Hotel/Spa recommendations for Karlovy Vary

Without a doubt, The GrandHotel Pupp. Elegance, history and elan packaged affordably including maid service twice a day, champagne brunch and natural hot springs in a stainless steel pool with an array of spa services at 1970’s era Soviet pricing (I exaggerate but not by much). Google it. The Grand HotelBudapest movie is said to be based on it. Watch Last Holiday or Casino Royale as it was filmed there.
I’ve been enchanted so much as to extend my stay there twice now in the past year and a half. It’s always on my radar when I come close to that part of the world.

If you want a nice option in the centre look for Dvorak Spa and Wellness.

Thanks for your recommendations, much appreciated

I’m staying at the Spa Hotel Iris in June for 3 nights. I did a ton of research and landed on it — moderately priced and includes a few spa services with room, and then I can add on a massage, etc. it’s a small hotel but good location and good reviews. I can let you know more after I stay there if you’d like.

Actually , the exterior of the building in " The Grand Budapest Hotel " is based on The Bristol .

I would love to hear anything about this location that you end up choosing. I started looking last night at Prague and adding some other locations to the trip. This one looked very interesting, and now I see it on the forum! I also would be coming by bus or train.

I’ll bookmark this one to check back. : )

Jean ,Are you going as a day trip from Prague , or are you intending a stay there ?

@Steven, right now I'm looking at possibly doing the RS Prague/Budapest tour this Fall. But, another option is that I could wait until 2024 and have the time to plan a solo trip for Czech which would expand the itinerary to spend several days in Prague and also go to other destinations by train or bus. If I do the second option, I will stay in Karlovy Vary for a couple of days. I'm retired, so my trips are normally three weeks.

if the framework for a 2024 longer trip has too many logistics to make it a fun trip, I will go this Fall with the RS tour that gives a good itinerary for Prague.

Jean , spending a few days in Karlovy Vary would be a fine idea ,the place is really beautiful , brimming with first class Art Nouveau architecture. Working it in with Prague would depend on where you are prior to Prague . Since it lies to the northwest of Prague , going there by train is somewhat longer than the bus service from Prague . If you were coming from a point north , ( Say , Dresden ,which is a shame to miss ) you would transfer at the German Czech border ( Station - Usti nad Labem ) The recommendation above for The Grand Hotel Pupp is a good one worth considering , since the greater part of the city lies at ground level so a lot of climbing into the surrounding hills is unnecessary .( There is , however a funicular next to the hotel that will take you up to Jeleni Skok ( Stag's Leap ) with spectacular views of the city below . I recently had occasion to bring the place up on a recent thread , some comments here https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/stations-with-spa-names

Also , a bit of trivia - These 10 inch , thin wafer cakes are sold all over the city , very tasty , filled with hazelnut creme . The principal use of them is to cut the horrible taste of the mineral water from the springs , but they are very nice alone or with coffee - https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4030/4559841629_6f93a2a2c2_b.jpg

Karlovy Vary sounds like a fantastic destination, especially before Christmas! I can understand your desire for a hotel with a spa near the center of town. One place that comes to mind is Hotel Thermal. It's conveniently located and offers a wide range of spa services, including medical spa treatments. If you're interested in exploring some unique medical spa services, you might want to check out Raw Beauty Aesthetics. They offer innovative treatments and personalized experiences to help you relax and rejuvenate. You can find more information at https://rawbeautyaesthetics.com. I hope this helps you in your search for a perfect hotel and spa experience in Karlovy Vary.