SD › Prague Best Hotels › Golden Well Hotel Review
Updated: April 19, 2021
Essentials
• Location: U Zlaté studně, Malá Strana, next to the Palace gardens.
• Hotel website: goldenwell.cz
• Hotel phone: +420 257-011-213
• Check prices on Booking.com
Guests at this hotel are greeted by historical architecture, opulent and spacious rooms, an excellent restaurant with fabulous views, and an exclusive lounge in the prime Malá Strana neighborhood.
Golden Well Hotel – Historic and intimate five-star hotel, once home to royalty.
This romantic nineteen-room property takes its historical architecture – including some original seventeenth-century walls – and blends it seamlessly with modern comforts that feel luxurious while maintaining a cozy feel. Details like Richelieu Renaissance furnishings, plush beds made from entirely natural fibers like cashmere, and art from classic Czech painters make every step fascinating here. You’ll want to head out of your room to enjoy the common spaces like the convivial lounge, with tea and wine available at all hours, and the exquisite restaurant that’s famous locally in its own right. And the newly renovated adjacent palace gardens are a delight to explore.
See Also
Golden Well Hotel – Location
- Address: U Zlaté studně, Malá Strana, Prague.
- Nearest Metro/Subway: Malostranská (0.3 mile).
- Area: Prime location just below Prague Castle and close to many major sites in Malá Strana, hidden at the end of a tiny cobblestone lane. It’s only an 11-minute walk (0.5 mile) to the castle and also 10 minutes (0.5 mile) to the incredibly scenic Charles Bridge, where you can cross the Danube River and head into Old Town.
- How to Get There: It’s only a 4-minute walk (0.2 mile) to the Malostranské Náměstí tram stop where you can hop on the useful #97 tram that runs across the Legion Bridge at the border of Old and New Towns. It’s also a 6-minute walk (0.3 mile) to the Malostranská Metro station, but the tram will almost always be a better option. It takes about 30 minutes (10 miles) to reach the hotel by cab from Václav Havel Airport Prague and about 12 minutes (3 miles) from Praha Hlavní Nádraží train station.
- Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €30 from Václav Havel Airport Prague – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
- Handy to: Prague Castle, St Nicholas Church, Nerudova Street.
Golden Well Hotel – The Basics
- Ages: The hotel attracts mostly couples on a city break and people over 50, as well as some families.
- View: Rooms have views of either the rooftops of beautiful Malá Strana, palace gardens next door, pretty cobblestone street below, or the hotel courtyard.
- Parking: Parking is available at the sister Aria Hotel, a 6-minute walk (0.3 mile) away.
- Extras: Private entrance to the palace gardens, DVD library, Apple TV, Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms, iPads and Nespresso machines in all the rooms.
- When to Book: 1-2 months in advance for dates in May to September and in December around the Christmas holidays. Book even farther ahead if you want a specific room. At other times, 2 weeks ahead should suffice.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +420 257-011-213
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: goldenwell.cz
Golden Well Hotel – Amenities
- Spa: There’s no spa, but guests can go to the massage room at the Aria Hotel, and in-room massages are also available.
- Fitness Center: Guests can use the small fitness center with steam room at the Aria Hotel.
- For Disabled Guests: The cobblestone streets to get here and the old construction of this hotel make it unsuitable for disabled guests. It does have an elevator, however.
- For Families: The hotel offers baby cots and roll-away beds, and can arrange babysitting.
Golden Well Hotel – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: Terasa U Zlate Studne graces the top floor of the hotel and features 1 outdoor and 2 indoor terraces, all fronted by fantastic views of colorful Malá Strana, Legendary chef Pavel Sapik creates extraordinary Czech dishes, including plenty of seafood. The décor blends the Renaissance style of the hotel with more modern touches. Book ahead. Open from noon-11 pm. $$$.
- Lounge/Bar: The beautiful bar may be small, but it has the honor of being one of only forty in the world to have the designation to serve Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac. It also has access to rare champagnes as an honored member of the Moët & Chandon Privileges Club. You can take your drink into the adjacent Atrium area where there’s a replica of the original Golden Well. There’s also a cozy lounge on the first floor of the hotel where guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, wine, and snacks around the clock.
- Breakfast: Not complimentary, but can be included in some rates. Buffet or a la carte served in the restaurant 7-10 am. 20€ for guests, €36 for non-guests.
- Room Service: Breakfast in bed is available from the restaurant.
Golden Well Hotel – Rooms
- Room Types: Superior • Deluxe • Grand Deluxe • Tycho de Brahe Suite • Rudolph II Suite • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: Rooms and all common areas are smoke-free but guests can smoke in the Atrium.
- Best Room: Rooms 32 and 33 are the biggest and have the best views of the Grande Deluxe Rooms, but overall, the Rudolph II Suite is the best with its original 17th-century walls, fabulous views of the city, full living room space, a curated wine rack (you’ll be charged for wine), and beautiful antique furnishings.
- For Families: Rooms 32 and 33 are next to each other and have a connecting door.
Golden Well Hotel – Local Transport
- Walking: This is walking heaven. Head uphill 11 minutes (0.5 mile) for a bit of a workout and reach Prague Castle, or head down a slight slope for 10 minutes (0.5 mile) to get to Charles Bridge. Or just wander aimlessly because every corner of this neighborhood is a delight.
- Subway and Bus: Tram is your best choice here, with the Malostranské Náměstí tram stop only a 4-minute walk (0.2 mile) away.
- Taxis, Uber, Lyft: Uber works well in Prague, or ask the hotel to arrange a taxi or private driver for you.
Golden Well Hotel – What’s Nearby?
Recommended Nearby Tours
- Prague Stories by Alena – A special crew leading excellent specialty tours around the city – from Jewish history to shopping. Start location: Hotel pick-up.
- Taste of Prague – Small (up to 10 people) 4-hour tours geared toward teaching about Czech culture via delicious food. Led by a local guide and includes beer and wine too. Start location: Depends on tour.
- Prague Venice – Set off in a Venetian-style gondola from underneath the Charles Bridge for these well-run and fun 45-minute boat tours. Start location: 0.8 mile.
- Historical Tram No 41 – This old-fashioned tram is a fun activity for families and runs on weekends, spring through fall, from the Museum of Transportation to the Výstaviště exhibition area about 2 miles away. Start location: Pražský hrad stop near Prague Castle (0.7 mile).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Malostransky Hostinec – Traditional Czech fare in a similarly traditional setting with a view of the castle and over 50 beers to choose from. (0.3 mile).
- Augustine – Fine European/Czech dining in a beautiful old monastery courtyard at the Augustine Hotel. (0.3 mile).
- CODA Restaurant – Fine Czech dining at the Aria Hotel with one of the best views in town. Owned by the same group that runs Golden Well Hotel. (0.3 mile).
- Café de Paris – Simple, elegant café serving French basics in a cozy atmosphere. (0.5 mile).
- Hergetova Cihelna – It’s all about the river view here, although the food – Mediterranean to Asian – is good too. (0.5 mile).
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- U Glaubicu – Cavernous, classic Czech pub that also serves hearty, homestyle food. (0.3 mile).
- Bluelight – Hip cocktail bar with graffiti and memorabilia adorned walls. (0.3 mile).
- U Maleho Glena – Excellent, long-running jazz bar with live acts and Sunday jam sessions. (0.3 mile).
- U Staré Studny – Cognac and wine bar with a menu of over 100 noble spirits, many from small producers. (0.4 mile).
- Mourenina Wine Bar – Friendly staff and excellent wines paired with small bites. (0.4 mile).
- Vojanuv Dvur Brewery – First microbrewery in Malá Strana, opened in 2018. It has a great front terrace. (0.4 mile).
- Vinograf – Excellent wine bar where you can discover the best Bohemian and Monrovian wines. (0.5 mile).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Malostranska Kavarna – Classic old-school café that was once a haunt of Franz Kafka. (0.2 mile).
- Amorino Gelato – Great gelato and sorbets, perfect for summer days. (0.3 mile).
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
- ARTĚL Design Store – Find traditional Bohemian handblown glassware at this gorgeous shop. (0.5 mile).
- Shakespeare & Sons – Legendary bookshop and literary hub. (0.5 mile).
- The Chemistry Design Store – Ever-changing collection of art to ceramics and jewelry by Czech designers. (0.5 mile).
- Loutky Marionettes – Fun shop with tons of whimsical to spooky traditional and handmade Czech puppets. (0.4 mile).
Nearby Attractions
- St Nicholas Church – Stunning baroque church, inside and out, that dominates the Malá Strana neighborhood. (0.2 mile).
- Nerudova Street – This famous and picturesque street, full of souvenir shops, leads up to Prague Castle. (0.2 mile).
- Wallenstein Garden – Peaceful baroque garden and one of the few beautiful and connecting green spaces in this part of town. (0.4 mile).
- Museum of the Infant Jesus of Prague – Located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious, this 17th-century statue of baby Jesus from Spain is said to have protected the city of Prague ever since. The museum features the infant’s impressive wardrobe of outfits. (0.4 mile).
- John Lennon Wall – A work of graffiti art, this wall started as a portrait of John Lennon and since 1989, has been a place where many have left their messages of peace. (0.5 mile).
- Charles Bridge – Ancient pedestrian bridge filled with statues, buskers, crowds and beautiful views of Prague. Walk across to get to the old and new centers of the city. (0.5 mile).
- Prague Castle – Prague’s number one sight is a massive hilltop complex housing grand royal buildings, museums, and gardens. (0.5 mile).
- St Vitus Cathedral – 14th-century cathedral and a masterpiece with gargoyles on the outside, stained glass on the inside, and ceilings and spires that seem impossibly high. (0.5 mile).
Nearby Market or Grocery Store
- Vacek Bio Market – Well-stocked little market. (0.4 mile).
Golden Well Hotel – The Hotel
The entrance of the hotel is at the end of a tiny lane and the sign has the name of the lauded on-site restaurant.
Cozy common spaces include nice touches like this chess table.
Sit in the living areas and admire the varied and impressive art.
Terraces take in the rooftops of Malá Strana.
Room design is luxurious while keeping in close touch with history.
Bathrooms are large and practical.
Even the Deluxe Rooms are very spacious and gorgeous.
The Tycho de Brahe Suite has the extra touch of an ancient beam ceiling.
The bedroom of the Rudolph II Suite is beautiful, spacious, and bright.
The suite’s living room is large and very welcoming.
Superior rooms are big and outstanding.
The bar is one of only 40 places in the world licensed and trained to serve Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac.
Part of the hotel has an exposed and original 17th-century wall.
The lounge area offers coffee, tea, and snacks.
There is a replica of the original Golden Well after which the place is named.
The inner courtyard area is warm and colorful with a homey vibe.
View from the terrace overlooking this beautiful neighborhood of Prague and beyond.
Tables at the Terasa U Zlate studne restaurant offer one of the best views around.
Sit and try some fabulous local wines alongside meats and cheeses at Vinoteka Mourenina, a short and pretty walk from the hotel.
Not like Prague needs any gimmicks to make it more beautiful, but going motor-free and Venetian style for a river tour is extraordinary – plus it’s a scenic walk to get to the launch site.
The interior of St Nicholas Church is even more stunning than the exterior.
U Glaubicu pub is always packed with happy beer drinkers, as it has been for eons.
Malostranska Kavarna offers indoor seating as well as sidewalk tables, when the weather permits, for coffee, cakes, and more.
Get an authentic taste of Paris at Café Paris.
Forget your toothbrush? Need snacks for the kids? Luckily, the well-stocked organic-oriented Vacek grocery store is nearby.
Taste some beautiful spirits at U Staré Studny tasting room, and if you take a few sips too many, the hotel is close by.
Walking across the Charles Bridge is a true pleasure and you’ll probably end up doing it again and again to visit the other side of the river.
There are lots of shops nearby but the marionette shops like Loutky are worth spending some time in.
For dining, you’ll get amazing views across the river at Hergetova Cihelna, but stopping in for a drink on the sunny back patio area is also delightful.
St Vitus Cathedral is tall and dark inside and is also one of Prague’s top sights.
Dining at the Golden Well‘s sister property, the Aria Hotel is a top culinary and visual experience on this side of the river.
Nearby is fine Czech fare at Malostransky Hostinec with some outdoor seating.
Try out Vojanuv Dvur, a new microbrewery near the river with a great patio.
John Lennon would be proud of this colorful wall that bears his name and is dedicated to peace.
If gelato and macarons are the answer to everything, then visit Amorino nearby.
You can walk to Shakespeare and Sons to buy a book or just to soak up the literary vibes.
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