Hotel Maximilian — Hotel in Prague

Terrible Experience

I want to share my experience with Hotel Maximilian, which not only ruined our stay in Prague but also deceived us regarding compensation for the issues we faced.

We booked a two-night stay, and from the very first day, we encountered a major problem—there was no hot water in our room. We had no choice but to take ice-cold showers. We immediately reported this to the front desk, and they assured us the issue would be fixed. However, the next day, when we tried to shower again, the water was still freezing.

We were later informed that the issue was with the boiler, which supposedly struggles to heat all rooms simultaneously. Apparently, this is a known issue in the hotel, meaning guests regularly experience cold water. However, in our case, there was no hot water for the entire duration of our stay.

The staff apologized and offered compensation, which we accepted, believing they would handle it professionally. Unfortunately, that’s when the second problem began. They told us that to receive the compensation, we needed to send an email, which we did the following day. A week passed with no response.

I then called the hotel to follow up, and they acknowledged receiving the email, assuring me they would reply soon. But no response ever came. I called again—three times in total—and each time, they promised to respond and process the compensation. But in reality, they never did. They simply ignored us and broke their promise.

I’m sharing this to warn others that the positive reviews of this hotel do not reflect reality. This hotel deceives its guests. They fail to provide basic services like hot water, leaving you to shower in freezing conditions. And when they promise compensation, they do not honor it.

As someone who is an ambassador member of the Marriott hotel network and holds a Platinum status in many other hotel chains, I have extensive experience staying at hotels worldwide. I can confidently say that I know the difference between good and bad service, and the service at Hotel Maximilian is absolutely terrible. Avoid this hotel...

I traveled here for business and there were aspects of the hotel that I loved and exceeded all other hotels I ever visited.

First of all: the staff. They are friendly, and helpful in a very polite way, without overburdening you. This goes for the staff at the reception, breakfast, brasserie: thank you. Second, the breakfast is perfect. There is a buffet that is already over complete, with savory and sweet and many healthy choices (loved this). But then there is an a la carte menu with great egg options, and perfect coffee (and did I already mention the service?). Third, the design of the hotel. Everything looks amazing and is so well thought-out. I really value that in a hotel. It adds to the overall experience.

But why give a 4 out of 5 then? Well, I would call it technical maintenance. And this aspect almost ruined my stay. There were details. There are free non-alcoholic drinks in the room (again amazing), but the fridge doesn’t work. So they are lukewarm. The remote control of the tv didn’t work. I asked for batteries at the reception and it still didn’t work (no one of the hotel made a note and checked.) As I had my laptop with me: no huge problem. Also: one morning my bathroom was (fully) flooded because of a blocked shower drain. But most notably: I stayed 6 nights and there was a power outage on day 1 and day 7. Because of this there was flimsy WiFi (a huge problem if you have an online meeting - I had to use my mobile internet) and I had to pack my bag early last morning in complete darkness while my devices were not fully charged for the long trip home. This is not the image you want to leave for your guests. I don’t know why this happened and I feel for the staff who go out of their way to make the guests stay perfect. But based on this experience I would recommend the hotel for a private trip, but not for a business trip. And I would advise the hotel to have a good look at their technical...

My stay at the hotel was very nice. Staff was friendly and very helpful. Was even surprised with a birthday gift of a small cake and champagne. They even made sure I didn't sleep alone on my last day by accompanying me with a goldfish.

The hotel is located near Old Town and close to so many places. Enough restaurants in the neighbourhood. Clubs and cocktail bars, all in walking distance. And it's not noisy at all. The staff can give you recommendations or even make a reservation.

For breakfast you have an extensive choice of food. When seating you get asked what you want to drink and they bring it for you.

Two lounges are located, one has the Honesty Bar where you can have a conversation and grab a free cup of tea or coffee, looking for something heavier that's also available. Just write down what you took (or not), thus the name Honesty Bar. The other is a silent section where you can relax and read a book.

Was a little disappointed in the size of the bed. Had expected something bigger for a king size one and a bit higher. Room didn't look super new but still in good condition. Had one located straight from the elevator which can be an issues if you're not a heavy sleeper (in the morning). Room service is also present with not too steep prices.

Spa room in the basement if you need that special attention and relaxation. Look for special packages on the website of the hotel.

They have a transport service which is expensive compared to other ones. So book separate if you're not planning to use a taxi.

I would recommend this hotel to anybody going to Prague, they are not expensive compared to others but still deliver a good room and excellent service. On top of that they are perfectly located in the centre to reach everything on a walking distance.

Just hope they can still find my necklace which I forgot in...