Design Merrion Hotel

Hotel Description

So I stumbled across the Design Merrion Hotel on Jeseniova Street during my last Prague trip, and honestly? It’s one of those places that surprises you in the best way. The building itself sits in Karlín – which, if you don’t know this neighborhood yet, you really should. It’s sort of Prague’s answer to Brooklyn, I guess – lots of cool cafts and restaurants popping up, but still feels authentically Czech rather than tourist-trap central.

Walking into the lobby, you immediately get why they call it “Design” Merrion. There’s this really thoughtful mix of contemporary stuff with subtle nods to Prague’s architectural heritage – nothing too flashy or trying-hard, just clean lines and interesting textures that actually make sense together. The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful (spoke perfect English, which was a relief after my butchered Czech attempts), and they knew their neighborhood well enough to point me toward this incredible little bakery on Sokolovská that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms themselves hit that sweet spot between stylish and comfortable – you know how some design hotels make you feel like you can’t actually touch anything? Not here. Good lighting for reading, proper blackout curtains that actually work, and the beds are legitimately comfortable, not just Instagram-pretty.

What really sold me on this place, though, was the location situation. Jeseniova Street is quiet enough that you’re not dealing with tram noise all night (learned that lesson the hard way at another hotel near Wenceslas Square), but you’re literally a ten-minute walk to Náměstí Míru if you want to get into the action. The Karlín metro stop is close enough that getting anywhere in Prague is easy – Old Town, the Castle, wherever. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the area just feels… real? Like, you’ll see actual Prague residents going about their daily lives, not just crowds of tourists taking selfies. There’s a great Vietnamese restaurant called Pho Vietnam just around the corner that serves some of the best broth I’ve had outside of Hanoi, and a proper Czech pub (U Fleku knockoff, but cheaper and less crowded) where locals actually drink.

I mean, it’s not perfect – the elevator is a bit slow, and if you’re expecting a spa or fancy gym situation, look elsewhere. But honestly, with an 8.2 rating, the Design Merrion delivers exactly what it promises: solid four-star comfort with actual personality, in a part of Prague that gives you breathing room from the tourist madness while keeping you connected to everything you came to see. If you’re the type of traveler who wants to experience Prague rather than just photograph it, this place gets it right.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $154. Double Room with 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Rauschenberger from Germany – 29 May 2023 (9/10)

  The city center is easy to reach by bus from the hotel (133 & 207). The rooms were clean. Thick curtains and comfortable beds make for a good night sleep. Breakfast was nice. The receptionist is very kind.
  
  What could be improved: Hm. I may have missed that 'little extra' such as a place with books or guides for Prag or tea and coffee.

• Beverley from United Kingdom – 7 April 2024 (9/10)

  It was very comfortable and I stayed in a studio room with kitchen.
  Which was fabulous.
  
  What could be improved: The only thinking you didn't get a hotel guide to say your room will not be cleaned during your stay.
  Thats down to you.
  I had to search for the bedding as I came late at night and there was no one to ask.
  
  Others is all ok

• Lebogang from United Kingdom – 3 December 2023 (9/10)

  The cleanliness with a touch of luxury. Easy access to public transport with manageable walking distance
  
  What could be improved: the area where the hotel is placed.

• Keith from United Kingdom – 13 July 2023 (8/10)

  Quiet – well appointed.
  
  What could be improved: The property is small and whilst there is someone on call – reception is unmanned – it made simple things like base information on Prague? and – is there a left luggage space? more complicated to address. When someone was there they were very helpful and friendly.

• Malgorzata from Poland – 13 April 2023 (9/10)

  Good localization, quiet neighbourhood but close to city centre , parking, clean, good breakfast
  
  What could be improved: I believe that an instruction/manual for the check-in kiosk would help. There is no lobby bar, reception is
  open for only a few hours a day and not every day

• Iuliia from Czech Republic – 1 September 2022 (8/10)

  The location is perfect, the neighborhood is quiet. The room was clean and comfortable. We appreciated an option of later check-in even though the reception was already closed.

• Clair from United Kingdom – 12 April 2022 (8/10)

  very friendly staff and the gym was small but well equipped.
  I was here for surgery so it was very close to the clinic. it’s a 35/40 min walk to the center from here which I didn’t mind as I do enjoy a hike!
  breakfast is available but no other meals – I didn’t take it while I was here so can’t report back.
  
  What could be improved: nothing negative at all

• Gabriele from Austria – 27 April 2023 (7/10)

  parking affordable and easily available
  location was not in the centre, but only 2 tram stops away from central station and 4 tram stops away from city center
  
  What could be improved: No personnel available at the reception – self-check in.
  A very responsive staff member was available via phone or whats-app – he was very friendly, proactive and very pleasant to deal with. However, it was the first time I stayed in a hotel without any interaction face to face at all.

• Rasch from Germany – 4 November 2022 (8/10)

  Nice little hotel, everything was as expected, clean, quiet. What a hotel needs to be. For my job the perfect location. restaurants around the corner. Friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Perhaps the fact that upon arrival there was not a real reception. I had gotten a message with a code to enter the building and there were key-locks. Due to the fact that I made a booking from Germany and not from Belgium, the Booking.com system added automatically the prefix for Germany to my phone number and thus I didn't get the code.
  
  But by ringing the bell that was sorted out quickly… so again performant and friendly.

• Raymond from United Kingdom – 10 October 2022 (7/10)

  location and easy check in
  
  What could be improved: no counter staff to arrange taxi or arrange breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities