Sleepover: Hotel U Zlate studne, Prague

Where is it?

Slap-bang in the middle of Prague, tucked between the magnificent castle and the Ledeburg gardens.

What's it like?

A stunning 16th-century Renaissance building recently converted into a hotel. Former owners include Bohemian King Rudolf II and the astronomer Tycho Brahe, so you'll be in good company. Is it still a private palace? Or is it a hotel? From outside it's difficult to tell. And even inside, apart from the small reception desk in the hallway, you could be mistaken into thinking you are staying in some plush private residence.

What's its USP?

Its stunning position in Prague's Little Quarter means you have the whole of the fairy-tale city beneath you. And the panoramic views from almost every room are sublime.

Ambience?

Quiet sophistication and understated elegance are the watchwords here. Despite being at the upper end of the market, it's fairly relaxed.

Service?

Friendly and discreet. Good 24-hour room service. You get the feeling no request would be too demanding.

Rooms?

Just 17 of them and three suites. In this historic building, each room is unique, but all are stuffed with heavy reproduction furniture and rich fabrics. Most have hardwood floors with rugs and original timber-beamed ceilings. All have thoroughly mod cons, though, with high-speed cable lines for business visitors. Oh yes, have I mentioned the outlook already? These really are rooms with a view. Double rooms from £103 per night or three-night b&b package through Kirker Holidays (020-7231 3333) from £596 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Food?

The bird's-eye views over the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooftop restaurant are unsurpassed – unless, that is, like Vaclav Havel, you live in the neighbouring castle. And the food's not bad, either. Expect modern French, heavy on meat, with some game, and you won't be disappointed. Rack of lamb on potato vol-au-vent, rack of wild boar under mushroom crust, grilled duck breast on thyme with potato foie gras purée ... get the picture? In summer the restaurant goes alfresco on the terrace.

Clientele?

Well-heeled Eurochic.

Things to do?

Plenty – this is Prague, remember. And everything is within walking distance.

Address?

Hotel U Zlate studne 166/4, 118 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic (00 420 2 5701 1213; www.zlatastudna.cz).