I love to travel. My dog, a tiny companion with a big heart, goes everywhere with me. Recently, I decided to explore the heart of Europe. I found that the Czech Republic is a dream for people who love luxury dog friendly hotels in czech republic. Did you know that 49 percent of hotels in Prague allow pets? That is a huge number. I discovered that I could stay in some of the most beautiful luxury hotels in czech republic without any trouble. My four-legged friend felt like royalty the whole time.
First of all, you must plan ahead. You should start your preparation at least one or two months before your trip. Your dog needs a microchip. This microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is given. Additionally, your pet needs an EU health certificate. Do not forget the pet passport. These rules are strict but very simple. I followed them all to the letter. My dog was ready to see the world.
Prague: The Capital of Luxury Pups
Prague is a paradise for dogs. I stayed at several luxury dog-friendly hotels during my visit. My first stop was the W Prague. It is a new spot located right on Wenceslas Square. The building is beautiful and historic, first opened in 1905. They took 10 years to renovate it! The result is a mix of old charm and modern style. However, I found the entry-level rooms a bit small. But the service? Absolutely fantastic. On top of that, they have an amazing spa with an indoor pool. Your dog will love the vibe here.
The price? High. The experience? Unique.
Later, I moved to the Mandarin Oriental. This hotel sits in a former 14th-century monastery. It is so quiet and peaceful. The location is in the Mala Strana district. This area feels like a quiet village. The rooms have unique features like vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Plus, the service is very personal. I was pleasantly surprised by an unsolicited room upgrade! Similarly, the Four Seasons Hotel Prague is a gem. It sits right by the river. You get views of the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle. I found that dogs stay for free here. Is that not the best deal for a luxury hotel dogs stay?
Another great dog friendly hotel prague is the Andaz Prague. It is a five-star hotel near the city center. The design is a mix of modern luxury and local history. I found the staff very helpful and friendly. Plus, they have very nice rooms with high-end amenities. Additionally, the Grand Mark Prague offers exceptional service. It is part of The Leading Hotels of the World. They charge about 35 CZK per night for a dog. The central location makes exploring very easy.
More Luxury Options in the City
Prague has so many choices. I visited the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. It is a crown jewel in the city center. They allow pets on request. Then there is the Augustine, which is a Luxury Collection Hotel. It is housed in a restored monastery. They are very committed to superior service for pets. On top of that, the Almanac X Alcron Prague is a testament to elegance.
What about a boutique feel? The Falkensteiner Boutique Hotel Prague is a true gem. It has a five-star rating and a very high guest score. Similarly, the Hotel Paris Prague offers a Parisian-inspired oasis. I also liked the Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague. It is a five-star oasis with Eastern-inspired elegance. Your dog can enjoy their pet service for a fee.
I also checked out some other spots. The Grand Hotel Bohemia is in the Old Town. Dogs stay for free there if they are under 10 kg. Plus, the Le Palais Art Hotel Prague is in a stunning 19th-century building. It blends old grandeur with modern comfort. For a different vibe, the Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague sits along the Vltava River. It is a serene oasis.
Castle Stays: Living Like Royalty
I left the city for the countryside. South Moravia is full of history and magic. I found the best castle hotels near Brno for a romantic weekend. Chateau Herálec is the top choice for pure luxury. It features a stunning spa and a massive English park from the 18th century. I paid only 20 CZK per booking for my dog there. They even allowed my dog on the furniture and beds if I used special sheets. What a treat!
The park? Huge. The nature? Breathtaking.
Then I went to Chateau Valtice. It is in the heart of a UNESCO site. The wine cellar there is world-famous. I booked a private tasting in the cellar. My dog sat right by my side as I enjoyed the local wine. Additionally, Hotel Zámek Křtiny is great for nature lovers. It is located in the peaceful Moravian Karst. They allow pets for a small fee.
I also visited Zámek Čejkovice. It is a medieval fortress built by the Knights Templar. The atmosphere is unmatched. If you like history, this is the place. Similarly, Zámek Mikulov has the most iconic skyline in the region. Though the main castle is a museum, nearby boutique stays offer great views.
I found a few more interesting spots. Zámek Napajedla is a late Baroque chateau focused on slow travel. The rooms are individually styled. Zámek Račice offers a secluded forest setting. It is perfect for privacy. Zámek Wichterle is famous for its unique beer spa. It combines heritage with wellness. Lastly, Chateau Sobotín is a grand estate with a massive spa complex. The grounds are perfect for long walks with your dog.
Spa Towns and Relaxing Retreats
Next, I headed to Karlovy Vary. This is one of the most famous spa towns in the country. The Grandhotel Pupp is an iconic five-star hotel. It is very welcoming to pets. I even took my dog into Becher’s Bar. They have dog bowls ready for guests. However, be aware that dogs cannot enter the hot spring colonnades. But the city is so close to nature. We hiked to the Diana Tower. The funicular is dog friendly, but you must pay for a ticket for the dog.
The hike? About 45 minutes. The view? Worth it.
I also looked at the Spa Hotel Imperial. it provides a luxurious spa experience and welcomes pets. Similarly, the Carlsbad Plaza Medical Spa & Wellness hotel allows pets for a fee. I found the Dvorak Spa & Wellness hotel as well. They allow small dogs and cats up to 15 kg. They charge 30 EUR per night and ask for a 100 EUR deposit.
In other regions, I found more options. Wellness Hotel Step in Prague is part of the Czech Leading Hotels and welcomes pets. Wellness Hotel Babylon in Liberec offers great amenities for dogs. I also visited Hotel Horal in Roznov pod Radhostem. They have a dog play area. They charge 292 CZK per night for a dog. There is no limit on the number of dogs per room there!
Practical Tips for Dog Owners
I used public transport a lot during my stay. Dogs are welcome on almost all vehicles. You must keep them on a short leash. Do not forget the muzzle. It is a strict rule on trains and buses. In Prague, small dogs in carriers travel for free. Larger dogs travel for free within the city if you have a long-term ticket. Otherwise, it is a small fee of 20 CZK or 25 CZK.
The subway? One dog per door platform. The elevators? Only one dog at a time.
Where should you eat? Most restaurants in the Czech Republic allow dogs inside. I always asked politely at the door first. Look for “dog bars.” These are water bowls provided by shops and cafes. SmetanaQ in Prague is a great breakfast spot. They serve amazing waffles with strawberries. But remember, avocados are poisonous to dogs, so do not share your avocado bread!
I also visited Your mom cafe in Vrsovice. There was a dog at almost every table! The Happy Bean bistro is another good choice. They have a vegan and vegetarian menu. My dog even got a tasty cookie there. If you like pizza, try Wine Food Market in Smichov. They always have a bowl of water waiting. For Asian food, go to NOI on the Little Side. They offer a mat for your dog to lie on.
Understanding Pet Hospitality Categories
It is important to know the difference between hotel types. Some are just dog accepted. This means they allow dogs but have many rules and limits. Others are truly dog friendly. These hotels treat your dog like a member of the family. They provide beds, bowls, and access to common areas. Then there are dog hotels. These are built entirely around the needs of the animal.
A real luxury experience is about normality. You should not have to ask for permission for every little thing. I looked for hotels that offered a personalized pet welcome kit. This shows they really care. Some even offer a professional dog sitting service.
I found a great chain called Pytloun Hotels. They have many locations, including the Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague on Wenceslas Square. They are very pet friendly. In fact, all dogs staying in their hotels eat for free! They have a special menu for dogs that was put together by vets. They even have a 24-hour emergency vet contact. This is the kind of service that makes a trip stress-free.
Exploring Beyond Prague
The Czech Republic has so many charming towns. I loved visiting Olomouc in the east. It has impressive old town squares and is easily accessible by train. Another favorite was Telc, which is a UNESCO site. Strolling through these towns with my dog was a highlight.
I also visited Karlštejn Castle. It is only a 40-minute drive from Prague. Dogs can explore the grounds with you on a leash and with a muzzle. Then there is Lednice Park. It has a grand chateau and a huge park with a lake. The park is open year-round and is perfect for a long walk.
Do not miss Cesky Krumlov. It is a gorgeous town with a castle on a hill. Though dogs are officially not allowed in the castle grounds, I found the town very welcoming. We had a great lunch at the Pivovar Eggenberg brewery. My dog joined me at our outdoor table.
Statistical Data and Fun Facts
I gathered some interesting data during my travels. The price range for a night can be anywhere from 61 USD to over 1000 USD. I found that 16,204 hotels in their system are tagged as dog friendly.
In the UK, there are 16,204 dog friendly hotels as well. I compared this to the Czech Republic and found the standards quite similar. For instance, in best dog friendly hotels france, Paris is often ranked as number one for dog friendliness. But Prague is not far behind, ranking at number two or three in some reports.
I also noted some specific costs. A train ticket for a dog for distances under 150 km is only 30 CZK. For longer trips, it is 50 CZK. On the RegioJet buses, small dogs under 10 kg travel for free on your lap. These small costs make it very easy to bring a pet along.
FAQ
Which hotel chain is the most dog friendly?
The Pytloun Hotels chain is highly accommodating, welcoming pets in their hotels and restaurants with a special menu designed by veterinarians. Additionally, dogs staying at their hotels eat for free.
Is the Czech Republic dog friendly?
Yes, it is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs are treated as family members and are commonly welcomed in restaurants, cafes, and even some shops.
Are dogs allowed in Prague Castle?
Dogs are permitted to explore the extensive grounds and courtyards of Prague Castle as long as they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle. However, they are generally not allowed inside the historical interiors or buildings, such as St Vitus Cathedral.
Do hotels let you leave your dog in the room?
Policies on this vary by establishment. For example, the Grand Hotel Bohemia explicitly states that dogs must not be left unattended in the guest rooms. It is advisable to check the specific pet policy of each hotel before booking.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Prague is highlighted as a “paradise” for dog owners due to its walkable city centre and high density of pet-friendly businesses. South Moravia is also a top destination, offering luxury castle hotels like Chateau Herálec that provide specialized pet amenities.
Can I bring my dog to Prague?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Prague by following standard EU pet travel rules, which include having your pet microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and possessing an EU pet passport.
Are dogs allowed on trams in Prague?
Yes, dogs are welcome on trams and all other public transport in Prague. They are typically required to wear a muzzle and be kept on a short leash.
What to beware of in Prague?
Visitors should be mindful of unpicked-up dog waste on sidewalks, which is noted as a recurring issue in the city. Additionally, dogs are generally not permitted in grocery stores or religious historical interiors.
Concluding words
The Czech Republic offers an exceptional range of luxury dog-friendly accommodations, from the sophisticated urban five-star hotels of Prague to the romantic castle estates of South Moravia. Establishments like Chateau Herálec and The Grand Mark Prague go beyond mere acceptance by providing specialized amenities such as pet welcome kits, orthopedic beds, and gourmet menus.
With a national culture that treats dogs as family members, visitors can enjoy high-end hospitality while exploring historic grounds and dining in cafes where their pets are welcomed with water bowls and treats.
