ROMANTIK HOTEL U RAKA
Cosy Bohemian charmer in Prague’s pretty castle quarter. HIDDEN AMONG THE STUCCO HOUSES and
cobblestone streets of medieval Prague, Romantik Hotel U Raka is tucked below the ramparts of Prague Castle.
This cosy former farmhouse turned boutique hotel is tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s a treat from start to finish – the
perfect little retreat in romantic Prague.
Hotel U Raka’s six rustic rooms ooze charm with beamed ceilings, sturdy wood furniture and original stone walls – not to mention aircon and wi-fi. The spacious
Exclusive room even has a large private terrace, an ancient well and a wood-burning fireplace, where you can cosy up with a bottle of wine on a winter’s night – making it a favourite with honeymooners.
Hit the spot Beneath the ramparts of Prague Castle.
Pillow Talk Try and bag the Exclusive room – the honeymooners’ favourite – with its wood-burning fireplace and private terrace.
Be savvy It’s a place for peaceful weekends – not party animals. And it’s essential to book well ahead.
Be smitten Quaint and characterful Bohemian charmer.
Flower-filled courtyard Outside, a sheltered
Japanese style terraced garden with colourful flowers, urns, old wheelbarrows, pebbles and bubbling water offers a pretty spot for enjoying a light lunch or drinks. There’s a rustic wood panelled breakfast room, where drinks and light bites are served during the day.
Family-run U Raka (the name means The Crayfish) feels
more like a characterful private house than a hotel, and the owners (whose art and photographs adorn the walls) provide polished and friendly service. They will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up when you arrive, and to book excursions or sightseeing trips.
Delicious breakfasts are a high point, with a
delicious buffet and plenty of cooked options to set you up for the day. You are welcome to order breakfast in bed.
Tucked just behind the Loreto church, you’re
well away from the tourist crowds in a deliciously quiet neighbourhood here, yet just a 20 minute walk from the big cultural sights and the Old Town. Prague Castle is ten minutes away, and you can hop aboard a tram just around the corner into the city centre.
With its homey, small-inn atmosphere and pretty neighbourhood, Hotel U Raka makes a great base for exploring historic Prague. Heaped with charm, it’s definitely
one of Prague’s best kept secrets.
Hotel U Raka was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dining in If you fancy a light bite, Hotel U Raka’s cosy café can rustle up a tasty array of
paninis, salads, pastries and desserts, served up in the garden or by the open fireplace indoors.
Breakfast A buffet breakfast with optional cooked dishes (and a glass of local fizz, perhaps?) is served until 10am.
Room service Available morning and evening.
Where? Romantik Hotel U Raka Café.
What’s cooking? Delicious homemade desserts and snacks – try the apple cake.
Top table? Nab a quiet spot in the garden – or by the fire in the cold winter months.
See & Do You’re a ten minute walk from Prague Castle, one-time home of the princes of Bohemia. Other landmarks to check out include the famous Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and church of Saint Nicholas. There are heaps of museums and galleries, a fascinating Jewish quarter (take a guided walk), and you can always just wander the narrow cobbled streets and squares.
Clip-clop through Prague in a horse-drawn carriage, or tour the surroundings in a vintage car – U Raka’s friendly staff will be happy to make arrangements.
Spa An in-room massage can be arranged, but for a full range of treatments head to the Marevital massage studio ten minutes away.
Diary Dates November/December Prague’s chocolate-box Christmas markets are among the best in Europe. Wander the narrow streets and squares to soak up festive cheer in Good King Wenceslas’ home town.
May World class classical musicians take to the stage for the Prague International Music Festival.
GETTING THERE Location Cerninska 10, 118 00 Prague
Parking There is free guest parking, though you won’t need a car.
Trains Prague central station – 20 minutes.
Taxis The hotel can arrange an airport transfer for EUR 30.
Airport Prague – 11km.
Rooms and suites Five rooms, one suite.
Special features All rooms come with satellite TV and a DVD player, minibar and free wi-fi. Check out Room six (the superior luxury), which has its own private terrace and open fireplace.
Also… There is a cosily romantic winter garden, perfect for star gazing or a mug of hot chocolate, and the walls are decorated with the owner’s own artworks.
ESSENTIAL INFO Rates guide From EUR 160- 180
Open/closed Open all year
Check-in 15:00.
Check-out 11:00.
Minimum night stay? No.
Children You’ll need to book a triple room.
Pets Welcome.
Air conditioning Yes – all rooms
Wedding license? No