While visiting Prague we stayed at the Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnu, a charming hotel in a 14th Century building in the city center and just around the corner from Old Town Square. The building is, in fact, on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, as part of Prague’s Historic Centre. And in the house just across from the hotel is the former residence of Franz Kafka.

The hotel itself has so much to offer its guests. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel. A computer in the lobby is free to guests and laptops can be borrowed from the front desk free of charge. Also available are DVDs and DVD players. And of course, the front desk can recommend and arrange restaurant reservations and book tickets to cultural events and day trips.

The 3-star Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnul is a great value and I am happy to recommend it. The hotel consists of two adjoining buildings with rooms ranging from double suites for two persons to apartments housing up to six people. Each room in the hotel is unique, all with high ceilings, private baths, and safe deposit boxes. Guests can specify which room they may want prior to booking their reservation. For example, the attic rooms have exposed wooden ceiling beams, and views of the historic St. Nicholas Church and the old Town Hall, while many walls on lower floors have exposed brickwork and spacious accommodations.

Guests receive a complimentary morning breakfast which includes an impressive spread of meats, cheeses, bread, fruit, and vegetables as well as yogurt, cereal and pastries. Coffee and tea are included. The communal dining area is friendly and a great spot to converse with other hotel guests and exchange tips and suggestions for touring Prague.

A Brazilian steakhouse occupies the basement of the building and a popular bar is situated in an adjoining building. Though, as with most restaurants found in the Old Town Square, these dining and drinking establishments can be overpriced. So if you are budget conscious, it is well worth walking off the beaten path to find a restaurant or café frequented by the locals.

Just around the corner from the hotel is Old Town Square, a bustling center full of city residents and tourists alike. Many of the city’s most famous historic attractions are found here, including the Astronomical Clock, the Gothic Tyn Church, and the Jan Hus monument. Numerous restaurants, bars and cafes occupy the perimeter of the square while stalls and food carts sell sausages and beer well into the night. Concerts and other musical performances are often hosted in this friendly public square.

Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnu is located at U radnice 8, 10 Prague 1 – Old Town. The hotel can be reached by public transportation or by pre-arranging shuttle pick up from the airport via the hotel. This shuttle service is considerably less expensive than hailing a taxi. Hotel pricing varies depending on the season; costs go up considerably between the months of May through October, though its a great value no matter the time of the year. You may want to consider visiting in November or early December to save on the cost of the hotel room while esperiencing Prague without as many tourists as the summertime brings. Given the location, charm and amenities offered, this hotel is certainly a great value.