Where to Stay in Český Krumlov: Best Hotels and Local Areas
Choosing where to stay in Český Krumlov is the first step to an unforgettable trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels like a fairy tale. Most visitors only come for a few hours. However, staying overnight lets you see the town without the crowds. You can enjoy quiet cobblestone streets and glowing castle walls. Whether you want a luxury suite or a cozy hostel, this guide covers the best options. Let’s find your perfect home in South Bohemia.
Quick Guide: Top Neighborhoods to Book
Český Krumlov is small and very walkable. Most travelers prefer the Old Town (Vnitřní Město). This area puts you steps away from the main square. It is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. You will find historic buildings and many best restaurants in Český Krumlov nearby.
Latrán is another fantastic choice. It is the historic district located right below the castle. It has a medieval feel and narrow, winding alleys. If you want castle views, this is the spot. For a quieter experience, look at Horní Brána. It sits on a hill overlooking the town. It offers more modern amenities and often better prices.
- Best for Luxury: Hotel Růže
- Best for Families: Villa Beatika
- Best for Budget: Hostel 99
- Best for Romance: Pension Athanor
Before booking, consider your luggage. Many streets are cobblestone and steep. If you are driving, check our guide on best hotels in Český Krumlov with parking. Some hotels offer shuttle services from the outer parking lots. This can save you a long walk with heavy bags.
Where to Stay in Český Krumlov: 10 Best Places
Finding the right accommodation depends on your style and budget. The town offers everything from former monasteries to riverside hostels. Most properties are small and family-run. This adds a personal touch to your visit. Here are the top-rated places to stay in the city for 2026.
- Name: Hotel Růže Type: Luxury Hotel Why go: This is a former 16th-century Jesuit monastery. It is the most famous hotel in town. Best for: Luxury travelers and history buffs. Where: Old Town (Vnitřní Město). Time: Overnight stay. Cost: High (Premium). Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Visit the terrace for one of the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov.
- Name: Monastery Garden Bistro & Rooms Type: Boutique Guesthouse Why go: It offers a modern, chic design inside a historic building. The breakfast is legendary. Best for: Couples and foodies. Where: Latrán district. Time: 1-2 nights. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Located near the castle gate. Tip: Book the attic room for a unique cozy feel.
- Name: Hostel 99 Type: Budget Hostel Why go: It is a social hub with a great bar. It is perfect for meeting other travelers. Best for: Backpackers and solo travelers. Where: Near the Budějovice Gate. Time: 1-3 nights. Cost: Low (Budget). Getting there: Easy walk from the bus station. Tip: Check out their cheap hostels in Český Krumlov for backpackers tips for more savings.
- Name: Pension Athanor Type: Design Pension Why go: Features high-end Renaissance and Baroque details. Some rooms have private saunas or huge tubs. Best for: Romantic getaways. Where: Old Town. Time: 2 nights. Cost: Mid-to-High. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the town square. Tip: This is one of the most romantic places to stay in Český Krumlov old town.
- Name: Hotel Oldinn Type: Classic Hotel Why go: Recently renovated with a mix of modern comfort and old-world charm. It sits right on the main square. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Svornosti Square. Time: Overnight. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Central location, easy to find. Tip: Ask for a room facing the square to watch the town wake up.
- Name: Villa Beatika Type: Boutique Villa Why go: A stylish 1920s villa with a musical theme. It offers a quiet garden and great views. Best for: Families and those seeking peace. Where: Horní Brána. Time: 2 nights. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: 10-minute uphill walk from the center. Tip: Enjoy the free parking, which is rare for the area.
- Name: Krumlov Tower Type: Unique Experience Why go: Stay inside a medieval guard tower. There are only two rooms available. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Latrán. Time: 1 night. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Near the river bridge. Tip: The stairs are steep, so pack light!
- Name: Castle Apartments Type: Historic Apartments Why go: These are managed by the official castle administration. You stay right on the castle grounds. Best for: History lovers. Where: Castle complex. Time: 1-2 nights. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Enter through the castle gates. Tip: You get early access to the castle courtyards before the crowds arrive.
- Name: Pension Merlin Type: Riverside Pension Why go: Affordable rooms with a view of the Vltava River. It has a very friendly atmosphere. Best for: Budget-conscious couples. Where: Old Town edge. Time: 1-2 nights. Cost: Low. Getting there: Short walk from the Regional Museum. Tip: Great spot if you plan on rafting Český Krumlov Vltava River routes.
- Name: Hotel Dvořák Type: Traditional Hotel Why go: Excellent location by the bridge with iconic castle views from many rooms. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Latrán/Old Town border. Time: Overnight. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Directly next to the Barber's Bridge. Tip: Request a castle-view room well in advance.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Stay
When deciding where to stay in Český Krumlov, timing is everything. Summer is incredibly busy. You should book your room at least 3-4 months ahead. If you visit in winter, the town is much quieter. Check out our Český Krumlov in winter guide for seasonal tips. Many smaller pensions may close or offer discounts during the off-season.
Parking is a major factor for drivers. The town center is a pedestrian zone. You cannot park your car at most hotels in the Old Town. Instead, you must use designated lots on the outskirts. Follow the signs for P1, P2, or P3. For more details, see our page on parking in Český Krumlov. Most hotels provide a permit or a shuttle for a small fee.
Finally, consider the local terrain. The town is full of hills and uneven stones. Wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. If you have mobility issues, stay in the Old Town square area. This part of town is flatter than the Latrán or Horní Brána districts. Most historic buildings do not have elevators, so ask your hotel about ground-floor rooms if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Český Krumlov?
The Old Town (Vnitřní Město) is the best area for most visitors. It is central and close to the main square and dining. Latrán is also excellent for castle proximity. Both areas are within the historic UNESCO zone and offer a traditional atmosphere.
Is one night enough in Český Krumlov?
One night is usually enough to see the main sights. However, staying two nights allows for a more relaxed pace. You can explore the castle, visit museums, and enjoy a riverside dinner without rushing. It also gives you time for a short local hike.
Can I drive my car into the Old Town?
Driving into the Old Town is restricted. Most of the center is a pedestrian-only zone. You usually need a special permit from your hotel to enter for luggage drop-off. Most visitors must park in the official public parking lots located just outside the center.
Deciding where to stay in Český Krumlov depends on your budget and interests. For a classic experience, stay in the Old Town. For castle views, choose Latrán. No matter where you pick, you will be surrounded by history. Don't forget to check out our Český Krumlov city guide to plan the rest of your adventure. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful Czech gem!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Český Krumlov Official Tourism — Official DMO portal. (unverified)
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board. (unverified)
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO listing. (unverified)
- Lonely Planet — Major editorial travel guide. (unverified)
- State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov — Official landmark site. (unverified)
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum — Major city museum. (unverified)
