5 perfect staycation itineraries for a cozy winter weekend in Prague

On January 31, seventy hotels will offer an overnight stay for a symbolic price starting at 777 CZK as part of Prague’s annual Night of Hotels. For those who are looking for a weekend escape on the cheap, the event, organized by the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants, also takes place in Olomouc, Brno, and Karlovy Vary.

Houseboat Benjamin and Franklin

These two houseboats located one next to the other on Caesar’s Island make for a unique weekend getaway (ideal for a family or group of friends even in the winter months). The owners lend out their small boat — their tip: sail to Náplavka! — or, in the case of a deep freeze, ice skates for push-push gliding along the Vltava. A great escape that feels disconnected from the city, aside from the industrial view, but remains accessible to some of its most scenic neighborhoods. Read more.

To do nearby: By day explore Vyton, Náplavka, or Vysehrad (a public ferry boards from the tip of the island); head to Jazz Dock at night.
Dining options:Balkan restaurant Jelica, Cinda, Podolka.

Maximilian Hotel

Maximilian Hotel, located among a row of 19th-century landmark buildings in Prague’s Old Town, saw an extensive recent renovation, reopening this past autumn. Its new retro-chic minimalist look is a nod to Karel Teige, a Czech avant-garde artist who once lived in the building. The newly opened Brasserie Maximilian, helmed by Viennese restaurateur, Marco Simonis serves First Republic dishes with a modern touch, autentist Czech wines, and microbrews from Berlin. Read more.

To do nearby: The newly revamped Planet Zen Spa, a firm favorite with Czech celebs, is on the premises; stroll through the Convent of St. Agnes, Prague’s oldest surviving Gothic building.
Dining options: Maximilian Bistro as well its newly opened bar-cafe; some of Prague’s top restaurants are within walking distance.

The Emerald

The thirteen apartments spread over five floors of this Art Nouveau building on a quiet street in Prague’s Jewish quarter were each designed with a different motif by Urbanium Concept’s Pierre Emmanuel Dionnet. An eclectic mix of patina, unfinished wood floors, and original stucco mix with bold furnishings (everything from antiques to skulls and tree trunk side tables) result in dreamy spaces that are ideal for a romantic weekend or personal retreat. Read more.

To do nearby: Check out the newly opened Michaël Borremans exhibit at Galerie Rudolfinum.
Dining options: Try Hanzu, SaSaZu’s newly opened Japanese sister restaurant.

Romantik Hotel U Raka

Don’t have the energy or funds to head to the mountains with the rest of the Czech Republic this winter? You can still stay in an 18th-century Bohemian chalupa (country house) without leaving town. Hotel U Raka is nestled at the end of Nový Svět, a Hradčany quarter surrounded by high-walled gardens and Baroque city walls that’s often called the Montmartre of Prague. An idyllic place to spend a few days, its rustic interiors feature exposed-beamed ceilings, stone and brick walls, and dark furnishings, while food is served on traditional Blue Onion china for full babicka’s-kitchen effect.

To do nearby: The Loreta, Prague Castle, Lobkowicz Palace (enjoy the collections or a cup of hot chocolate with an eye-popping view from the cafe terrace).
Dining options: Grab a coffeeat Kavarna Nový Svět, try Czech home cooking at Kuchyň, or just stay in: the café, with its wood-burning fireplace, is cozy and delicious.

Taste of Prague Apartment

While many know Jan and Zuzi, the couple behind Taste of Prague as tour guides, food bloggers, and all-around arbiters of great taste, they’re also landlords, kind of. The duo rents out a furnished flat that’s intended to give visitors a different kind of stay in the Czech capital, one that’s all about good eating, shopping, and gallery hopping in Prague’s super-hip Letná district. The apartment recently underwent a design refresh compliments of stylist Adela Lipar Kudrnova. Great for out-of-Praguers looking to come into town for a weekend or just about anyone who wants to sample a new neighborhood — curated tips and all. Read more.

To do nearby:National Gallery of Modern Arts, the National Technical Museum, DOX.
Dining options: Bistro 8, Lokal pub, Kumbal bistro.

Read more insider tips for things to do in Prague and beyond:

• 5 great spots for skiing in the Czech Republic
• 12 essential places to visit if you want to understand Czech culture
• Prague’s free museum days: What to know before you go

What’s your favorite journey in Prague or the Czech Republic? Tell us in the comments!