My dad and I are staying at Pension Platan for 5 nights while visiting Prague. We had 4 main criteria: Location. Affordable. Cleanliness. Good TA Reviews and 2 sub criteria: breakfast and free wi-fi.
Location: SUPERB! It’s in Old Town Prague, just off of Namesti Republiky (a couple blocks away to keep all noises out). It’s on the 5th floor of a building that also houses a car rental place across the courtyard. Be warned, the place was difficult to find only the first time because I had no idea which street was in which direction once I got off the metro stop; it didn’t help that the first 4 shop owners I asked had no idea what I was talking about either. Eventually I found someone to guide me. It’s super simple but pay attention: Stand so you are facing the Palladium, and walk to the left of that (on the same side); this is Revoluci Street. Keep walking past a couple of lights, and when you pass Himalaya (Indian) restaurant, look out for the car rental sign, Pension Platan is in the same building. It’s less than 5 min walk to old town square. There’s a grocery store inside the palladium (the palladium is a mall by the way). So everything is at your fingertips. The tram (should you need to use it) is right in front of the building, the metro is less than 1 min away. For all your Prague needs, this location is perfect!
Affordable: For what you’re getting (an apartment style room, with breakfast), the price was magnificent! I paid approx $38 USD per night for both of us. Compared to other potentials with the same location and given that prices were always quoted per person, this was one of the better options.
Room/Cleanliness: We stayed in room 4, it has two double beds pushed together and then a separate single bed. A single seat sofa, table with three chairs, armoire, three night stands, big safe, microwave, TV, bathroom (with a 5 shelf wooden stand for towels, personal belongings, etc). The room has a full length mirror; towels, sheets, and blankets are all provided. Our room had windows on the roof (kind of like an attic/slanted roof). It was really quite pretty as the light came in each morning. Oh and best of all, FREE Wi-Fi (secured)!
Breakfast: It was served in our room every morning between 8-11am (up to you when you want it). It’s VERY basic but its food so its fine! You get rolls (with butter, honey, chocolate spread, pate, and jam), wedge of laughing cow cheese, yogurt and choice of coffee or tea.
Service: The two people I have seen work here are very friendly. They are only at the pension from 8am – 12pm. The keys to your room will open both the main pension door and your room. The fob opens the main bldg door (after hours). It’s quite secure which was nice. The rooms are not cleaned nor are beds made each day like in a hotel. You’re essentially renting out a room so keeping the room tidy is on you. The trash and towels are replaced as needed. Maps are provided upon request (there’s also a small one in the room upon arrival). In addition, there is a fridge in the corridor where each room has a designated shelf should you choose to store food or beverage.
TA Reviews: Though Pension Platan had a review rating of 73% (I generally try to stay at accommodations with 80% or higher rating), I did some digging to see exactly what people were complaining about; it was mostly individual cases. I always dismiss the best and worst reviews and go with the average. The average person was satisfied.
Miscellaneous:
- You’ll have to pay your balance the day after you arrive (not at the end of your stay like most places).
- Credit cards are not accepted in person (so CZK or Euro only).
- Check-in is between 12-1pm. We arrived at 10am, left our luggage at the pension and returned by 1pm to check in. Checking in after hours is a separate procedure (which they disclose upon booking).
- If you check out outside of the hours of 8am-12pm then you can leave the room key in your room or at a drop box on the main bldg floor.
Overall, I would definitely stay here again. The area is safe. Location is fantastic. Public transportation is at your fingertips. Service is good. Price is great. The rooms are cute. If you’re not high maintenance and are just looking for a place to crash at night, this is it. There is NO luxury, so don’t expect it. I highly recommend this for budget travelers.
Information:
Pension Platan | Revolucni 24, Prague 1 | tel.: +420 – 777 320 777 | info@platan.cz
Happy Travels!
