Guesthouse, hotel, apartment

Definitions under the classification

The Czech classification of accommodation is based on the standard ČSN 76 1110, which incorporates the European Hotelstars system. Among others, it distinguishes these categories:

Category	Definition	Classes
Hotel	at least 10 rooms, accommodation and related services (especially meals)	1–5 stars
Hotel garni	a hotel with limited catering, at least breakfast	1–4
Guesthouse (penzion)	5–20 rooms, limited social and additional services, accommodation comparable to a hotel; no restaurant, but a room for meals	1–4
Apartment hotel	at least 10 apartments or studios	—
Apartment complex	at least 5 apartments or studios	—
Hostel / tourist hostel (turistická ubytovna)	multi-bed rooms, limited catering	2 classes
Campsites, cabin groups		4 classes

What the stars mean

• Certification is voluntary. The classification is not a generally binding regulation; each establishment decides for itself whether to go through it.
• Stars tell you something about minimum facilities and services, not about atmosphere or location.
• An example: a double room must be at least 12.6 m² in the 1–2 star classes, 13.3 m² in the 3–4 star classes and 16 m² in a five-star hotel.

Apartment

An apartment (apartmán) is a self-contained unit with a kitchenette. It can be in an apartment building or a hotel, or it can be a flat let privately. Ask about cleaning, linen, parking and key handover.

How to choose

• Guesthouse: a short stay, a personal touch, breakfast included.
• Hotel: guaranteed service, a reception desk, a restaurant, business trips.
• Apartment: a longer stay, a family, your own routine.