By Lauren Kmec
Prague
Czech Republic
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Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and one of central Europe’s hottest travel destinations. Located on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is a dynamic city rife with stunning architecture and storied cultural traditions. This Bohemian metropolis has been the pulse of life in the Czech Republic—and before that, Czechoslovakia—for more than 1000 years.

Prague is best accessed via Ruzyne International Airport (PRG), one of Europe’s oldest airports, though it has recently been renovated. The airport is located just 20 kilometers from the city center and is easily reached by metro, busses, and taxis. Book your flight with EscapeWizard.com by following this link (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). Finding a place to stay will be easy, as Prague offers a variety of lodging options to suit any budget. Please refer to EscapeWizard.com’s top selections for accommodations below, then click here (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl) to book your hotel.

First off, the Prague Castle is a definite must see. Because the castle and its grounds are so vast, EscapeWizard.com recommends reserving at least a few hours for your visit. Built in ~880 A.D., the Prague Castle was once home to the kings of Bohemia; more recently, it has been the seat of the nation’s president since 1918. The castle boasts marvelous architecture in several different styles, including Renaissance and Gothic. The castle grounds comprise three courtyards and six gardens, of which the Royal Garden is the most well known. Other notable sites within the castle complex include St. Vitus Cathedral, containing the tombs of many Czech kings, and the Golden Lane, a series of tiny houses originally constructed for the castle marksmen and their families.

EscapeWizard.com also suggests visiting the Charles Bridge, a 515-meter-long structure connecting Prague’s Old Town and Lesser Town areas over the Vltava River. The Charles Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Prague, and it has a glorious history. Founded by Emperor Charles IV in the later half of the 1300s, the bridge carried vehicles for 600 years, though now it is reserved for pedestrians. The bridge is flanked by towers at either end, and the entire structure is adorned with Gothic sculptures. Ascend to the top of either tower for sweeping views of the Vltava River Valley.

Prague’s oldest town, appropriately dubbed “Old Town,” is another worthwhile destination recommended by EscapeWizard.com. The Old Town Square was the site of a bustling marketplace in Medieval times; today it is full of cafés, galleries, and shops, making it an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon. At the center of the Square stands a monument to Jan Hus, a well-loved Czech reformer and nationalist. Old Town Square is also surrounded by a number of historic buildings, including Old Town Hall, established in 1338 as the seat of the Prague town council. The Town Hall is also home to the famous Astronomical Clock, a huge, ornate clock decorated with scenes depicting the procession of the apostles and the 12 signs of the zodiac. Although Old Town is a historical center, it is not without its share of culture. Built in 1783, Old Town’s Estates Theatre is the oldest theater in Prague. Mozart conducted the world premieres of two operas here, and a number of renowned classical and opera artists performed on this famous stage. EscapeWizard.com strongly encourages you to visit this important site in musical history.

EscapeWizard.com suggests traveling to the Jewish Quarter, a remnant of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto, dating back to the 13th century. The Jewish Quarter has long been the center of Jewish life in Prague. Six synagogues remain from the Jewish Quarter’s heyday, the most notable of which are the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue. The Old Jewish Cemetery, one of Europe’s oldest cemeteries and the burial site of ~100,000 people, is also located here. Finally, EscapeWizard.com encourages travelers to visit The Rudolfinum, an elegant Neo-Renaissance–style building that formerly acted as the seat of the old Czechoslovak parliament. Today, The Rudolfinum is home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a gallery featuring rotating modern art exhibitions.

Modern-day Prague is bursting with history, art, and culture and is sure to enchant even the most seasoned travelers. Book your trip to Prague today with EscapeWizard.com and enjoy a taste of life in Old Europe.
Hotels in Prague
By Shaina Amienyi
Mandarin Oriental
Nebovidska 459/1, 118 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
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Built on the site of a former 14th century monastery, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Prague is a charming, elegant hotel inside and out. Located in the city center on Mala Strana, "Little Quarter," the hotel is within short walking distance of historical attractions such as the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

The 77 spacious rooms combine the history of the building with contemporary design. For example, the rooms in the garden wing have floor to ceiling windows that overlook the hotel gardens, Mala Strana's cobbled streets, or Prague Castle. The 22 suites have grand design elements such as Baroque arches, vaulted ceilings, or antique floors.

All rooms come with a king bed except superior, deluxe, and deluxe garden rooms which have the option of queen (superior) or twin (deluxe) beds. The bathrooms have under-floor heating for the cold winters and limestone floors that feel cool during summer. Room facilities include a 32" LCD television in all bedrooms (15" in most bathrooms), HDTV home entertainment system featuring video-on-demand an surround sound, CD/DVD player, private bar with beverages and snacks, and much more.

Guests should visit the spa, voted the best in Europe by Luxury Spa Finder magazine, accessible via an underground passageway connected to the main building and guest rooms. It is housed in a former Renaissance chapel and includes the spa boutique, treatment rooms, and fitness center.

There are six treatment suites and a Thai massage suite where guests can enjoy full day programs. Guests should make reservations for full beauty treatments—pedicures, manicures, facials, and professional make-up services. The fitness center has a range of gym equipment as well as personal trainers to assist guests on a session or program basis. Other parts of the facility include the Relaxation Area/Tea Lounge, steam showers, and a vitality pool.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Prague is a resort with stunning architecture that lends to the luxurious, relaxing atmosphere the resort creates for its guests. From historic Czech recipes served in the resort’s restaurants to Baroque furnishings, the hotel provides guests with a world-class experience of Prague’s history and culture. Book your stay at this hotel by clicking the link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl) to EscapeWizard.com.
Hotels in Prague
By Jessica Beck
Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel
Strahovska 128, Prague, Czech Republic
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Within walking distance to the Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery, Lesser Town, and the Charles Bridge, this downtown Crowne Plaza is the prime hotel for everyone travelling to Prague. With over 130 rooms to choose from, you are sure to find your perfect hotel accommodations. Along with its prime location, this hotel is also only 9 kilometers (5.59 miles) from Prague International Airport-Ruzyne (PRG) and just 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) from the train station.

This hotel has many accommodating features and amenities for its guests. Peruse the on-site gift shop or pick up a bouquet for someone special in your life at the hotel florist. Need a night out away from the kids? There is an on-site trained babysitting staff just waiting to take the little ones off your hands for a few hours and give you time to relax. Feel free to use the barbeque grills for a family cookout or play a pick-up game of tennis on the court. Work up a rejuvenating sweat on the treadmill in the fitness center. Here on business? Take advantage of the on-site Business Center for all of your business needs including internet services, printing and copying services, and a courier service. Book the fully-equipped meeting room for any conference or event you have planned. It comes stocked with essential items such as a microphone, LCD projector, flip chart with markers, DVD player, digital projector, and you can even look into the group and event packages offered for anything else you may need.

Enjoy resting on your cozy, inviting bed while you listen to your favorite tunes on your in-room stereo system. Watch your favorite television shows, or culture yourself with local favorites on your cable TV. Enjoy spreading out on your spacious work desk for any business you need to accomplish. Take a refreshing shower in your private bathroom and wrap up in your plush complimentary bathrobe while you decide your plans for the night or while you spend a relaxing night in. Upgrade to a suite and enjoy a soothing bath in your tub, take advantage of your in-room laundry hamper, or unwind in your separate living room stretched out on your comfy sofa-bed.

Check-in to the Crowne Plaza today and enjoy a prime location in an outstanding hotel. Book your stay with EscapeWizard.com today (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).