our group saved money on eating out & drinking by staying in this comfortable lounge frequently. And every one of the people working in the lounge were super-friendly and kept the lounge very tidy & routinely offered to refill our drinks, etc.

In fact, ALL the employees we countered were very cordial, greeted us in the hallways, waited for the next elevator rather than crowding on with the guests etc...traits I have only really seen in much higher end properties.

Outside of the Executive Lounge, the hotel had several high end conference/meeting rooms available that looked like they could be right out of some company's corporate board room..

They have a 24 hour Cafe/Bistro in the lobby that serves tasty food...a lobby bar, and also a very, very good fine dining restaurant that serves some of the best beef filet I have ever enjoyed -- in addition to traditional czech dishes...service from Rolf was very good.

All in all, as a longtime HH Diamond member, I was completely blown away by how good our experience was. Why can't US based Hilton's be this nice? :-)

Oh, p.s....they also have a brand new addition called "Cloud 9"...it is a very W style nightclub up on the very top level of the hotel that is all glassed in with the best views of the Prague skyline...it was as nice as some of the clubs I have seen in Vegas.

So, if you are looking for a good hotel, I definitely recommend the Hilton Prague...all the sites are a short 10 minute walk or 5 minute car ride (the hotel provides nice black sedans out front that are much cleaner than the local taxis & are reasonably priced.)

Having said all of this, I'm still a Starwood whore, but I would not hesitate to stay here again.

P.S. I don't work out much, but my business partner does and he said the Hilton Prague gym was one of the nicest & cleanest hotel gyms he has ever worked out in.

I'd have to echo libertyjake's review of the Hilton Prague.

I, too, am a Starwood whore. My few experiences with Hiltons in the US have been less than overwhelming, though I've been to some nice Hilton properties outside of the US (seems similar to Sheraton in the sense that things can be somewhat hit or miss in the US, but often kicked up a notch outside of the US).

But the Prague Hilton was tremendous. Before arrival, I was a bit concerned it was too much of a business-oriented hotel (read: little atmosphere) but I was quite off. Amenities, service, rooms were all great.

Location was not a problem in the least, either. Certainly, you don't quite step out the front door of the hotel and land on the most charming, picturesque scene in Prague. But it's not hard to get to the most popular tourist spots from the hotel, the car service they offer is very convenient (and, with flat prices, reasonable and reliable), the views from the upper floors can be spectacular, and the extent to which you're able to enjoy the hotel and its facilities makes it a very appealing "retreat" after a long day of sightseeing or business meetings offsite.

Highly recommended!

Glad to be hearing some reports strt to filter in on Old Town - I'm headed to Prague for new Years. There have alsways been rave reviews of the Hilton Prague, but the Old Town location was intriguing. Sounds like if I'm staying Hlton, I'll go to the original and have a nice walk into Old Town.

Curious....for any posters who have stayed in Old Town location...did you get a chance to check out the Marriott which is across the street?
I'm also considering staying there....

I am also heading to Prague for New Years and currently have my reservations booked for the Old Town Prague Hilton. Should I save the points and move or stay put? Has anyone on this forum celebrated New Years in Prague? If so, where am I better off staying at ?

After checking-out at the Hilton Prague (see my separate trip report), we took our bags and walked over to the Hilton Prague Old Town (HHonors Category 5) , V Celnici 7, 111 21 Prague, Tel: +420-2-2182-2100, Fax: +420-2-2182-2200, email: reservations.prague-oldtown@hilton.com

The hotel is centrally located in the city center, right across Central Station, and opposite the Marriott hotel. Check-in was fast and friendly. My colleague and I both received an upgrade to an Executive Room on the 5th floor, on the back of the house. Unfortunately we were given a smoking room but as we checked-in late and had to leave at 04:00 am we didn’t complain. My room was very small, probably half of the size of the other rooms on this floor. My colleagues room was a little bit larger as she was assigned a corner-room. In our room we found a welcome note, some peanuts and a bottle of complimentary Evian water. The room was kind of dark but clean and ok for just a few hours to sleep in.

The Executive Lounge is located adjacent the Front Desk but was closed while we were there. Instead a smaller meeting room on the 2nd floor was used as Executive Lounge. A couple of tables and chairs, one sofa and two armchairs, one computer with free Internet access and an Executive Desk with no staff working on. After entering the lounge we intended to drink a coffee, which was so bitter that it wasn’t drinkable. Thought of having a Coke instead but unfortunately the staff placed only two or three small bottles of Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Diet Coke and Tonic water at a time in a large ice bucket. When we showed up, just Diet Coke and Sprite was left over. When we returned to the lounge later this evening, the sodas had been stocked up and several alcoholic beverages were also offered. In addition to this, two hot items (spring rolls and grilled chicken skewers) and assorted cheese with crackers were available.

After the lounge closed at 11:00 pm we went downstairs to have another drink at the Zinc Lounge and Bar.

Check-out was friendly, fast and accurate.

We used the hotels Mercedes limousine for our way back to the airport. The fare of 890 CZK ($50) could be charged to the room.

Final notes: The hotel is centrally located, only minutes away from a major shopping area and very close to several sights like the the Wenceslas Square from where you can reach the Charles Bridge within 10 more minutes. The staff is polite and attentive. Everybody speaks perfect English. The two rooms I saw were clean and OK but nothing special. I stayed at both Hiltons and for me, the location isn’t worth staying at the Hilton Prague Old Town. If you have to stay here for what reason ever, you’ll probably have a comfortable stay, but keep in mind only 10 minutes away you’ll discover outstanding service at the Hilton Prague. However, I do recommend this property.

I have updated my post upthread to mention that Gordon Ramsay pulled out of providing restaurant services (as well as lobby bar and room service, which he stated had contributed significantly to that location's financial losses, in a recent article in, iirc, the IHT,) at the Hilton Prague Old Town; Ramsay basically sold the restaurant back to the hotel.

An article (http://www.praguepost.com/tempo/607-gordon-ramsay-pulls-out-of-maze-prague.html) in the Prague Post says more, as do this one (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6395950.ece) in the Times online and this one (http://news.scotsman.com/gordonramsay/Gordon-Ramsay39s-39brand39-goes-off.5425972.jp) in the Scotsman online

If anyone stops by, please update us on the restaurant and new providers. :)

Looking at a 2-night stay in Prague, as a tourist, and HHonors Diamond. Would be arriving and departing by train. There are 2 of us. I've been to Prague before (back in 1994), but he hasn't. For a short stay like this, and for convenience sake, I'm looking more at the Old Town location.

What say the experts?

I clearly prefer the other Hilton. It is not only much bigger. It offers also much better service and amenities. Better spa area, perfect lounge, late check-out is no problem etc. I was only once in the old town Hilton and several times in the other. I would not want to go back to the old town.