PRAGUE (mostly) - summer, 2006
Following a tour of selected other parts of Europe in June, 2006, I flew to Prague from Paris.
I was delighted with travel writer Rick Steves' recommendation of the Hotel Julian, where I
stayed 6 nights. Staff was courteous, helpful (including via e-mail correspondence before my
arrival), and spoke good English. The front desk was operative 24/7. The ability to charge
transportation costs from and to the airport to my hotel bill was a plus.
One of two similar paintings in the library/sitting
room of the hotel, where one could take tea/
coffee, read, play a variety of games, or simply
relax in a somewhat elegant, but not opulent,
old-world setting.
Buffet breakfasts, included in the tariff, were more than ample in both variety and quantity, tasty
and nutritious. Being largely vegetarian (with vegan preference), I was pleasantly surprised
at the culinary selections. Water in Prague is potable.
Desk in room on top floor. East-facing slanted windows provided ample lighting and ventilation,
although mosquitoes a couple nights caused me to close windows and run air-conditioning.
Bright morning light and, with windows open, early morning street noise were relative
disadvantages of this otherwise charming room.
Although eateries abound in the environs of the hotel, I chose to dine one evening at the hotel
restaurant. As to be expected, it featured a full bar. Czech drinkers are the largest beer consumers
in Europe, and the Czech Republic is one of the few (perhaps only) places where beer
is no more costly than soft drinks.
The Vlatava River flows north, and divides Prague (the Jewish Quarter, Old Town and New
Town lie east; the Castle Quarter and Little Quarter are west). View east from west side
(where the Hotel Julian was located).
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