Marianske Lazne, Marienbad or Marienbad-les-Bains is a nice historic spa resort in the western part of the Czech Republic, close to the German border (Bavaria), as a spa settlement was officially founded in the early 19th century. It is 40 kilometers south of Karlovy Vary, 170 kilometers west of Prague.
I have visited this small city (at the moment there are 14 thousand people) one year ago, and it was good enough, but at this time my main goal is to experience the real, traditional spa here.
As usual, my trip to Marianske Lazne starts at main railway station in Prague.
There is a direct connection with Prague. Two hours and thirty minutes by train. Usually train goes further, to Cheb, or even further, to Karlovy Vary.
It is about 2 kilometers from the station to the city centre/spa colonnade. I decided to walk, as usual though, but there is also a direct trolleybus there. I like more walking here, because the way is scenic, with trees and spa architecture, where dominants are Belle Epoque and Neo-Classical architectural styles.
For the "real spa" I have decided to stay in one of the best hotels in the town "Centralni Lazne". Actually, it is the oldest spa hotel in Marianske Lazne, located at Maria’s Spring, the birthplace of the town’s spa tradition.
The hotel is very nice inside, with spacious reception area and big lobby bar, and it is already decorated for meeting the Christmas.
The room is average size, but very cozy and it has classic style without grandiosity or fanciful modern details. They even have the bathrobe and special towel for spa here.
Centralni Lazne is a part of the big hotel complex from Ensana. There are several hotels connected in one network by the corridors. Hvezda, Imperial, Maria Spa, Centralni Lazne, Nove Lazne are all in one place.
Now I am heading to the Nove Lazne buiding, because there I can find the main spot of interest for me "Roman Baths".
Nove Lazne is considered to be a 5-star hotel, but visitors of Centralni Lazne have the access to all facilities there. So, this 5-star vibe is really felt even at the corridors. Luxurious.
On my way to the baths I have made a stop near the mineral source called Ambroziana. Exactly, we have an exclusive pipe to drink from the spring right in the hotel. Ambroziana is especially used for iron-related therapies, like anemia or blood circulation support.
Coming back to the Roman baths. It is one of the most elegant spa experiences in Marianske Lazne, inspired by ancient Roman bathing culture, which emphasizes hydrotherapy, relaxation and wellness. Initially it was designed in the early 1900s as a luxury spa with Roman-style architecture, including mosaics, columns, arches and vaulted ceilings. They say that in the main pools is used the mineral water from the nearby springs, which is rich in numerous minerals, such as bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium and iron.
They also have different types of saunas - Finnish sauna and Steam sauna - connected with the main column hall. You even can find here a special sauna which you can visit without underwear. And of course jacuzzi.
All in all, it is the best spa hotel, which I have experienced so far.
It is almost the dinner time, and honestly I am starving, because I have not had the lunch today. Luckily, I have booked half-board, so the breakfasts and dinners are already included in the price.
I was searching for the restaurant at the hotel maybe 20 minutes, it is such a big territory here! Even the google maps did not help me. Eventually, my intuition helped me.
So, the dinner here is in a buffet-style. You can pick the dishes which you like from many options and in many quantities. I would say, "Classics", for such spa hotels. I even have "my own" table for the period of my staying at the hotel - there is the card on the table with my name and the room number. Snow-white tablecloth and accommodating waiters in uniform, love it!
So, the quality of food I would rank as average (3.5 stars out of 5). You can find for your taste something, but it is quite simple. Disadvantage is that there are not many desserts here, I would say only one (the second was already gone). And another typical feature of such buffet-style dinners is that you additionally pay for the beverages. Still, clear tap water is available.
After a heavy dinner doctors recommend having at least 15 minutes walk. So, I went out to check the town's vibe at evening. It is dark at 7 pm already. Not many people outside. The Christmas market is closed. In one word, boring. But at least it is not freezing cold. I think if it is not summer, it is very important to stay in a nice hotel with all facilities included! So, I am very happy that I have chosen exactly my hotel.
Tomorrow I am planning to walk up and down the nearby hills. Indeed, relaxation is a good thing, but physical activities are also very important.
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