What can make your Prague or Czech Republic vacation even more special? A weekend at an ancient palace or castle, of course. The palaces and castles of Eastern Europe make particularly good modern hotels and are very popular with tourists, for good reason. Romance, history, and luxury are tradmarks of castle and palace hotels in Prague, in the Czech Republic, and throughout Eastern and Central Europe.
1. Hotel Ruze Cesky Krumlov Castle Hotel
This 5-star hotel was originally a Renaissance monastery and university. Sumptuous rooms furnished with rich fabrics and dark woods make guests feel regal. Features, massage, sauna, pool, and gym. On-site restaurants allow you to eat on a terrace, indoors, or enjoy a drink at the bar. In addition, inquire with the concierge about excursions into the town or Renaissance feasts.
2. Pachtuv Palace Hotel Prague
The Baroque Pachtuv Palace Hotel is located in Old Town Prague. Several packages are offered, including romance, cultural, and Mozart (who once composed at Pachtuv) packages. Cozy rooms have frescoed ceilings, are divided by wooden beams, and highly-polished floors are decorated with rugs.3. Mostov Palace Hotel (Zamek Mostov)
Known as Schloss Mostov, Zamek Mostov, and Mostov Chateau, this castle hotel was once the home of a baroness. The relaxation center, converted from the 15th century cellars, was built in 2002. Excursions away from this castle hotel include breweries, glass factories, and a monastery.Website: www.mostov.cz
4. Cejkovice Chateau (Zamek Cejkovice)
Located in the South Moravian town of Cejkove, this Chateau dates from the 13th century. This area is famous for wine production, and the hotel will be happy to arrange wine tasting for guests. Wedding can be held at the Chateau's chapel. Rooms seem to be more sparsely furnished than other castle hotels, but the location of this hotel allows visitors to see part of the Czech Republic that is not Prague.Website: www.zamek-cejkovice.cz
5. Štekl Hotel-Castle
Stekl Hotel is on the Hluboka Castle grounds in South Moravia. Unique packages include "Winter Fairy Tale," "Summer Dream," and romance packages. Enjoy excursions to nearby castles and breweries, golf, bowling, tennis courts, hunting, sky diving, and fishing.Website: www.bohemiagold.cz
6. Štirin Castle (Hotel Zamek Stirin)
Just 25km southeast of Prague, Stirin Hotel is a Baroque chateau from the 18th century. The grounds include a French garden, and English park, a courtyard, and a modern building that is now a golf house and bar.Website: www.stirin.cz
7. Hotel Zamek Velka Bystrice Castle Hotel
Near Olomouc in the western part of Czech Republic, this small castle hotel has restaurant, bar, wedding chapel, theater hall, club room, a salon, and 18 guest rooms. For activities, guests should look towards town.Website: www.hotel-zamek.cz
