In January 1993 Central European country Czechoslovakia divided into the Czech Republic and The Slovak Republic, also known as Slovakia. Both countries enjoy hot summers and cold, snowy winters, and are popular tourist destinations year-round for their historic cities, spa towns such as Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne and many ski resorts, including Benecko and Semily. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and they represent good value for money, in comparison to many European destinations.
Maximilian Hotel is just a few steps from the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. The luxury boutique hotel is a short stroll from Prague Castle, the Palace Gardens and the Vlatava River. The hotel is located within two buildings -- Black House and Red House.
The rooms are decorated to reflect varying architectural periods, with world-renowned architect Eva Jiricna and designers such as Pierre Chareaou adding their individuality and contemporary flair with furnishings, art and accents. Activities include a guided jog around the city, and the goldfish in a bowl, that guests can request for their room. The rooms have all the typical amenities befitting a four-star establishment and guests can also relax in the Zen City Spa. The hotel's breakfast restaurant offers modern takes on classic breakfast fare to get guests set up for a day's sightseeing. Room rates start at around $80 per night, as at 2010.
Maximilian Hotel
Haštalská 14
CZ-110 00 Prague 1
011-420-225-303-111
maximilianhotel.com
Chateau Kotera at Ratbor in the Czech Republic is located in an historic castle, around 4 miles from the town of Kolin. The ensuite guest accommodations are large and airy and decorated in a stark Cubist style that contrasts with the castle's historic architecture. The hotel's restaurant offers guests Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list and active guests can stroll the grounds and gardens, enjoy the fitness center, tennis court and sauna and take bicycle trips around the scenic countryside and to Kolin, a town with an abundance of historic architecture, including the gothic splendor of the Church of St. Bartholomew. As at 2010 room rates start from around $130 per night.
Chateau Kotera
Komenského 40
Ratbor, 281 41
Czech Republic
011-420-866-539-0036
hotelkotera.cz
Moored on the left bank of the River Danube in Bratislava, right under Bratislava Castle, and just a short stroll from the city center, three-star Botel Marina makes an unusual base for guests who want to enjoy the historic city. The 32 cabins and suites have single or double beds and a shower and there's a viewing terrace where guests can enjoy cocktails and a small nightclub.
The restaurant on-site is the Krishna which specializes in Indian food, particularly, tandoori. Rates start at around $60 per night, as at 2010. Historically, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven have performed in Bratislava, and, now the Slovak National Theatre's ballet and opera companies delight visitors with their world-renowned classical performances, just minutes from Botel Marina. The city also has a wealth of galleries with permanent and temporary art exhibits for art lovers to see and museums with subject matter ranging from clocks to pharmaceuticals.
Botel Marina
Nabrezie arm. gen. L. Svobodu
81102
Bratislava
Slovak Republik
011-421-2-5464-1804
slovak-republic.org/accommodation/marina-botel/17/
