Hotel Cerny Slon

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about Hotel Cerny Slon? The name literally means “Black Elephant” in Czech, and honestly, once you see this historic building tucked into Tynska Street, you’ll understand why they chose something so memorable. I mean, this place has been around since the 14th century – it’s got that solid, imposing presence that makes you feel like you’re checking into a piece of Prague’s actual history, not some themed knockoff.

The location is pretty incredible, actually. Tynska is this narrow cobblestone street that most tourists walk right past because they’re bee-lining for Old Town Square, but you’re literally a two-minute stroll from all the action. What I love is that you get the medieval atmosphere without the constant crowds – well, until about 10 AM when the tour groups start moving through the area. The hotel sits right behind the Church of Our Lady before Týn (those gothic spires you see in every Prague postcard), so you’re basically sleeping in the shadow of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. And here’s something the guidebooks won’t tell you: if you snag a room facing the courtyard, you’ll actually sleep better because Tynska can get a bit echoey with late-night revelers bouncing off those stone walls.

The rooms themselves feel authentically old-world but not in that stuffy, museum-piece way. They’ve kept the exposed beams and thick walls – seriously, the wifi sometimes struggles through these medieval stones, but that’s part of the charm, right? The beds are actually comfortable (I was worried about that whole European firm mattress thing), and the bathrooms are modern enough that you won’t feel like you’re roughing it. Check-in was smooth, though the front desk staff’s English varies depending on who’s working – the older gentleman who helped me knew the neighborhood’s history better than most tour guides. He told me about a hidden passage that used to connect to the nearby Ungelt courtyard, which was this medieval merchant area that’s now full of cafes and galleries.

What really sold me on this place was walking back from dinner around 11 PM and seeing how the building just glows against those narrow streets. Prague’s lighting at night is something else, and staying right in the thick of it instead of in some modern hotel district makes all the difference. You’re close enough to walk to Wenceslas Square or cross the Charles Bridge without dealing with trams, but you’re also in this quieter pocket where you can actually hear the church bells in the morning instead of traffic. The 8.7 rating makes sense – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it nails that sweet spot of character, comfort, and location that’s pretty hard to find in Prague’s tourist center these days.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $117. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $174. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $225. Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Laura from Turkey – 16 December 2022 (9/10)

  Perfect location, very cosy boutique hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Diana from Colombia – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great Location!!!

• Katherine from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location excellent, very handy for Old Square and Astronomical clock.
  Building looked great, very old & beautiful.
  Beds comfy. Lift to 2nd floor.
  
  What could be improved: Room 14 shower in odd place in relation to shower screen

• Doherty from Australia – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  A beautiful hotel in a great location very close to the Old Town. The room was a good size, the staff were welcoming and very helpful and the breakfast was excellent. It was so easy to get around from the hotel. The hotel arranged a car to pick me up from the airport and a return transfer. I would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: I loved everything about this hotel.

• Douglas from Denmark – 14 March 2025 (8/10)

  Very central location, staff couldn’t do enough to help me and were very friendly, the room was very comfortable

• Fatin from Malaysia – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location and the hotel was very clean with good breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Laura from United States – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Just infront Church of Our Lady before Týn.
  
  What could be improved: Have to take the stairs if your room is on the 3rd floor.

• Žaklina from Montenegro – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, perfect. Just a minut away from Astronomical clock.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast was good, but more options for food would be good.

• Richard from Chile – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  All
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Leosvany from United States – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location couldn't be better. Right in the center of the Old Town and just a block away from the Old Town Square and the famous Clock Tower. The hotel is old as expected but very clean, good breakfast and excellent staff. Kudos to Lukas for always being there for us and treat us like family.
  
  What could be improved: The only con I have to mention is the bathroom, I feel neither the sink nor the tub have been well designed and the whole floor gets wet when you take a shower.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities