The Emerald

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to The Emerald on Žatecká street, I almost missed it. It’s tucked into this narrow cobblestone street in Lesser Town that most tourists rush past on their way to Prague Castle, which is actually perfect because you get all the medieval charm without the crowds. The building itself has that understated elegance that Prague does so well – cream-colored facade, elegant windows, nothing flashy but you can tell there’s quality behind those doors.

What really got me was the location, though. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the castle grounds, but here’s the thing nobody tells you – you’re also perfectly positioned to duck into Kampa Island when you need a break from sightseeing. There’s this little park there where locals walk their dogs, and honestly, some of my best Prague moments happened sitting by the water watching the swans while everyone else was fighting for photos at Charles Bridge. The hotel sits right in that sweet spot where you can walk to everything that matters (Old Town Square is maybe ten minutes if you take your time), but you’re on the quiet side of the river where you can actually sleep at night. I stayed in May when Prague gets pretty busy, and while you could hear the occasional late-night reveler on the cobblestones, it was nothing like what my friends dealt with staying near Wenceslas Square.

The staff here actually knows Prague – like, really knows it. When I asked about good beer halls, the guy at the front desk didn’t just rattle off the obvious tourist spots. He sent me to this tiny place called U Fleku where I ended up sharing a table with some Czech guys who taught me the proper way to toast (apparently I’d been doing it wrong for years). The rooms themselves feel properly boutique – not huge, but everything’s been thought through. The bathroom had this rainfall shower that I may have spent too much time in, and the beds are the kind where you sink in just enough without feeling like you’re drowning in pillows. You know what I really appreciated? They had blackout curtains that actually worked. Prague in summer means daylight until nearly 9 PM, so that matters more than you’d think. The breakfast was solid too – nothing fancy, but good bread, local cheeses, and coffee that didn’t taste like it came from a machine.

Look, The Emerald isn’t going to blow your mind with over-the-top luxury, but it gets the fundamentals right in a city where location and authentic character matter way more than thread count. If you want to feel like you’re staying in Prague rather than just visiting it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $163. Deluxe Apartment (Pantry) with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $154. Apartment – Ground Floor (Arcanum) with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $177. Deluxe Apartment (Arcadia) with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $193. Standard Apartment (Revoir) with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $193. Superior Apartment (Magnetude) with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $239. One-Bedroom Apartment (Ki) with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $239. Standard Apartment (Caviart) with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $308. Apartment with Balcony with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $331. Apartment – Ground Floor (Ancestral) with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $331. Superior Apartment (Savage) with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $435. Maisonette with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $507. Two-Bedroom Apartment (Iwa) with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $179. Apartment – Ground Floor (Volatile) with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $738. Apartment with Terrace with 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Will from United States – 3 January 2025 (10/10)

  I can't say enough good things about this hotel. Stunning detail inside and out, plenty of storage, a full kitchen with complimentary mini bar, and the best location in Prague, especially for visiting Christmas markets.
  
  What could be improved: I liked everything. Zero complaints.

• Krzysztof from Poland – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  The room was clean. The interior was very nicely designed, which makes you feel good. It was a quiet room, no noise from outside.
  
  What could be improved: All good.

• Carolyn from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location was superb
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was all lovely

• Lisa from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (10/10)

  Central for everything in Prague. Beautifully decorated and well equipped. Free mini bar. Everything was well thought out and access in and out of property felt secure.

• Madeleine from United Kingdom – 13 February 2025 (8/10)

  The door code and key box were very easy and made our late arrival much less stressful

• Flladi from Albania – 9 February 2025 (10/10)

  The property is in a good location. Me and my family stayed in the volatile room. Clean room, easy check in and check out. The bathroom is very small, and the tub is cool and all but hard to take a proper shower, overall I had a nice stay.

• Hakim from United Kingdom – 7 February 2025 (10/10)

  Basically everything, place was spotless and I really liked the interior design of the whole apartment. Check in process was very easy and straightforward. Beds were comfortable and had great showers too. Shoutout to Andrea for being super kind and helpful throughout my stay. 🙌🏼

• Chiara from Italy – 14 January 2025 (10/10)

  Location was just perfect. it was a real experience of beauty.
  
  What could be improved: If I have to say something, not necessary but I was expecting to have sleepers supplied for the room. Again not necessary, the floor is beautiful and warm so you can go bare foot also if it is very cold outside.

• Kelly from United States – 4 January 2025 (10/10)

  Design was beautiful and very close to the main Christmas market and attractions.

• Andrea from Canada – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  The property is incredible!!
  
  What could be improved: Our shower leaked but other than that it was perfect

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities