Bristol group is generally famous for its medical and relaxation programs, with Livia 5* being the star of their collection of small hotels.

However, that hotel is for people who can afford that and that's not me. I stayed twice at Vila Tereza and let me tell you, this hotel is a perfect place to relax and heal up after our exhausting urban lifestyle that we enjoy during most of the year.

First of all, it is located in a little distance from touristic center of Karlsbad - about 15 minutes' walk which makes all the difference. At night you will never be disturbed by nightlife noise and during daytime you can easily walk down the center to enjoy infamous hot mineral water springs. And if you're tired, you can cut a corner of the walk and go through underground tunnels (all warm, lighted and clean) of the hotel to exit Bristol 4* hotel. Go right outside the constellation of Bristol hotels and you can start walking up the way to the top of Diana hill, there's forest there that provides plenty of fresh air. There's also an observation tower at the top of the hill and a few peacocks live in the restaurant near it.

Like said above, the hotels complex is connected by a system of underground tunnels so if it's cold outside and you just had an hour in the swimming pool of Bristol hotel, you can grab your bathrobe and towel and walk straight to your room through that system.

Medical facilities are top-class, providing various services so anyone could pick what he needs/likes. Although if you are new to this, I advise to stick to what the doctor tells you. I personally enjoy Hydrojet, all massage-related procedures, inhallations, mineral water baths and so on. Older people may find lymphodrainage or other sophisticated procedures like that effective for your own health situation. There's also nice big (but sadly, not deep) swimming pool with saunas of a few tupes and a relatively good gym for anyone who needs it.

The doctors are very skilled. If you don't like something (like a procedure that makes you feel nervous), you can come to your doctor and he'll advise what you can pick to substitute. I was very impressed by MUDr V.Polovka, who later moved to another hotel of the group.

My room was very big (in fact, I think it was twice the size a single person needs), which proved useful when I invited a lady from the same hotel to enjoy each other's company. There's free Internet (quite slow but sufficient for work) via cable, satellite TV, air conditioner and everything else a 4* hotel should have (daily cleaning - and a proper one! - and a change of your bed/towels included). The room is also very quiet, you can close your window and it'll be absolute quietness. For the first couple of nights it feels so strange that you find it hard to get used to it after living in a megapolis - but your sleep quality really improves.

Restaurant is great. I don't remember much now but I never came out of it dissatisfied. In Czech sanatorium treatment culture they think that you don't have to limit yourself in your choices (i.e. you can eat fried, fatty and other strange food for a sanatorium) as long as you comply with your mineral water treatment schedule. In fact, it turns out to be true. People with diabetes eat everything there and they still have their sugar levels go down while staying in Karlsbad. So - you have all sorts of various food offered in the restaurant, you can even try Czech food for a few times each week. During summer period a terrace is being opened which makes meals even nicer.

Staff is extremely friendly. Most guests (from what I've seen) are Russian, so almost all the staff speak Russian but if you are a German, French or English-speaking person, they will have someone speaking your language serve you in restaurant, in cleaning your room, also a doctor and so on. Everyone is smiling and often asks for feedback.

Like I mentioned, public is mostly Russian. However, don't get upset by that because Russians staying in this hotel are much more civilized than the majority of us. First of all, people mostly come here to heal, not to create debauches and secondly, the hotel is too expensive for people who will drink all night right outside your room.

Now to the only drawback that I could find. The price.
Bristol group is considered a part of somewhat premium segment of Karlsbad sanatorium market, and their prices reflect that. The price can go up till 160 EUR per night in high season which can make your plans to stay for a full 18-21 night treatment course sound quite expensive. I'm planning to come in November when prices drop to 120 EUR per night.

All in all, this is a great hotel with exceptional service level, especially medical treatment.
Definitely recommend it to everyone.

PS I'm sorry but tripadvisor doesn't let me choose the correct date when I was there. Last time it was summer-2010. Before that, summer-2008 and almost nothing changed since then (except my doctor being promoted).