Unitas Hotel

Stepping into the lobby of the four-star Unitas Hotel is like walking off Prague's gritty streets into an oasis. Wicker furniture with cream cushions, white walls, gilt-framed mirrors, shell chandeliers, soft music… it all makes for one peaceful hotel. It's pricey, but worth the splurge if you're looking for luxury.

Quick read

Pros: Luxurious and decked out with amenities. Interesting, though somewhat checkered, history.
Cons: Prices often out of Cheapo range.

The hotel

Originally a convent dating back to the 17th Century, the building that houses the Unitas became the secret police headquarters in 1950. Until 1989, prisoners (including the future president of the country, Vaclav Havel) were confined to the basement. In 1990, the building was given back to the Convent of the Grey Sisters and subsequently became a pension.

But have no fear: Guest rooms are wonderfully spacious, and you'd never guess they used to be prison cells! Shades of white dominate the color scheme, with the occasional rustic orange thrown in. Rooms, most of which face the quiet courtyard, sport blond wooden furnishings and comfy cushioned chairs.

Unsurprisingly, the Unitas is decked out with amenities. The rooms, all air conditioned, come with a safe, satellite TV, minibar and phone. Each room additionally has a DVD player, and guests can pick from a free DVD library.

The roomy bathrooms offer a basket of toiletries, as well as a hair dryer.

There’s a small bar in the Unitas' lobby, plus a free Internet station off the reception area.

Located on a quiet street in the Nové Město neighborhood, the Unitas is close to the National Theater and about midway between Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square.