Smíchov

OREA Hotel Andels Prague

★★★★★

OREA Hotel Andel's is the practical choice for families and groups who need more space than a standard city-centre room, without paying luxury prices. It is a large contemporary hotel at Stroupežnického 21 in Smíchov, Prague 5, on the left bank of the Vltava, a few minutes from the Anděl transport hub, and it is known to many travellers by its previous name, Vienna House Andel's Prague. The rooms are its great strength. Alongside standard Deluxe and Executive doubles, there are Deluxe and Executive Triple rooms, with three beds, that suit a family with one older child; a 40-square-metre Studio Deluxe and a 50-square-metre Apartment Deluxe, both with kitchenettes, the latter with a hob, fridge and dishwasher; a Rooftop Apartment of 56 square metres with a separate bedroom and kitchenette; Junior and Executive Suites; and, for larger families, a two-storey 2-Bedroom Maisonette Deluxe of 93 square metres. The official site notes that some room types can be connected to an adjoining room on request, which opens up more options for families. Rooms have air conditioning, fast wifi, smart or satellite TV, a minibar and a safe, and executive guests have access to a lounge on the fifth floor. The hotel also has a restaurant and a wellness and fitness area. The style is clean and modern, the service is efficient and business-like, and the hotel also hosts conferences, so it can be busy midweek. For families, the kitchenettes are a real advantage: breakfast in the apartment, snacks for the day and a simple supper after a long day of sightseeing.

Location: Smíchov is a lively, practical district rather than a picturesque one. The Anděl hub, with metro line B and many tram lines, is close by, so the Old Town, the National Theatre and Malá Strana are a short ride away, and trams climb from here towards the castle. The Nový Smíchov shopping centre is next door for supplies, Smíchov is home to the Staropramen brewery, and the riverside, Petřín hill and the Vyšehrad rock are all within reach. Prices for food and drink in the area are noticeably lower than in the Old Town.

Choosing the room: families of three can book a triple; families of four or five should look at the apartments or the two-bedroom maisonette, or ask for connecting rooms. Couples on a longer stay will appreciate a studio or apartment with a kitchenette. Request a higher floor for views and quiet.

The value case: you get modern four-star comfort and flexible family space at mid-range prices, with excellent transport links. The trade-offs are a less charming neighbourhood and a corporate feel during conference periods. Compare the cost of an apartment here with two rooms in the Old Town, and the savings are usually significant. For a family stay of four nights or more, being able to cook and do simple laundry in the apartment makes the trip noticeably easier and cheaper.