Cesky Krumlov
Visitors to the Czech Republic almost always flock to the country’s majestic capital, Prague, known throughout the world for its cobblestone streets and towering spires. But Cesky Krumlov, in southern Bohemia, draws thousands of visitors each year for its stunning beauty, small-town charm and idyllic location on the winding river Vltava – which nearly encircles the city. Hilly, medieval Cesky Krumlov is as beautiful in winter, when snow covers its tiny alleys, as it is in summer, when canoeists and kayakers paddle down the Vltava, stopping for ice cream or the region’s world-famous beer at any of the town’s many riverside cafes and restaurants. A visit to the Czech Republic is incomplete without a visit to Cesky Krumlov, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hotel Ruze
Hotel Ruze enjoys a dominant location overlooking the river Vltava in the heart of Cesky Krumlov. Though many visitors to the town stay in private pensions, Hotel Ruze offers international-class accommodation, finding an excellent middle ground between its Renaissance-style design and the modern facilities it offers. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center and an outdoor deck just above the river. Hotel Ruze – which dates to the 16th century, when it was constructed as a monastery – is within walking distance of all city-center shopping and entertainment outlets. Recommended.
The Old Inn
All Czech cities and towns, seemingly, are centered upon a main square, the hub of social life. Cesky Krumlov is no exception. The Old Inn, which consists of three side-by-side townhouses, sits directly on Cesky Krumlov’s central square, the best of all possible locations. From here, all restaurants and shops are easy to reach on foot. This superb hotel features a terrace restaurant, a casino and an amazing 13th-century cellar, and all modern conveniences are readily available as well. Guests can use a nearby fitness center free of charge and staff members are friendly and multilingual. Highly recommended.
Hotel Dvorak
Guests at Hotel Dvorak can admire the castle of Cesky Krumlov or the river Vltava from their windows, then descend a classical, spiral staircase to the delightful breakfast chamber before exploring the town. The hotel features a range of comfortable, competitively priced rooms ranging from a large single to the amazing Honeymoon Suite, and staff members are well-informed, friendly and speak excellent English. The hotel is situated directly beside the river, which comes with one drawback in certain rooms: noise from cars crossing the Vltava bridge can be disturbing. But Hotel Dvorak more than compensates in other areas. Recommended.