What’s it like? The hotel is Starwood’s first in the Czech Republic and takes its name from the grass-covered square a short walk away. As with many hotels in Prague, the Sheraton is part new-build and part conversion, with the three original buildings dating back to 1898. An eight-storey wing has been added at the back, along with a glass-roofed atrium serving as the reception area. The extended height of the new wing (the original building is only six storeys high) means the hotel’s rooftop terrace, which can be hired for events, has great views over many of the city’s buildings and across to Petrin Park and Prague Castle.
Where is it? Just inside the New Town, or Praha 2, with the Old Town, or Praha 1, the city’s most central district, starting on the opposite side of the road. Attractions such as the Powder Gate and Charles Bridge are in walking distance of the hotel, as is the Vltava river, and nearby Charles Square metro station is three stops from Republic Square.
Room facilities The 160 rooms, of which 122 are Deluxe and Executive, and 38 are suites, are spread across the four buildings. Apparently, one Deluxe room and a couple of suites have views of Prague Castle but most look on to the main road at the front of the hotel, or the reception area and other rooms. The average room size is 25 sqm, with facilities including Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper Bed, a flatscreen TV, wifi internet access (charged at 500 Kc/£16.50), air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, and an iron and ironing board. Some of the rooms in the original buildings have a balcony, and Junior suites and above have a separate bath and shower. The 23 Club rooms have access to the Club lounge, which serves free breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres and beverages and also has computer facilities and an outdoor terrace area.
Restaurants and bars Brasserie Délice serves French cuisine and is spread across three rooms at the front of the hotel, two next to each other on the ground floor, and one on a mezzanine level. Breakfast is served here, and there is a good range of hot and cold choices including eggs cooked to order. Diamond’s Bar is located just behind the Link@Sheraton internet area, where drinks and snacks can also be ordered.
Business and meeting facilities There are two meeting rooms, the largest of which is 106 sqm and can hold up to 80 people, but the most interesting areas of the hotel are the rooftop terrace, which is ideal for a sunset drinks reception, and Link@Sheraton in the lobby. Sheraton has gradually been rolling out this concept across its hotels, and I am a convert. The area provides free wifi for all guests as well as several computers with wired internet access. Throughout my stay the connection was extremely fast, and it was nice to be able to work without feeling shut away in a business centre or incurring internet charges.
Leisure facilities These are in the basement of the new wing and include a gym, sauna and three treatment rooms.
Room highlight The comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.
Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in May started from 4,087.50 Kc (£135) for a Deluxe room.
Contact Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel, Zitna 8; tel +420 225 999 999; sheraton.com
Verdict A welcome addition to the Sheraton portfolio, with good room facilities, great views from the rooftop terrace and a well-thought out Link@Sheraton area.
Mark Caswell
