The ARIA Hotel Prague: Review

After spending our first two nights in Prague just outside of the Old Town Square, we decided to cross the Charles Bridge and get away from Prague’s most touristy district.

Luckily, just across the Vltava River, in the heart of Prague’s Malá Strana district, lies a true gem to behold: the ARIA Hotel Prague.

If you’re looking for a full-service, luxury hotel to suit your every desire and make you feel right at home, look no further. The ARIA Hotel Prague is just the place for you!

The ARIA Hotel Prague

Staying at the ARIA Hotel Prague is an experience in and of itself. Not only is it one of the top hotels in Europe, but also, in 2015 TripAdvisor named the ARIA Hotel Prague the best hotel in all of the Czech Republic.

What makes the ARIA Hotel Prague particularly special, though, is its theme. Prague is one of the world’s leading musical destinations, and as such, the hotel and everything in it is inspired by music. The ARIA’s tasteful décor, thoughtful architecture, and guest suites are all inspired by music, from classical, to opera, to jazz.

The ARIA Hotel Prague isn’t just any hotel. It’s a luxurious oasis in the middle of a bustling city, meant to inspire and delight.

Checking into the ARIA Hotel Prague

Upon arrival at the ARIA Hotel Prague, the doorman swung open our taxi doors and walked us inside, where warm smiles from each staff member welcomed us.

After a speedy check-in, the receptionist handed us two 50% off vouchers for the hotel’s spa and also informed us that we could enjoy a welcome drink in the lobby whenever we pleased.

Next, a bellman whisked us up to our guest room and showed us all of its amenities. From a personal iPad and Apple TV, to individual Wi-Fi, premium Molton Brown toiletries, and a fresh fruit platter, our room at the ARIA Hotel Prague was a dream.

The bellman also informed us that we could go downstairs to the music library to indulge in ARIA Hotel Prague’s vast selection of music from all different genres. We also had the option to use the private cinema to watch movies in large, comfortable chairs.

After our bellman left, we took a moment to look at each other in awe.

Wow.

We knew the ARIA Hotel Prague would be nice, but we didn’t know to what extent. To say we were pleased would be the understatement of the year.

After settling in, we visited the hotel’s bright Winter Garden Atrium for our welcome drinks. Promptly, a waitress came over and helped us select two glasses of red wine.

Next, it was time to explore Malá Strana, before dinner at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant: CODA.

Malá Strana

We soon discovered that Prague’s Lesser Quarter, also known as Malá Strana, is the perfect place to stay in Prague. Malá Strana is one of the most historic quarters in Prague, though it feels authentic and enchanting, in comparison to Old Town. The streets of Malá Strana are a bit quieter and less touristy, but are still full of color, life, and varied architecture.

While most tourists stay in Old Town, we knew the ARIA Hotel Prague’s location in Malá Strana would be perfect for our trip to Prague. Just a few blocks away from attractions such as the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Prague Castle, we were close enough to everything we wanted to see, though tucked away from all the chaos of Old Town.

Dinner at CODA

After a full day of exploring Malá Strana, we were ready for an evening of delicious Czech fare and red wine. From CODA‘s beautiful dining room and magnificent artwork by Picasso and Chagall, to its flawless service and elegant take on Czech cuisine, our fine-dining experience at CODA was one to remember.

Our three-course dinner at CODA consisted of elevated, Czech-inspired dishes, such as my juicy pork tenderloin with dried morels sauce, potato purée, roasted bacon, and homemade pickled shallots.

Full details about our evening at CODA can be found here, as well as our fine-dining experience at Terasa U Zlaté Studně (CODA’s sister restaurant).

During the warmer months, CODA also offers food and drinks atop one of Prague’s most scenic and sought-after terraces.

The Vrtba Garden

The ARIA Hotel Prague also offers admittance to one of Prague’s greatest treasures. The Vrtba Garden is the oldest Baroque garden in Prague, dating all the way back to 1715. The garden is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Many of the ARIA Hotel Prague’s guest rooms feature peaceful garden views, however, all hotel guests can also enjoy private entrance to the garden from April through October.

The Vrtba Garden is one of the most charming places to spend a relaxing afternoon in Prague, and the garden’s terrace also offers some of the most incredible views of Prague.

Make sure to stay at the ARIA Hotel Prague when you visit Prague next. The ARIA wasn’t just another 5-star hotel. It felt more like home than anything else.

The ARIA Hotel Prague’s staff could not have been more welcoming or accommodating if they tried. Our guest room had all the luxuries of home, from the high-tech gadgets and the comfy bed, to the spacious layout and premium toiletries. And of course, CODA’s terrace and the Vrtba Garden are just icing on the cake.

Quite simply, no other hotel in Prague can offer what the ARIA Hotel Prague can.

Guest rooms at the ARIA Hotel Prague start at €200 per night.

You can book your stay at the ARIA Hotel Prague here.

What to Pack for Prague

People in Prague tend to dress very well, simply and classic, though the season of your visit to Prague will help determine what you need to pack!

Of course, summer is warmer in Prague, and you can dress as you would in this part of Europe. But as expected the winter is very cold. Always bring a beautiful coat in winter!

Here are a few top tips of what to wear in Prague:

• Wool coat: During the colder months a beautiful wool coat is essential for style and practicality. You will fit in with the locals with this one.
• Comfortable boots: As expected, you’ll walk a lot in Prague in 3 days, so opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a smart Chelsea boot, like these.
• Hat, scarf and gloves: For the winter you absolutely need these to keep warm
• Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you stay cool, and bring a light scarf so you are always prepared to enter religious sites and cover your shoulders.
• Camera: There are too many beautiful things in Prague, you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
• Sunscreen: Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected.
• Reusable water bottle: Remember to keep hydrated during your adventures; it can’t all be wine and coffee all the time! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
• Money belt: Just to be extra safe from pickpockets
• Tote bag: For those souvenirs and treasures found on your travels
• Travel insurance: As with any trip, you should ALWAYS purchase travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps! 

Quick Tips for Prague

• HOTEL: I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide. Find amazing deals on Prague accommodation here. I stayed at Aria Hotel Prague and it is absolutely worth the splurge.
• HOSTELWORLD: If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
• VACATION RENTAL: I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway. 
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Never go on a trip without travel insurance! It isn’t worth the risk if something goes wrong.
• GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS: Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here, my favorite is the Beer Spa for Two, a truly unique experience.
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Fly into Vaclav Havel Airport, it is easy to get to the city center from there. Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator.
• TRAVEL GEAR: A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here. Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and a scarf to use when visiting religious sites.
• CAR RENTAL: It is unlikely you will need to rent a car but if you are using Prague as a start off point for a longer road trip book car rental in advance here for the best deals.

This post contains affiliate links. Maddy’s Avenue stayed as guests of the ARIA Hotel Prague, however, this article consists of only our honest opinions and experiences.