A PLEASANT SURPRISE

A GREAT HOTEL

In Prague we stayed at the Hotel Petr located in a residential area rather than in the bustling city which meant that it was quiet, especially at night. It was a darling homey and friendly little hotel with only 35-37 rooms. We were but a block or so from a bus line. However, even though we bought bus tickets we never used them. We walked everywhere, as it was an easy walk to and from the city center. At the end of the week we left the bus tickets for the maid.

There were no bellboys at the Hotel Petr, so we grabbed our luggage and made it up stairs to our room.
Our room was lovely and the bed looks comfortable. Being on the second floor we were able to leave the window open.

In a few days we would learn from the owner, “This hotel, built in 1910 was once my grandmother’s home. During the Communist regime the house was taken, and she was allowed to remain in a small two-room apartment. Once we were free from the Communist bloc we put in for repatriation of the house. My grandmother died in 1985.

“I have been restoring the hotel one floor at a time. In the beginning we had as many employees as we had rooms. That wasn’t very profitable. We learned a lot about free emterprize so today  we have a much better ratio .”

This fellow told us how during WWII people smuggled radios to illegally listen to Voice of America and how grateful they were to our country for the broadcasts.

The hotel was well run. We were comfortable, had unexpected amenities, and had a wonderful visit and stay. I hope this fellow has continued to prosper and do well.