Luxury Prague Escape at Buddha-Bar Hotel

Arriving at Buddha-Bar after hours on the road was a welcome reprieve. The valet helped us with our bags, and took our car to a nearby secure parking garage. The front desk brought us complimentary champagne, before we were brought up to our beautiful suite. Truly a five⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠star welcome. The room was large and spacious, with remote controlled blinds and lights. Along with an entry way which leads to the private bedroom, a spacious, beautiful mosaic floored room for getting ready, with a rain shower and soaking tub, complete with L’occitane products, and a separate toilet room. The room is truly a haven, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below you.

Aside from the beautifully maintained architecture, gardens and landmarks, Prague should also be known for its global food scene. A few standout restaurants are Nase Maso for burgers. Restaurant Zvonice for a delicious dinner in an old clock tower. Anonymous Bar Old Town for a one of a kind cocktail experience. La Paisanita for fresh and delicious empanadas and last but certainly not least, Sansho, for an unforgettable dining experience. Sansho has no set menu. Simply discuss your food preferences with your server, and be surprised with a multitude of dishes from their tasting menu.

Buddha Bar also has delicious food options on-site, for times when you don’t quite want to venture out into the city. The hotel's namesake, The Buddha-Bar, has delicious cocktails made with quality, exotic ingredients. The hotels Siddharta Café restaurant, complete with a giant buddha, has low lighting and an unmatched vibe. If it’s early in the day, there is a separate breakfast area with delicious breakfast offerings, including build your own ramen.

A short walk away from the hotel, you’ll find that you feel like you’ve stepped back in time in Old Town Square. You are immersed in the charm of Prague as soon as you enter the bustling square. Watch the people crowd around the world’s oldest operating astronomical clock, waiting to hear the melodic tune that’s played every hour. Explore the history of Prague with a tour of castles, cafes or catacombs, depending on your interests. Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the neighborhoods across the river, and can not be missed with its stunning views, and interesting street vendors.

Don’t skip exploring the Mala Strana neighborhood, one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Prague. It’s easy to miss, as it’s nestled downhill from Prague Castle. Take a right when crossing Charles Bridge out of the old town, and look for the picturesque medieval houses that line the cobblestone streets, follow the winding roads to find churches, shops, restaurants, and unique Czech experiences like the Kafka Museum or R. Jelínek Slivovice Museum, where you can do a slivovica tasting complete with mini sandwiches. Wander through Vojanovy sady Park, located on the grounds of the magnificent Waldstein Palace, an elegant Baroque style garden with bubbling fountains, bronze statues, and keep an eye out for the owl observatory.

Any newcomer to Prague should check out Prague's castle. You will need to climb nearly 300 steps (or take a taxi) to St. Vitus Cathedral tower, but the climb will reward you with panoramic views of the city of Prague. Explore the castle grounds, one of the largest ancient castles in the world. After your visit to the castle and cathedral, you can head a bit further to Strahov Monastery. Locate Petrin Hill, by finding Petrin Tower at its top, reminiscent of Paris' famous Eiffel Tower. Take the scenic walk via Petrin Hill for more stunning views of Prague.

Wanting to get out of the touristy hustle and bustle? Vinohrady is unique and beautiful in its own right. A quiet and elegant residential district with many cafes, markets and shops. What makes it worth the trek is Havlíček Gardens (Grébovka - Havlíčkovy sady). This park has a charming grotto, inspired by the Italian Renaissance, with benches to sit and enjoy watching the fountains. Follow the green paths to see the fish swim in small ponds, or to look out over the vineyards and see Prague below you.

I recommend the Buddha-Bar Hotel as a destination in and of itself, as there’s no place better to come back to after long days of exploring. Prague can be misunderstood as a tourist trap if you don’t get out of the busy old town. Having a sanctuary in the middle of the hustle and bustle is important. Even more important is finding all of the beauty in such a large city, including great lodging. Reach out and let me plan your perfect Prague experience!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Prague. In need of further inspiration? Check out Holly Huff’s guide, 5 Days in Prague.