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The Golden Star, or Zlatá Hvězda, has 26 elegant rooms literally at the foot of Prague Castle. Many offer spectacular views of Nerudova, the cobblestone street that winds downhill into central Malá Strana. It's not a cheapo, but if you want something with a little elegance in this neighborhood, sweetie, you gotta pay. We think the Golden Star is worth the splurge: along with an interesting history and a great location, it sports a refined, well-preserved style both inside and out.
Built during the 14th century, a number of the Czech Republic's "who's who" have called this building home. It wasn't until 2000 that the Golden Star became a hotel, and what a pleasant hotel it has turned out to be! Ornate plasterwork trims the windows of the baroque exterior. Inside, tapestries and prints of old Prague decorate the walls. A courtyard with a spiral staircase has been enclosed with a skylight to create a charming outdoors-on-the-indoors effect. Flower boxes line the railings above.
Rooms have wood floors, high ceilings, regal fabrics, and period style furnishings. Spacious and well-appointed, our only complaint is the tiny televisions. But if you get a room with a view, you probably won't care. (Tip: rooms ending in the number 4 have the vista we've been raving about.) Accommodations on the top floor have air-conditioning; some also have vaulted ceilings. Bathrooms are modern with sleek shower stalls, golden fixtures, gilded mirrors, and plenty of toiletries.
The hotel's restaurant opens to an outdoor patio with sun umbrellas for warm-weather drinking, dining, and people-watching. The Golden Star is owned by the same company as the neighboring House at the Red Lion, as well as several other well-appointed Prague properties.
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