Prague castle, Prazský hrad, was built over a thousand years ago on a ridge stretching west from the River Vltava. Hotels in this setting offer great views of Prague.

Hotels in Prague’s castle district (Hradcany) nestle beneath the walls of Prague castle (Prazský hrad). These hotels offer a combination of historic interest and views across Prague as breathtaking as those from the castle’s battlements above.

Hotel prices in this part of Prague range from 2,000Kc to 7,000Kc (US$124-430; £60-210).

U Krále Karla Hotel

Nestling at the foot of steps leading up to Hradcanské námestí - the square in front of Prague Castle - the ‘King Charles’ hotel occupies a building whose history goes back to the Middle Ages, though its present appearance is baroque. Furnishings and fittings contribute to the historic atmosphere and include painted ceilings and stained glass in the comfortable bedrooms, as well as in the hotel’s two charming dining rooms. This hotel’s quite a distance to the tram stop though.

19 rooms; Prices 4,200-5,800Kc (US$260-360; £126-174)

U Krále Karla Hotel, Uvoz 4, Hradcany, Prague 1

Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 257 531 211

Corto Hotel

The modest Corto Hotel, a few minutes walk east of U Krále Karla, provides affordable accommodation in one of the finest old houses in Prague, just a stone's throw from Prague Castle. This hotel’s rooms are basic but some have extraordinary views over the rooftops of Prague.

13 rooms; Prices 2,050-3,500Kc (US$127-215; £60-105)

Corto Hotel, Nerudova 27, Malá Strana, Prague 1

Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 257 534 281/224 215 313

U Zlute Boty Hotel

‘At the Sign of the Yellow Boot’ is an attractive hotel full of character in an alleyway just a few (steep) steps below Prague Castle. Rooms are individually decorated, some with rustic panelling and tiled stoves. They connect with one another, which makes it an ideal hotel for larger families, and offer good value for the location.

8 rooms; Prices 3,400-4,300Kc (US$210-265; £100-130)

U Zlute Boty Hotel, Jánsky vršek 11, Malá Strana, Prague 1

Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 257 532 269

Sax Hotel

This dignified, early 19th-century building is a well-run boutique hotel. It stands in what was once the Italian quarter of Prague, just a short uphill walk from Prague Castle. Inside, it is furnished and decorated in a restful, contemporary style, with comfortable rooms opening off an attractive atrium.

22 Rooms; Prices 3,500-4,400Kc (US$215-270; £105-132)

Sax Hotel, Jánsky vršek 3, Malá Strana, Prague 1

Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 257 531 268

U Zlate Studne Hotel

Without an invitation from the President, you can't stay closer to Prague Castle than in this utterly charming hotel at the top of the steep lane which once led up to Hradcany from the centre of Prague. The lane is now blocked, so peace and quiet is guaranteed, as are some of the best views in Prague, which range from the terraced gardens of baroque palaces and hotels to the far side of the city. The comfortable bedrooms in this hotel have whirlpool baths and exquisitely tasteful antique-style furnishings, and the gourmet restaurant makes most of the views across Prague.

20 Rooms; 4,350-7,100Kc (US$269-440; £130-213)

U Zlate studne 166/4, Malá Strana, Prague 1

Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 257 011 213

Prague Castle

No visit to Prague is complete without visiting the castle itself. Besides the splendid views of Prague other attractions include the changing of the guard, the Castle Picture and Golden Lane – only a few minutes from your hotel.