Grandhotel Pupp - Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic     

I always check out Tripadvisor when I am booking a hotel and so was disappointed to read so many poor reviews. But thankfully I decided to take a chance and book our party of 6 into the hotel for 5 nights. I could not have made a better decision. I found - almost to a point - a complete 180 from the previous reviews. The hotel staff were friendly - even pushing the elevator button for me when they saw me approach. The rooms were clean and the bathrooms spotless. The breakfast in the grand dining room perfect. We were all golfers and I can tell you that without the assistance from Martin at the concierge desk booking 6 tee times at 4 courses would not have been possible. The suggestions for restaurants along with helpful travel tips made for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This was a beautiful hotel staffed by helpful and competent personnel.

Having read some very "dodgy" reviews before arriving at the Grandhotel Pupp, my sister and I were very wary. However, we could not have been more delighted! The hotel building is breathtaking and Karlovy Vary itself is like a fairy tale. Arriving in snow was just magical. The hotel staff were amazing. Despite arriving early before check in time, we were welcomed and our suite was made available to us within 20 minutes, enabling us time to sample hot chocolate and cakes in the Cafe Pupp. The suite itself was so much better than we'd anticipated. Very spacious and exceptionally clean, far better than any other 5* hotel I have stayed in. Housekeeping came around twice a day and were very friendly and accommodating. Reception staff and guest services were also remarkable always happy to answer any query and provide assistance if needed. The buffet breakfast was served in the main restaurants and a wide selection of food was available including lots of fresh fruit. Again the staff were very thorough and friendly and monitored the room closely in order to be of assistance. Unfortunately we didn't eat lunch or dinner in the restaurant mainly because the menu did not cater for a vegetarian diet. We did not ask if this could be accommodated for because the choice of different restaurants in Karlovy Vary was so varied it was good to eat outside of the hotel and sample a little of the local culture. The only downside to the hotel was on using the spa facilities on our 3rd day, we came across 3 guests who used the facilities naked. There was no mention of clothing optional use of the facilities and we are not sure if these guests chose to "bare all" because there was not a member of staff on duty at that moment in time. The gym is very basic but it does provide an adequate "stand in" for using whilst on holiday. There are plenty of local walks to do around Karlovy Vary and a local guide book can be purchased from the news stand near to the hotel which gives two informative local walks which are not too strenuous. Other walks are available from the internet, and a visit to the Diana Tower by way of the funicular is a trip to partake in for outstanding views of the area. To travel between Prague airport and Karlovy Vary we used a company called Aqua Vita. Not only did they provide the cheapest transfer they also guaranteed a pick up from the hotel for a return to the airport which no other company would do. The drivers were very good and the vehicles extremely comfortable. Again this company can be found on the internet. I would thoroughly recommend Karlovy Vary for a quiet get away from it all break and most certainly recommend staying at the Grandhotel Pupp for that added touch of luxury.