Domus Balthasar

Wonderfully placed hotel in Mala Strana with immaculate rooms that are a mix of historic charm and modern elegance - ideal for a romantic getaway to Prague. Originally part of a medieval archbishop's palace, Domus Balthasar stands in a row of late Baroque houses and was re-opened after a thorough, yet sensitive reconstruction in September 2003. Its great location places you right beside the 600 year-old Charles Bridge, and in the middle of the buzzing Mala Strana district where you'll find the city's best restaurants. The hotel itself could be classified as a luxury inn, with peaceful and comfortable rooms being a priority.

Despite the age of the building, there's nothing old-fashioned about the rooms, which are light, airy and modern-feeling, with rich parquet floors, mahogany, neutral colour schemes, discreet lighting, and custom-made designer furniture. Walls are sparingly decorated with close up black and white photographs and sturdy ceiling beams in many rooms add a nice touch to the overall design which is very sophisticated. Bathrooms are crisp and smart in black and white. All rooms have a direct dial telephone with answering machine and private number, fax and internet connection point, multipurpose writing desk, personal electronic safe, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, satellite TV, and importantly, a hi-fi mini system with CD/DVD and radio. Suites also have ceramic cooking stove, microwave oven and basic cooking equipment. Breakfast is served from 7:30 until 10:00 in the neighbouring Bohemia Bagel Café.

Domus Balthasar is located in Mala Strana (the Lesser Town or Little Quarter), which clusters around the foothills of Prague Castle, on the opposite side of the river to the Old Town. The hotel is right beside Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), a 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague. This magnificent structure is one of the city's finest attractions, and is the main pedestrian route connecting the Old Town with Mala Strana and Prague Castle. From Charles Bridge you can enjoy fairytale views of the Prague skyline. The wide expanse of the river flows beneath it, flanked on both sides by elegant buildings. Prague Castle towers above in its eminent position. Here you are truly in the centre of the city.