Zen Garden

Zen Garden Overview

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Zen Garden when I first spotted it on Ve Smečkách – this narrow street gets overlooked by most tourists rushing between Wenceslas Square and the river. But you know what? That’s exactly what makes this little 3-star gem worth considering. The building itself has that understated Prague charm, wedged between a couple of local cafés where you’ll actually hear Czech being spoken instead of English.

The lobby lives up to the “zen” promise without going overboard with the whole meditation retreat vibe – I mean, there are some carefully placed stones and bamboo touches, but it doesn’t feel like they’re trying too hard. What really struck me was how quiet it gets once you’re inside, which is pretty remarkable considering you’re literally in the heart of New Town. The rooms are smaller than what Americans might expect (this is Europe, after all), but they’re thoughtfully designed with clean lines and surprisingly comfortable beds. The bathroom situation is solid – good water pressure, which isn’t always a given in these older Prague buildings. One thing though: if you’re on the street side, you might catch some early morning delivery trucks, but honestly, it’s nothing compared to the chaos you’d deal with staying right on Wenceslas Square.

What I really appreciate about this place is its positioning – you’re a five-minute walk from the National Museum, but you can also duck into authentic pubs like U Fleků without fighting through crowds of tour groups. The staff seems to get that most guests want genuine recommendations, not just the obvious tourist traps. They pointed me toward this incredible traditional restaurant on Žitná street that I never would have found otherwise. The breakfast is simple but decent – fresh bread, local cheeses, proper coffee – nothing fancy but it gets the job done. Parking is… well, it’s Prague city center, so you’re looking at paid street spots or a garage a few blocks away, but that’s true anywhere in this area. The rating of 8 feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a peaceful base in a fantastic location where you can actually get some sleep after wandering Prague’s cobblestones all day. For the price point, especially during shoulder season, it’s hard to argue with the value.

Zen Garden Accommodations

Reviews of Zen Garden

• Very good – Fucimi from Czech Republic – 26 June 2025 (8/10)

  Vše bylo parádní až na teplou vodu
  
  What could be improved: Netekla teplá voda!!!

• Na urovni – Anonymous from Czech Republic – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  Neměl jsem snidani
  
  What could be improved: Nemam sebemenší vihrady

• Good – Peter from Slovakia – 20 July 2025 (7/10)

• Pleasant – Ivan from Czech Republic – 26 July 2025 (6/10)

• Good – Anonymous from Slovakia – 19 June 2025 (7/10)

Surroundings