| Prague: We Came for the Pils, but Left Thirsty for More of the City! Story & Photos by Vivienne Chapleo |
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| WAVE Journey.com |
| Women's Adventures, Vacations & Experiences ~ Your Journey Starts Here! |
On a cold and blustery day in early April (in what
was supposed to be spring), my partner, Jill, and
I arrived in Prague after a scenic and rather
interesting (whole other story), seven-hour train
ride from Budapest. From our very first moments
after stepping from the train, until we departed
from the airport, our time in Prague was
spectacular.
was supposed to be spring), my partner, Jill, and
I arrived in Prague after a scenic and rather
interesting (whole other story), seven-hour train
ride from Budapest. From our very first moments
after stepping from the train, until we departed
from the airport, our time in Prague was
spectacular.
Our smiling chauffer met us at the train
station with our name written on his board.
Quickly and efficiently, Mike (the owner of
Mike’s Chauffer Service), showed us to his
van and whisked us through the busy city
traffic towards our hotel. Within twenty
minutes of leaving the train, we entered the
lobby of the hotel that would be our home-
away-from-home for the next three nights.
We had booked our transfer online the
previous day at a price of CZK380 (US$24).
www.mike-chauffeur.cz
station with our name written on his board.
Quickly and efficiently, Mike (the owner of
Mike’s Chauffer Service), showed us to his
van and whisked us through the busy city
traffic towards our hotel. Within twenty
minutes of leaving the train, we entered the
lobby of the hotel that would be our home-
away-from-home for the next three nights.
We had booked our transfer online the
previous day at a price of CZK380 (US$24).
www.mike-chauffeur.cz
The Hotel Maximilian proved to be a perfect
choice for our stay in this exciting city.
Designed by Czech-born architect Eva
Jiricna, the Hotel Maximilian is ideally
located on a quiet street within a few
minutes walk of Old Town Square and
within five minutes you can be at all the
major sights - Astronomical Clock,
Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Powder
Tower, opera and concert halls. The
stylish, four-star boutique hotel of seventy
rooms and one suite provides plenty of
amenities to ensure a wonderful stay:
down bed duvets, soundproofed rooms,
blackout drapes, rainfall showerheads, free
high-speed internet, satellite-TV, DVD
player, umbrella, coffee maker, mini-bar,
bathrobes, slippers, in-room safe,
air-conditioning and quality healthcare
amenities in the bathroom.
Eva Jiricna Architects ~ Website:
www.ejal.com
choice for our stay in this exciting city.
Designed by Czech-born architect Eva
Jiricna, the Hotel Maximilian is ideally
located on a quiet street within a few
minutes walk of Old Town Square and
within five minutes you can be at all the
major sights - Astronomical Clock,
Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Powder
Tower, opera and concert halls. The
stylish, four-star boutique hotel of seventy
rooms and one suite provides plenty of
amenities to ensure a wonderful stay:
down bed duvets, soundproofed rooms,
blackout drapes, rainfall showerheads, free
high-speed internet, satellite-TV, DVD
player, umbrella, coffee maker, mini-bar,
bathrobes, slippers, in-room safe,
air-conditioning and quality healthcare
amenities in the bathroom.
Eva Jiricna Architects ~ Website:
www.ejal.com
Taking time to break from exploring the city, we
found the Maximilian’s library to be a well-
stocked and lovely room in which to enjoy some
quiet moments after a long day of pounding the
pavements of Prague. We also took time to
enjoy the honesty bar in the drawing room,
where we parked ourselves one afternoon next
to the fireplace with complimentary coffee and
pastries. A great start to our Prague mornings
was the sumptuous breakfast buffet. This must-
not-miss event, included in the room rate, taken
in the sleek and sexy breakfast room is available
daily from 6:30AM to 11:30AM, and extended
until 12:30PM on Saturday and Sunday. Hotel
Maximilian also boasts The Floating Centre in
the Zen City Spa - the only one of its kind in the
Czech Republic - where we experienced the Bali
massage and floatarium. The spa is open to
hotel guests as well as the public. Excellent
location, professional service and courteous
staff, with room rates starting at Euro 143.00
(US$225), are some of the reasons why Hotel
Maximilian is where we will call home on future
trips to Prague.
www.maximilianhotel.com
www.planetzen.cz
found the Maximilian’s library to be a well-
stocked and lovely room in which to enjoy some
quiet moments after a long day of pounding the
pavements of Prague. We also took time to
enjoy the honesty bar in the drawing room,
where we parked ourselves one afternoon next
to the fireplace with complimentary coffee and
pastries. A great start to our Prague mornings
was the sumptuous breakfast buffet. This must-
not-miss event, included in the room rate, taken
in the sleek and sexy breakfast room is available
daily from 6:30AM to 11:30AM, and extended
until 12:30PM on Saturday and Sunday. Hotel
Maximilian also boasts The Floating Centre in
the Zen City Spa - the only one of its kind in the
Czech Republic - where we experienced the Bali
massage and floatarium. The spa is open to
hotel guests as well as the public. Excellent
location, professional service and courteous
staff, with room rates starting at Euro 143.00
(US$225), are some of the reasons why Hotel
Maximilian is where we will call home on future
trips to Prague.
www.maximilianhotel.com
www.planetzen.cz
As it is our mission to sample as much local beer as
possible during our travels (well, somebody has to), we
set off in search of a place to quench our thirst. Within a
five-minute walk from our hotel, we arrived at Maestro
Steak and Pizza and promptly ordered our first Czech
beer. Knowing the Czech Republic to be the land of lager,
we decided to start the exploration with the famous
Pilsner Urquell lager and sat back in the comfortable and
pleasant surroundings to savor the experience. The
aroma of food quickly aroused our appetites and we
ordered a delicious brick-oven Margherita pizza. With
beer priced at CZK37 (US$2.32) for a 0.5 liter glass and
pizza priced at CZK99 (US$6.30) our bill came to a
whopping CZK200 (US$12), including tip. Now, that is a
great deal!
www.maestropizza.cz
possible during our travels (well, somebody has to), we
set off in search of a place to quench our thirst. Within a
five-minute walk from our hotel, we arrived at Maestro
Steak and Pizza and promptly ordered our first Czech
beer. Knowing the Czech Republic to be the land of lager,
we decided to start the exploration with the famous
Pilsner Urquell lager and sat back in the comfortable and
pleasant surroundings to savor the experience. The
aroma of food quickly aroused our appetites and we
ordered a delicious brick-oven Margherita pizza. With
beer priced at CZK37 (US$2.32) for a 0.5 liter glass and
pizza priced at CZK99 (US$6.30) our bill came to a
whopping CZK200 (US$12), including tip. Now, that is a
great deal!
www.maestropizza.cz
Day two found us on a morning walk (in slightly warmer
and sunnier weather), exploring some of the areas within
close proximity of our hotel. This was our time to visit a
few local shops and ramble along the cobble-stoned
streets, taking in the fascinating history and beautiful
architecture that surrounded us. Tucked away on quiet
streets we discovered what are now two of our favorite
shops - the funky, Artel Design Shop and the glass shop,
Material. As Czech glass is very famous, Material is the
perfect place to find original glass products in limited
series, inspired by the mind of designer and founder of
the brand, Tomas Kysela. So, keep these shops in mind
whether you are looking for a small trinket to pack with
you or a fabulous piece of glass artwork to ship home.
http://artelstyle.com/prague-store.html
www.i-material.com
and sunnier weather), exploring some of the areas within
close proximity of our hotel. This was our time to visit a
few local shops and ramble along the cobble-stoned
streets, taking in the fascinating history and beautiful
architecture that surrounded us. Tucked away on quiet
streets we discovered what are now two of our favorite
shops - the funky, Artel Design Shop and the glass shop,
Material. As Czech glass is very famous, Material is the
perfect place to find original glass products in limited
series, inspired by the mind of designer and founder of
the brand, Tomas Kysela. So, keep these shops in mind
whether you are looking for a small trinket to pack with
you or a fabulous piece of glass artwork to ship home.
http://artelstyle.com/prague-store.html
www.i-material.com
Early afternoon found us with Prague Top Tour on their
three and a half hour Grand City Tour (which worked
out perfectly as the weather had turned cold and rainy
again). Most of the sightseeing was from a
comfortable twenty-passenger bus, with approximately
one hour of walking and about eighty downhill steps
involved. This tour enabled us to set eyes on the main
highlights of the city and our well-versed, local guide
gave explanations in both English and German. The
Grand City Tour is one of the many options available
with Prague Top Tour and operates twice a day,
10:15AM and 2:15PM at a cost of CZK740 (US$47.00)
per adult. www.praguetoptour.cz
three and a half hour Grand City Tour (which worked
out perfectly as the weather had turned cold and rainy
again). Most of the sightseeing was from a
comfortable twenty-passenger bus, with approximately
one hour of walking and about eighty downhill steps
involved. This tour enabled us to set eyes on the main
highlights of the city and our well-versed, local guide
gave explanations in both English and German. The
Grand City Tour is one of the many options available
with Prague Top Tour and operates twice a day,
10:15AM and 2:15PM at a cost of CZK740 (US$47.00)
per adult. www.praguetoptour.cz
After a busy day of sightseeing, the time had come
for us to find a restaurant that served great Czech
cuisine. Our hotel staff recommended we dine at
Kolkovna, one of the Kolkovna Group’s first
restaurants to boast the title Pilsner Urquell Original
Restaurant. Wanting to savor the flavor of Czech
cuisine at its best, Jill opted for the half-roasted duck
served with potato dumplings, white and red
cabbage for CZK 325 (US$20) and I settled on the
Pilsen style beef goulash served with dumplings and
potato pancakes for CZK165 (US$10). Each with a
pint of Pilsner Urquell lager in hand, we toasted to
another great meal in Prague, wishing we had
enough time to return and sample more of the local
specialties this very popular restaurant offers. Due
to the popularity of this restaurant we advise
reservations be made as far in advance as you can.
Luckily, for us, the Hotel Maximilian concierge was
able to secure us the last table that evening.
www.kolkovna.cz
for us to find a restaurant that served great Czech
cuisine. Our hotel staff recommended we dine at
Kolkovna, one of the Kolkovna Group’s first
restaurants to boast the title Pilsner Urquell Original
Restaurant. Wanting to savor the flavor of Czech
cuisine at its best, Jill opted for the half-roasted duck
served with potato dumplings, white and red
cabbage for CZK 325 (US$20) and I settled on the
Pilsen style beef goulash served with dumplings and
potato pancakes for CZK165 (US$10). Each with a
pint of Pilsner Urquell lager in hand, we toasted to
another great meal in Prague, wishing we had
enough time to return and sample more of the local
specialties this very popular restaurant offers. Due
to the popularity of this restaurant we advise
reservations be made as far in advance as you can.
Luckily, for us, the Hotel Maximilian concierge was
able to secure us the last table that evening.
www.kolkovna.cz
Day three came far too quickly and found us hitting
the city streets with Prague Walks on their three and
a half hour Grand Walk - The Best of Prague Walking
Tour. Our guide that morning, Michele, was
exceptionally knowledgeable, spoke excellent English
and left us delighted with the time spent on tour.
During a drink break at a local café and whilst
answering more of our questions on the history of this
fascinating city, Michele suggested we try the Budvar
beer and hot wine. Included in the price of CZK390
(US$25) per adult is a drink and tram ticket for the
ride to Prague Castle. www.praguewalks.com
the city streets with Prague Walks on their three and
a half hour Grand Walk - The Best of Prague Walking
Tour. Our guide that morning, Michele, was
exceptionally knowledgeable, spoke excellent English
and left us delighted with the time spent on tour.
During a drink break at a local café and whilst
answering more of our questions on the history of this
fascinating city, Michele suggested we try the Budvar
beer and hot wine. Included in the price of CZK390
(US$25) per adult is a drink and tram ticket for the
ride to Prague Castle. www.praguewalks.com
When in Prague, do what the locals do - spend an
evening being mesmerized at a classical music concert.
With plenty of music venues from which to choose
around the city, we happened upon the Prague Royal
Symphony Orchestra playing at The Municipal House’s
Smetana Hall and performing Smetana and Dvorak. As
the performance was starting within thirty minutes,
tickets were discounted and we were able to barter the
salesperson down to half price - CZK700 (US$44) per
person. The hall was beautiful; the fifty-piece orchestra
amazing, the music very moving and the two-hour
event was indeed worthwhile.
www.aai-concert.cz
evening being mesmerized at a classical music concert.
With plenty of music venues from which to choose
around the city, we happened upon the Prague Royal
Symphony Orchestra playing at The Municipal House’s
Smetana Hall and performing Smetana and Dvorak. As
the performance was starting within thirty minutes,
tickets were discounted and we were able to barter the
salesperson down to half price - CZK700 (US$44) per
person. The hall was beautiful; the fifty-piece orchestra
amazing, the music very moving and the two-hour
event was indeed worthwhile.
www.aai-concert.cz
Later that evening, while wandering the streets near the
Old Town Square we peered into the window of a very
busy restaurant, filled to the brim with locals - always a
good sign. As we try to stay away from the typical tourist
traps, we headed inside and were fortunate enough to
find a table right away. The Restaurace u Parlamentu
turned out to be a great find. The beer and food were
excellent and very reasonably priced. We each ordered a
Pils and while Jill decided on the Spinach crepe for CZK79
(US$5), I chose the Czech onion soup for CZK35
(US$2.25). Both of our dishes were deliciously satisfying
and we would definitely go back. Wow, another great
meal for a total of CZK200 (US$12).
Old Town Square we peered into the window of a very
busy restaurant, filled to the brim with locals - always a
good sign. As we try to stay away from the typical tourist
traps, we headed inside and were fortunate enough to
find a table right away. The Restaurace u Parlamentu
turned out to be a great find. The beer and food were
excellent and very reasonably priced. We each ordered a
Pils and while Jill decided on the Spinach crepe for CZK79
(US$5), I chose the Czech onion soup for CZK35
(US$2.25). Both of our dishes were deliciously satisfying
and we would definitely go back. Wow, another great
meal for a total of CZK200 (US$12).
From Prague, we were taking a quick flight to Florence,
Italy to start another journey. This time deciding to try
the services of Prague Transfers for our trip to the airport,
we booked online the previous day. Our friendly driver
promptly picked us up from our hotel and smoothly
delivered us to the airport thirty minutes later for only
CZK550 (US$35). Another courteous and professional
encounter, in what is now one of our favorite cities.
www.prague-transfers.cz
Italy to start another journey. This time deciding to try
the services of Prague Transfers for our trip to the airport,
we booked online the previous day. Our friendly driver
promptly picked us up from our hotel and smoothly
delivered us to the airport thirty minutes later for only
CZK550 (US$35). Another courteous and professional
encounter, in what is now one of our favorite cities.
www.prague-transfers.cz
We came for the Pils, but left thirsty for the city. From
start to finish, Prague exceeded our expectations and
we wished we could stay longer - or at the very least,
return soon.
start to finish, Prague exceeded our expectations and
we wished we could stay longer - or at the very least,
return soon.
Hotel Maximilian:
Hastalska 14, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech
Republic
Tel: +420 225 303 111
Fax: +420 225 303 110
Email: reservations@maximilianhotel.com
Website: www.maximilianhotel.com
Zen City Spa: Located at the Hotel
Maximilian.
www.planetzen.cz
Hastalska 14, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech
Republic
Tel: +420 225 303 111
Fax: +420 225 303 110
Email: reservations@maximilianhotel.com
Website: www.maximilianhotel.com
Zen City Spa: Located at the Hotel
Maximilian.
www.planetzen.cz
Side Notes:
Artel Design Shop:
Celetna 29 (Entrance on Rybna), 110
00 Prague
Tel: +420 224 815 085
Website:
http://artelstyle.com/prague-store.html
Hours: Daily 10:00AM to 10:00PM
Material Glass:
Shop - U Luzickeno seminare 7,
Prague 1 118 00 (under Charles
Bridge)
Gallery - Lazenska 9, Prague 1 118 00
Tel: +420 257 530 046
Email: info@I-material.com
Website: www.i-material.com
Hours: Daily 10:30AM to 9:00PM
Celetna 29 (Entrance on Rybna), 110
00 Prague
Tel: +420 224 815 085
Website:
http://artelstyle.com/prague-store.html
Hours: Daily 10:00AM to 10:00PM
Material Glass:
Shop - U Luzickeno seminare 7,
Prague 1 118 00 (under Charles
Bridge)
Gallery - Lazenska 9, Prague 1 118 00
Tel: +420 257 530 046
Email: info@I-material.com
Website: www.i-material.com
Hours: Daily 10:30AM to 9:00PM
Mike’s Chauffer Service:
www.mike-chauffeur.cz
Prague Transfers:
www.prague-transfers.cz
www.mike-chauffeur.cz
Prague Transfers:
www.prague-transfers.cz
Prague Walks: Offering a variety of
city-walking tours of various durations.
www.praguewalks.com
Prague Top Tour: Offering tours to
suit every activity level.
www.praguetoptour.cz
city-walking tours of various durations.
www.praguewalks.com
Prague Top Tour: Offering tours to
suit every activity level.
www.praguetoptour.cz
Maestro Steak and Pizza:
Krizovnicka 10, Praha 1.
Tel: 222 320 498
Open daily 11AM to 11PM
Website: www.maestropizza.cz
Restaurace u Parlamentu:
Czech specialties and Pilsner Urquell beer.
Valentinska 8, Praha 1.
Tel: +420 721 415 747
Kolkovna:
V Kolkovne 8, 110 00 Praha 1.
Tel: +420 224 819 701
www.kolkovna.cz
Kavarna Cas s.r.o: Local café in Mala Strana.
Try the Budvar beer and hot wine.
U Luzickeho seminare 15, 118 00 Praha 1.
Tel: +420 731 476 502
Krizovnicka 10, Praha 1.
Tel: 222 320 498
Open daily 11AM to 11PM
Website: www.maestropizza.cz
Restaurace u Parlamentu:
Czech specialties and Pilsner Urquell beer.
Valentinska 8, Praha 1.
Tel: +420 721 415 747
Kolkovna:
V Kolkovne 8, 110 00 Praha 1.
Tel: +420 224 819 701
www.kolkovna.cz
Kavarna Cas s.r.o: Local café in Mala Strana.
Try the Budvar beer and hot wine.
U Luzickeho seminare 15, 118 00 Praha 1.
Tel: +420 731 476 502
Prague Concert Ticket Sales
www.aai-concert.cz
www.aai-concert.cz