Tour the Czech capital in cheeky style – in a 1950s Škoda cabrio

The domes and spires providing the romantic backdrop to one of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful cities have inspired poetry, literature and music for centuries. The very air around Prague, the magical Czech capital, seems filled with monsters and ghosts; even the name conjures images of fantasy and intrigue, Bohemian hagiographies and bargains with Satan.

And each visit to this thriving, ancient metropolis, situated in the very central basin of old Bohemia, only seems to enhance its ethereal charms; intensify its mysterious aura.

One of the first of the central and eastern European countries to reinvent itself as it emerged from the iron grip of communism, Prague has embraced the vagaries of change stoically, celebrating the good and bad within its rich cultural heritage with a fatalistic flair.

One of the iconic legacies from the country’s post war austerity was the suffocation of its car industry. Emil Škoda’s luxury marque was reduced to churning out modest little jalopies, usually rear-engined, as an economical way of mobilising the people. A shining, modern day example of survival, albeit with a massive injection of Teutonic cash, Škoda always retained its own quirky designs even during its darkest days. Obsolete square boxes no longer fashionable with stylish Italians were not going to be resurrected under licence in this Soviet suburb. Offerings from the proud little factory in Mladá Boleslav would at least be original, if a little utilitarian.

But Škoda remained strong, with an army of western devotees who demanded cheap, reliable motoring bolstering sales throughout the Eastern Bloc, and with a business model strong enough to attract Volkswagen interest. Nobody really jokes about the sophisticated Škodas on today’s roads, but one can’t help feeling that, good as they are, the raft of Octavias, Fabias, Roomsters and Yetis are all rather sterile, along with their German stablemates.

Despite limited funds, classics still emerged. The little Felicia cabriolet manufactured in the late 1950s and early 60s was a prime example, and still sported a front-mounted engine. And bringing the quaint and quirky together in one fell swoop is Czech native Ondrej Rejzek. Introducing himself simply as Andrew, this budding young entrepreneur has teamed up with business partner John to offer tourists a Škoda-eye view of Prague. But here you’ll not find the elegant old thoroughbreds of the 1920s and 30s that make up the staple of vintage car sightseeing in the city, but a cheeky 1959 Felicia convertible in deliciously hot and thoroughly shocking pink.

You can’t help but smile as Andrew spirits the little beast up a blind alley here and a curious ginnel there, attracting looks of mirth and astonishment from onlookers as you take in the sights of old Praha, feeling the wind in your hair like a true Bohemian. The forty-five minute tour is over all too quickly, but the novelty of your conveyance remains with you, creating one of those special memories that slip easily into trip-culture, and are fondly recalled as a highlight for years to come. You’ll get round all the favourites, including Castle Hill, Wenceslas Square and the stunning Charles Bridge (although you can’t, of course, actually drive over it) but the star of this little show remains the Škoda. Think of it as ancient splendour meets retro pop art meets theme park ride, and you’ll get something of an idea as to why this is the only way to see the Czech capital.

To book your tour, contact Andrew on +420 723 377 758

Pied a terre in the heart of Bohemian Prague

Comfort, cleanliness and subtle style characterise Prague’s Cloister Inn. Offering an efficient, friendly and thoroughly customer-focused experience, it’s the perfect base for a trip to the ancient Bohemian capital.

Don’t be fooled by the hotel’s unassuming frontage. Once through the gleaming glass security doors, which are locked every evening – a simple point, but one which adds immeasurably to your peace of mind – you’ll discover a light, airy reception and lounge area. The Czech instinct for hospitality is evident in the warmth of the staff, whose excellent language skills put the average British monoglot to shame. Every member of the team was helpful and keen to make our stay as comfortable as possible.

Clean contemporary lines are the order of the day when it comes to the decor. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, with air conditioning and blackout curtains ensuring a good night’s sleep all year round. In the morning, breakfast is served in the fourth-floor dining room, where a wide choice of cereals, cooked dishes and breads will set you up for the day with aplomb.

Prague is best explored on foot, and the Cloister Inn’s superb location makes it the perfect base for a break in this beguiling city. The winding alleyways and historical intrigue of the Old Town are just a few minutes’ walk away, but the hotel’s location on quiet Konviktska keeps traffic and other noise pollution to the barest minimum.

After a hard day’s exploring it’s nice to be able to enjoy a nightcap close to base camp, and the Cloister Inn scores highly in this area too. Initial disappointment that the bar isn’t a separate area (it’s actually an extension of the lobby area adjacent to reception) is swiftly banished by the competitive prices, free wired and wireless internet access and relaxing atmosphere. There are a couple of side rooms too, if you’re looking for a little more privacy. And because it’s next to the round-the-clock reception desk, you don’t ever have to worry about closing time.

As a backdrop to a stay in Prague, the Cloister Inn ticks all the right boxes. You might only be dropping into the Czech capital for a couple of days, but this little gem combines the convenience of a city centre hotel with the tranquility of somewhere altogether more exclusive. It’s as modestly priced as its name suggests, too – allowing you to enjoy Prague’s many charms even if funds are tight.

Cloister Inn Hotel
14 Konviktska street
110 00 Prague 1
Czech Republic

Visit www.cloister-inn.com

Tel.: +420 224 211 020
Fax: +420 224 210 800

Email cloister@cloister-inn.com