With great rooms, not 5* services, independent travelers in mind, and with a couple of notable positive amenities, the Santini Residence has few drawbacks. The bad news: the rather steep climb to reach the hotel, and (in my room anyway) a direct and short line of sight to the neighboring room; luckily, bathrobes are provided.

The location is excellent with only a steep set of steps to the castle, and old town is also walkable quite easily.

At $260 USD/night (Travelocity showed as "Luxury Suite" and I understand this is the largest type of accomodation) it was quite a bargain compared to other 4* and 5*, but it lacks traditional 5* amenities like a bar that stays open late and all hours room service and there is rarely more than one employee on duty at the desk.

For more independent travelers, this is I think a perfect choice.

With only 9 rooms, one avoids entirely the big hotel hassles, and is encouraged to drink and eat someplace else. And the room service breakfast (I had the "Sweet Breakfast" on the day I had breakfast) is well done, of good proportion, and of course convenient.

Another BIG plus is the computer provided for guests by the Santini, and I never found it in use when I wanted to take advantage.

With 2 bathrooms, and heated towel racks, a little laundry is easily done.

The room (No 6, "Veronica") had all the proper 5* amenities, with marble in the baths, spacious storage, 2 TVs (with more channels than they list, by the way-just type in a 3 digit channel number) and a well-priced minibar.

My room had exposed wooden beams, handpainted with a whimsical design, and there was a real sense of design from one space to the next.

The symbol of the Santini Residence is the head of a Medusa (look it up if you need to), and the house actually has historical value as well.

This guesthouse is in a great location, easy to walk to all the main attractions.

The rooms are lovely, clean and the staff are attentive. However the cooked breakfast should be avoided and so too the restaurant, much better food elsewhere. The lighting is not at all romantic so avoid the candlelight dinner if offered.

There was also confusion as to the keycards for the rooms which kept failing to operate properly.

I also advise you to check your bill to see if it is the same price as booked!!

This hotel/residence as lots going for it but has room to improve.

This is a special hotel, and worth 5 stars.

Our room was large - big bedroom(huge bed) 32 inch lcd tv in the room, we also had a kitchen and a living room with another 32 inch lcd tv in it! Lovely large bathroom too.

It was very clean and the staff were very helpful. The location is spot on and nicely away from rifraf on the other side of the river.

Breakfast was brought to our room at our chosen time, it may not be to everyones tastes as it is traditional rather than trying to cater for Americans tastes. We got a good deal with flight on lastminute.

Just returned from a 4 night stay at the Santini. I really can not fault it. I had organised my parents 40th wedding anniversary with them. It was a bit of organisation as all of my family were going to be there and we were from different parts of the UK. But the hotel could not have been nicer they organised everything to perfection. From booking restuarants for the 8 of us to opera tickets, organising transfers from the hotel and also arranging our meal on my parents anniversary night for 12 people. I must say their restuarant was very good value for money and was very good food.
The hotel has been restored to perfection and although my husband and I had the exective room no.10 it was still beautiful. My parents junior suite no.5 was lovely and also my brothers suite with his wife and children no.7 was extremely spacious and they were more than willing to help with my nieces that are 8 and 5. It was definately a home from home and a lovely way to celebrate my parents anniversary.
You are close by to all the ammenities and only a 5 minute walk from the Charles bridge.
I would definately recommend this hotel and hope to return some day!