Occidental Praha Five

A reasonably priced hotel, quite close to the city center. The area isn't the prettiest, but it's very well connected by public transport. The service was adequate, although there were a few things that could be improved: in one double room there was only one towel, and they couldn't provide another until the following day. They also didn't serve coffee early in the lobby bar. Even so, the overall experience was positive.

The worst experience I ever had checking in! I asked if the hotel has a designated area for smoking and the lady who was processing our check-in, Shuna I think, informed me that this is a non smoking hotel. I told her that I was not aware of that as is not mentioned on the booking.com description. She showed me that they have mentioned non-smoking rooms. I told her that it is a difference between non-smoking rooms and non-smoking hotel. At this point she informed me that I am disrespectful to other guests. I asked how. Because of smoking, she told me. I told her that I was not planning to smoke in the room or common areas but in a 4 stars hotel is expected to have some kind of designated area for smokers. She showed me the street in front of the hotel telling me that that's the smoking area. I explained to her that is not a proper place for smoking as is just a street, there is no sitting option or anything else, just a normal street, a public place, not at all a proper place to enjoy a cigarette and maybe a drink. She informed me that I don't understand and this is how it is in this country. I told her that I live in EU and I am very familiar with the laws for smoking. I am not planning to break any law I just expect to have a nice honeymoon in Prague with the proper comfort. Once again she informed me that I am disrespectful. In the end I told her that she shouldn't take my smoking so personal and she shouldn't be so condescending. Awful attitude, not even a trace of professionalism. I've been travelling all my life, different countries, different kind of accommodations but I was never been spoken to like this. I had better expectations for a 4* hotel. We lost a day from our vacation because instead of checking in we had to cancel and find another place. In the end was not even about the smoking as much as this person's attitude: I am a guest in a hotel, I expect to be treated with respect not this level of unjustified condescence. We found an amazing place right in the old town, recently renovated (the reception in this Occidental hotel it's a bit run-down, we didn't got to see the room) with very polite hosts and even cheaper than this hotel. Note also that you need to use public transport or Uber because is not that close to anything. My advice? Better stay away!

When I made my reservation, it clearly stated “pay at the hotel.” However, one day before my trip, €127 was withdrawn from my account without prior notice. When I contacted the hotel, I was told is because it might be a fake reservation in order to obtain visa. This explanation was surprising, as I live in Greece (within the EU) and implys labeling which is wrong. The experience at the hotel was also disappointing. The receptionist was very rude and unprofessional for a 4-star property. When I asked about smoking, I was told: “No smoking here. If you smoke, pay €175 extra or go stand in the street.” There is no designated smoking area, and the way this was communicated felt disrespectful. For a 4-star hotel, the customer service and communication were far below expectations. If you are a smoker or expect professional and courteous service, you may want to consider other options