Český Krumlov is compact, so the question is less about distance than about atmosphere, noise and parking. The historic centre is largely car-free, which means every hotel inside it involves a walk with luggage from a lot outside, and almost all of them have stairs. Choose by the kind of stay you want.
Svornosti Square: the most central stay
Hotel Zlaty Andel sits at number 11 on the main square, a minute from the wax museum, two from St. Vitus Church and the Schiele Art Centrum and about six from the castle. It has a rooftop terrace, two restaurants and breakfast included, plus loft-style suites with skylights. The trade-offs are honest ones: no elevator, no air conditioning and evening noise from the square, so ask for a quieter room. It suits first-timers and couples who want to step out into the middle of things.
Horní Street: spa and quiet streets
Hotel Růže is the luxury choice, with an indoor pool, a sauna and a spa menu, a restaurant and a terrace, two minutes from St. Vitus and about five from the castle. It is on the street that leads to the Seminary Garden viewpoint, which makes it a good winter base when castle interiors are closed and a warm spa matters. Breakfast and parking are charged extra, so compare rates carefully.
Riverside: Hotel Dvorak
Beside the Vltava near the castle, Hotel Dvorak is a four-star hotel with a free breakfast buffet, a riverside terrace, a restaurant, an elevator and a 24-hour front desk, which is rare in the old town. You park in a nearby lot and walk about five minutes. It is the dependable middle option for couples and families.
Široká Street: value near the art
Pension Largo is a small, well-reviewed pension two minutes from the Schiele Art Centrum and five from the castle, with free continental breakfast and a cafe. It is the budget choice, but note the limited front desk hours, no after-hours check-in and stairs.
Latrán: character by the river
Krumlov Tower is a guesthouse in a historic tower on Pivovarská street, five minutes from the castle and next to the historic brewery. Its suites sleep up to five, so it works for small groups. There is no reception, check-in is arranged with the owner, and the river location can bring some noise, so it suits flexible travellers who want character.
Practical tips
Book early for summer weekends, the Advent period from 21 November and holidays. Ask the hotel which car park to use and confirm the latest arrival time. Check whether breakfast is included, because it is free at some hotels and extra at others. If you want a quiet room, ask for one away from the main square. In winter, choose a hotel with a restaurant or spa on site, since days are short and many interiors are closed, and in summer prefer a place with a terrace and an electric fan, since few rooms have air conditioning. Finally, remember that nowhere in the old town is more than a ten-minute walk from anywhere else, so do not pay extra for a marginally closer door; pay for quiet, breakfast and a warm room instead.
