Essential accommodation tips for Karlovy Vary film festival dates

Start your search at least six months before the festival begins. Most central hotels are reserved for industry guests and celebrities. If you wait until June, you may find nothing available. Check our Karlovy Vary film festival guide for exact dates. Early booking usually secures better rates and locations.

Look for apartments in the Drahovice or Tuhnice neighborhoods. These areas are just a short bus ride from the center. They often offer more space for a lower price. Many locals rent out their homes during the festival week. This can be a great way to save money.

Consider staying in nearby towns like Loket or Ostrov. These towns are connected by frequent trains and buses. You can enjoy a quiet night away from the festival crowds. Always check the last train times before booking. For official travel info, visit the Visit Czechia portal.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Hotel Thermal
• Best for families: Apartment rentals in Drahovice
• Best rainy-day: Elizabeth Bath
• Best free: Mill Colonnade

10 Best Places to Stay and Visit During the Festival

Choosing the right base makes your festival experience much smoother. Here are ten specific locations and experiences to consider. These picks cover iconic sights and practical lodging areas. Each offers a unique perspective on the city during the event.

1. Name: Hotel Thermal Type: sight/hub Why go: This is the heart of the festival and main screening hub. Best for: Movie buffs who want to be near the action. Where: City Center. Time: Flexible. Cost: High during festival dates. Getting there: Easy walk from the main bus station. Tip: The outdoor pool offers the best city views.
2. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight/luxury Why go: It is one of the most famous hotels in Europe. Best for: Luxury seekers and film history fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour for a visit. Cost: Very high. Getting there: Walk along the Teplá River. Tip: Visit the café even if you are not staying there.
3. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning medieval castle perched on a rock. Best for: A break from the busy film screenings. Where: 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local train or bus. Tip: The torture museum inside is quite famous.
4. Name: Elizabeth Bath (Alžbětiny lázně) Type: experience Why go: Historic spa building offering traditional treatments. Best for: Relaxation between movie sessions. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the city center. Tip: Book your massage a few days in advance.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Provides the best panoramic view of the valley. Best for: Nature lovers and photographers. Where: Forest hill above the city. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low (funicular fee). Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths.
6. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: Beautiful neoclassical architecture with mineral springs. Best for: Iconic festival photos and morning walks. Where: Riverside promenade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: Buy a porcelain cup to taste the water.
7. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum/indoor Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian glass is made. Best for: A rainy-day cultural activity. Where: Dvory district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus line 1 or 22. Tip: The museum shop has beautiful souvenirs.
8. Name: Becherovka Visitor Centre Type: experience Why go: Learn about the famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Fans of local spirits and history. Where: Masaryka Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from the bus station. Tip: The tour includes a tasting session.
9. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: An intricate white wooden structure over springs. Best for: Quick sightseeing between films. Where: Near the Castle Tower. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Try the Charles IV spring inside.
10. Name: Stará Louka Type: neighborhood Why go: The most picturesque walking street in the city. Best for: Dining and people-watching. Where: Along the Teplá River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Main spa area. Tip: Many festival parties happen in the bars here.

Navigating the City During Your Festival Stay

Karlovy Vary is a very walkable city, especially in the spa zone. Most film venues are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Wearing comfortable shoes is one of the best tips for the festival. You will spend a lot of time on your feet. For more activity ideas, see our best things to do in Karlovy Vary list.

The local bus system is reliable and covers the whole city. During the festival, special shuttle buses often run between major hotels. You can check schedules on the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. A Festival Pass often includes free public transport. This makes moving around much easier and cheaper.

If you stay further out, learn the train schedules. The Karlovy Vary railway station connects to many nearby villages. Taxis are available but can be expensive during peak hours. Apps like Bolt also operate in the city. Always confirm the price before you start your journey.