Visitors to Prague know the geographic and cultural importance of the Charles Bridge. The east end of the bridge opens to the old town, the Jewish Quarter and all the sights therein. The west end of the bridge is the path that most visitors take up to the castle. So, why pass up a chance to stay in a hotel a mere 50 meters from the west end of the bridge?

The Archibald at the Charles Bridge, located in the Kampa area of Mala Strana, is a wonderfully located, cozy little 26-room gem of a hotel. Parts of the hotel’s two buildings belong to 16th century structures that were among the first buildings in the area, yet the interior of the hotel feels extremely up-to-date and modern. The 21st century feel makes sense given the fact that the Archibald at the Charles Bridge underwent a complete overhaul renovation in 2003.

We were luck enough to get a room on the top floor that incorporates the dark-wooden beams of the roof eaves. The other rooms appeared to be similarly decorated: new hardwood floors with area rugs, simple décor and rustic yet functional furniture. We ate all of our breakfasts in the hotel restaurant. The breakfast spread laid out around the restaurant’s bar offered up plenty of hot and cold options to cater to most tastes. The restaurant is also a wonderful place to sit and have a delicious Czech beer after a day of sightseeing as the space exemplifies the Archibald’s history with lower ceilings and dark woods décor.