OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE CHARLES BRIDGE AND OLD TOWN AREA (MALA STRANA): MANDARIN ORIENTAL PRAGUE (****L): Unlike the other properties operated since 2006 by the prestigious, award-winning Mandarin Oriental Group, this is not a palace nor a grand hotel; but a quaint boutique hotel, pairing well Prague romantic and cultural atmosphere. Nestled in a peaceful section of the ancient neighbourhood of Malá Strana (Little Quarter) on the left bank, this discreet 99-room historic mansion occupies a complex whose origins date back to the 14th century. Part Renaissance, part Baroque, and part modern, the hotel’s distinctive set of buildings represents over six centuries of architecture. Formerly a Dominican monastery, the structure incorporates a large part of the outer wall of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the oldest churches in Prague which was built on the site around 1330. With the expertise of renowned architects, the Mandarin Oriental Prague retains and highlights its distinguished heritage; carefully-preserved architectural features such as vaulted ceilings, archways, and original staircases are sensitively complemented with subtly opulent oriental touches, resulting in a hotel as unique as the city itself. The location of the hotel was specifically chosen for its peaceful atmosphere, close to the river, only minutes away from the Charles Bridge, and a short walk to the Old Town Square. Guests can meander through the cobbled streets marvelling at the romantic scenery, strolling through galleries and resting at lovely cafés, or taking in some of the very best of the city’s vibrant restaurants and night scene. In this select location, guests are surrounded by the palaces, gardens, and towers of old Prague, under the ever watchful presence of Prague Castle. Embodying a new standard of luxury in the Czech Republic. with subtle Asian touches, the hotel offers 99 guest rooms: including 20 exclusive suites, among the most spacious and luxurious in the city, boasting unequalled views of the Old Town and magnificent Prague Castle. Combining great character and historic features, all rooms are individually designed and benefit from the latest technology. High definition LCD screens are features in the bedrooms, bathrooms and in the Suites’ individual sitting room, while high-speed Internet connectivity throughout and smart desks are designed to enhance the workspace. In keeping with Mandarin Oriental’s innovative approach to food and beverage, the hotel offers stylish dining with culinary flair. Signature restaurant Essensia offers a combination of modern Czech cuisine with bright Asian flavours. Distributed across five rooms, each with its own architectural style, it is the ideal venue for a leisurely breakfast, stylish business lunch, a romantic dinner or celebration. The vaulted wine cellar guards an extensive array of wines from both the old and new worlds as well as some of the finest selections from the boutique wineries of Bohemia; the cellar is available for private events such as wine tasting, small cocktail parties or private dinners. By contrast, the hotel’s award-winning “Barego” bar makes for a stunning contemporary alternative and is a popular spot for the city’s movers and shakers, while the Monastery Lounge with arched ceiling and Baroque columns provides a beautiful, serene setting for afternoon tea. The 490-square-metre award-winning holistic Spa at Mandarin Oriental, is located in a former Renaissance chapel and linked to the hotel by an underground passageway, allowing guests to retreat to their rooms in complete privacy. In this truly unique setting, spa guests enter over a glass floor displaying the remains of a previous Gothic church uncovered during the hotel’s reconstruction. Offering six treatment rooms including two for couples, featuring private heat and water-based treatment facilities such as a Rasul and Vitality Pool, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague provides a variety of holistic treatments from around the world whilst incorporating the historic spa culture of Central Europe. The hotel also offers a fully equipped fitness centre. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group operates of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. Including the legendary Oriental Hotel: since decades our home away from home each time we visit Bangkok. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PRAGUE: Nebovidska 459/1, 118 00 Prague PHONE: +420 233 088 888 FACSIMILE: +420 233 088 668 E-MAIL: moprg-reservations@mohg.com INTERCONTINENTAL
PRAGUE (*****): The ideal
base from which to explore the city endless historic sites, this 1970's
designed hotel is perfectly located:
right in front of the River Vltava, and the exclusively elegant
Parizská Street concentrating shops with the finest brands (Cartier,
Burberry, Vuiton, Hermès...). An easy walk from Old Town, Charles
Bridge, the Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle, the "Interconti" is a
long established address of top end hospitality, particularly thanks to
the reputation of its prestigious roof top Zlata
Praha panoramic restaurant, with summer terrace providing
spectacular views of the city coupled with taste-bud tingling food,
which adds to the elegant allure of this gourmet landmark. PRESIDENT HOTEL PRAGUE (*****): One of the most luxurious hotels in Prague, it comes first for its unmatched location: in the heart of Prague, on the right bank of the Vltava River and within walking distance of the Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter and the Old Town square. The panorama from the rooms is well worth the trip: from most of them, guests can see the river, the Letna green hills and the Castle, from the huge windows or, in some rooms and suites, from the large balconies and terraces. With a modern, rich design, gained after the lavish refurbishment made in 2004 to obtain a fifth star, the hotel is luxurious: though human sized. From outside, guest might expect a cold conference hotel; but just one step inside the lobby makes him feel a warm intimacy. This intimacy comes up to the 130 guest rooms (including 32 Junior Suites, three Senior Suites and one Presidential Suite with a huge panoramic terrace), which we found actually large and pleasantly well lit. Customized for a pleasant, top comfortable stay for tourism and business alike, they feature individual air-conditioning, large laptop size safe, SAT/Pay TV, IDD telephone... and a wireless handset that you can bring along with you whenever you wish to be reachable anywhere in the hotel. We found the bathrooms extremely elegant, with their rare green marble washbasin and their «L'Occitane» toiletry kit. Booking one of the 27 executive rooms might be quite interesting: many of those distinguished rooms come with terrace or balcony, and allow complimentary access to the fine Executive Lounge (with free use of PC with printer and fax machine, refreshments, snacks...); beside the lounge stands the «El Greco» meeting room, which is also available free of charge by Executive Rooms' guests. Actually useful for corporates! There is a wellness center (sauna, « Tawan » Thai massage, small workout room...), the fine dinning restaurant «Vltava», the pleasant «Piano Bar», a small casino, and well designed conference rooms with day light. Internet is provided free of charge in all the rooms, via data cable with high-speed connection and Wi-Fi in the rooms. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi in the Executive rooms, Executive Floor and lobby (where Pcs at guest disposal): which is worth being mentioned, when other Prague 5 - 4 star hotels usually charge high rate for Internet. Price starts from EUR 149 for a Deluxe Single Room (low season), till EUR 339 for an Executive Room (high season); and from EUR 179 for a Junior Suite (low season), till EUR 439 for a Senior Executive Suite (high season). This
very
recommendable hotel is well ranked in Tripadvisor,
and received the TTG Travel
Award 2008.
Affiliated to the UTELL
Hotels & Resorts. PRESIDENT
HOTEL PRAGUE: Nám. Curieových 100, Prague 1
CONSTANS
(****): We loved at first
sight this historic boutique hotel, located
on the left bank of the River Vltava. Between the green Petrin Hill and
the Prague Castle. In one of the most attractive and authentic parts of
the picturesque Mala Strana. Within walking distance to the most famous
monuments and sights. It actually fits three houses, almost unspoiled
since the early XVIIth Century. One of them was the property of the
illustrious Kinsky family. AURUS (****): This is actually a hard to miss hotel: tourists, on their way back from the neighbouring Charles Bridge, like to stop for a picture of this Baroque landmark located right in the heart of the Old Town. In the cobbled Karlova street: with its little shops and typical beer cellars and packed restaurants. A few meters from the Old Town Square. After being attracted by the location and building architecture, we must say that we were not less impressed by the hotel itself. This a cozy, family run property: where we felt home at first sight. With its Old Europe atmosphere, parquets and beams smelling fresh wax, antiques everywhere you eyes can look, and warm welcome from the reception staff, the hotel Aurus displays an unmatchable Bohemian touch. The authenticity of the design goes up to the 8 well sized rooms and large apartments. Some of them display original 17th century painted beams: a pure marvel. Decorated with antiques, lovely fabrics, and gorgeous Bohemian crystal chandeliers, equipped with Sat TV, IDD phone, minibar and complimentary high-speed Internet connection, displaying a large bathroom, each room has got a wonderful view on the red Prague roofs and tortuous cobbled lanes. Allowing an interesting people watching activity... We warmly recommend the gorgeous, atypic apartments (70 and 80m2). They are extremely comfortable, and designed like a «bourgeois» family flat: once the door closed, you don't feel like at all in a hotel, and the price is astonishingly affordable (cheaper than a double room in a four star chain hotel!): from CZK 4,900 till 5,600. Double Rooms cost about CZK 3,500. Complimentary extra bed. Breakfast included. The
hotel
17th Century vaulted restaurant
is reputed for its fine Bohemian cuisine and affordable bill. AURUS:
Karlova 3, 11000, Prague 1
PERLA (****): With a unique modern design and a strategic location, this still quite confidential address is building up a quick reputation among aware travellers. Stylish, though cold, gray marble walls from the original 1930's building, alternate with what is certainly the most captivating lobby in town: gilded pearls support the check-in desk, and glass walls bear enigmatic asian-like calligraphy. Originality goes up to the unfailingly good taste 64 air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms, which we liked very much. Well exposed to the daylight, they all come warm and smart. With a Zen wallpaper, elegant parquet, aesthetic bathrooms, and smooth antiallergic beds, they have been tailored made for a total relaxation. Guests would hardly believe that they stay in a tourist packed area, with the Old Town Square, Venceslas Square and Charles Bridge a few steps away. Despite of its distinguished comfort, with safe, IDD phone, complimentary WiFi and Plasma Sat TV in the rooms, we surprisingly realized that the Perla wanted to play in the « low cost» category. We felt like -and actually were- in a four star hotel; selling itself like a three star. Room rate goes from approximately EUR 85 (Single Room / Low Season) till EUR 145 (Double Room / High Season). Budget oriented guests will like to hear that there is no minibar in the rooms, but discreetly disposed vending machines, filled with fine quality soft drinks, wine and snacks, sold out at common grocery retail price. Though this would be certainly more exciting to order -still at a very attractive price- from the very pleasant, funky Café Bar Perla (where the complimentary breakfast is served). The
wellness
facilities have been superbly designed. A low rate applies for using
the
sauna; while working out on the most modern « made in USA »
equipment is free of charge. There is a wide range of services:
featuring
laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, room service, fax &
photocopying, concert
and tours ticket service, etc.
PERLA:
Perlova 1, 110 00 Prague 1 OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE NEW TOWN (NOVE MESTO):
THE MARK (*****): The former Kempinski Hybernska, recently
rebranded as The Mark, exudes the feel of supreme luxury. Ideally
situated
just a short walk from the Art Deco Municipal House, Old Town Square,
Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge and other landmarks, the hotel
lavishly settled in a residential
palace dating from the 17th century: completely reconstructed, the
former "U Vežníku" re-borned in its baroque splendor. The beautiful
symbiosis of old classical elements and timeless elegant modernity can
be seen everywhere, in what is one of the Leading
Hotels of The World. BEST WESTERN PLUS METEOR PLAZA (****L): Since 1307, a hotel of high tradition. This was then the obliged retreat for the travellers reaching the Old City in the late evenings hours : without the possibility to enter the city through the City Gate (now the Powder Gate), which used to be closed every day at dusk. In the 17th century, the son of Empress Marie Terezie, Emperor Josef II, spent a night here. This is still nowadays one of the most visited hotels in Prague. For multiple reasons. First of all, the Hotel Meteor Plaza is situated directly in the city center of Prague: near The Palace Hibernia, the Powder Gate and the wonderful Municipal House (with lavish restaurants, and a superb « Art Nouveau » concert hall). Wenceslav Square, the Old Town Square or other places of interest (like the Powder Gate, Municipal House, National Museum, State Opera, Old Town Square, Jewish cemetery, Old-New Synagogue, Charles bridge, Mala Strana, etc.) can be reached on foot within 3 till maximum 5 minutes. A must for tourists. But also for business travellers, who will appreciate to stay in the middle of Prague's downtown: with leading companies and most important trading banks at easy reach. Last but not least, the Masarykovo Railway Station is 400 meters from the hotel only. The metro and tram main crossing lines (No.: 5, 8, 14) are just 2 minutes walk. This picturesque building with a preserved façade accommodates 84 comfortable single/double rooms, and 6 large suites (which we found good valued, and ideal for families). Many offering a nice view on a Baroque palace opposite the street. If only 40 of them are fully air-conditioned, all are well sound-proofed and safely accessible with a chip card. They feature comfortable furniture, sat TV with in-house pay channels, radio with an alarm clock, minibar, IDD telephone with Internet socket, safety box, and immaculate well designed bathrooms with a bath tube or a shower, WC, and air dryer. The Meteor Plaza has got two reputed restaurants. The casual «Restaurant Park» opens on a pleasant Garden terrace. It serves a rich assortment of selected specialities of Czech and international cuisine, with a wide choice of national wines. The «Silenzio» gothic wine cellar stands under arched stone ceilings from the 14th century. Rustic and picturesque, this is the place for Czech food in a typical Bohemian atmosphere. The quiet and intimate Relax Center features high tech equipment: vertical and horizontal solarium, fitness, sauna, large whirlpool, massage machine «Hydrojet». Body massage available. Room rack rate starts from CZK 2,900 for a Single in the low season, till CZK 5,700 for a Double Room in the high season. A suite (ask for suite N° 310, with a Jacuzzi !) goes from CZK 3,900 only, till 6,500, depending on the season. Including buffet breakfast and VAT, but excluding local taxes. Interesting Half board supplement, at only CZK 300. There is a 24 hours secured parking operated in the hotel, at CZK 500 per night. This is a Best Western Plus Hotel, managed by "Small Charming Hotels / Boutique Hotels in Prague".
BEST
WESTERN PLUS METEOR PLAZA: Hybernska 6, 110 00 Praha 1
BOHEMIA PLAZA RESIDENCE (****): Property of the same family since 1879, this very central residence occupies an opulent Neo Classic building from the late XIX th century. Totally refurbished in its original splendour by a specialized team from the Czech National Gallery in 2002, with its antique furniture and chandeliers, it is located right in the city centre: very close by foot to the National Museum, Wenceslas square and main tourist, shopping and business spots. The magnificent 20 rooms (mostly suites and apartments) are spotless clean. Decorated in a unique and individual style, featuring priceless period furniture and lavish fabrics, they display many special small touches: like antique silver cutlery available in the drawer in the fully fitted kitchenette! There is a safe deposit box, cable TV & radio, IDD phone & high-speed Internet connection, minibar, ironing set or trouser press, and hair dryer. Lovely soft towels, robes and toiletries in the smart bathrooms. We liked very much the Deluxe Apartment "Florence" (N° 8). Its large Art Nouveau bedroom, with Roman bath connected with a restroom, is particularly original. There is a high tech Bang & Olufsen TV set in the living room, and TV in the master bedroom. The Oriental inspiration of the Executive Apartment "Marrakech" (N° 12), decorated with lovely paintings featuring romantic Arabic scenes, will please the aesthetes. The most demanded room -a favourite for honeymooners- is the "Chinese" Wedding Apartment, decorated with collection of Asian wedding fans, and rare "Belle Epoque"(1920's) Imperial China inspired furniture. A favourite home away from home for actors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, the Bohemia Plaza Residence pays much attention to the security and the privacy of its guests. For this reason, visitors can access the premises only together with the guest, or with his permission. You don't need to be a VIP to enjoy a very courteous treatment: the staff is attentive and anticipates all your requirement. Everybody enjoys welcome champagne and 24-hours room service. There is a garage. Airport meeting and Limousine service available at unbeatable price. Last but not least, the hotel takes pride in not having a "check out time" policy: those having a late flight can keep their room until departure! We found the rate extremely attractive: it starts from EUR 90 for a Studio in the low season until EUR 140 for a Deluxe Apartment during the high season. During Holidays (Christmas, New Year) it goes up to EUR 160 for a Studio, 190 for a Suite and maximum 250 for a Deluxe Apartment. Per night. Including great buffet breakfast. Long stays are subject to special weekly and monthly rates. The hotel features a plush business centre, with ritzy intimate meeting rooms and bars, like the luxurious Bankers Club.
BOHEMIA
PLAZA RESIDENCE: Zitna 50, 120 00 Prague 2 OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE CASTLE AREA (HRADCANY):
SAVOY (****): We actually love the Savoy, its yellow "Art Nouveau" facade, and its elegant marble lobby. Tastefully rebuilt and renovated in the early 1990s, it survived the terrible years of destructive marxism: still with this typically old fashioned Central European charm 95% of large hotels are lacking in town. The 61 rooms and suites are very spacious, warmly decorated in schemes of bordeaux, royal blue and honey yellow, with elegant furniture and top luxurious bathrooms (lets say they are among the most beautiful -and obviously the largest- in the all Czech Republic!). Each room is fully air conditioned. VIPs enjoy the two independent telephone lines (four telephones in total), with a fax machine and PC. Safes are very large, and can accommodate a laptop. Satellite TV features plenty of channels, and is linked to an in-room CD/DVD player. Note that the mini bar, full with reputed Czech beer, Moravian wines and soft drinks, is complimentary: which is, as far as we know, unique in the world ! We found the place so glamorous, with the "Lobby Bar", its Library displaying antique books, its marble fireplace still operating, and its pullman armchairs fitted to enjoy the glass of chilled Champagne the hotel offers with compliments as a welcome drink. Some jet setters like to use it for most brilliant private parties. The breakfast displays a superb full buffet breakfast (with fresh smoked salmon and plenty of other exclusive delicacies... and even authentic Japanese Sushis on special request!), served in Hradcany restaurant. There is a well equipped fitness centre, with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, to help you loose extra weight. Conference rooms are particularly elegant, decorated with ancient paintings. Still one of the best four star deluxe hotels in the Castle District. During our last stay, we found the service even more anticipating and friendly than ever. The new reception staff is extraordinary: we came late from an appointment, and realized the guest relation employee took care of friends waiting for us by offering them complimentary coffee at the "Library". Just an example to show how you are pampered when choosing the right place to stay in Prague ! We understand why more and more State Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers of Foreign Affairs like to make booking here during their visit to Czech Republic: mixing with international businessmen and famous artists from all around the world. All like the grand Presidential Suite: it features a large terrace with a commanding view over the Hradcany district. Prices are quite "grand" also, as a matter of fact: fares rank between EUR 234 - 265, and very interesting corporate rates are available on request. Managed by Golden Tulip. SAVOY:
Keplerova ul. 6, 11800 Prague 1 OUR
FAVOURITE HOTELS IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS:
CORINTHIA TOWERS (*****): The former Forum, now managed by Corinthia Hotels International, is just a 30 minute drive from Ruzyne International Airport, and only two stops away from the centre of Prague by the next doorVysehrad station. One of the leading hotels in town, reputed for its world class service, the Corinthia Towers invested huge financial and management resources to upgrade its comfort. This 24 storeys building, standing right across the road from the Prague Congress Centre, is THE place for meetings and incentive: with cyclopean extendible ballrooms and pleasant conference rooms. Tourists will also enjoy very much its discerning luxury. Its 544 rooms include 17 Junior, 12 Executive, 9 Standard and 1 Presidential suites. We stayed at the brand new triplex Executive Club Floors . Our room was larger than the Prague standard in this category. The view over the city was dramatic: one of the very best we could have from any hotel in town. Businessman will like the extended working desk. All rooms have radio, satellite TV with different movie channels, IDD telephone with voice mail, mini-bar and hair-dryer. The Club Lounge serves complimentary breakfast, and free soft drinks are available all day long. We enjoyed the evening happy hours: with a large selection of canapés, wines, Ports, Cognac, offered to the VIP guests. Free of charge! Just besides the Lounge, a large and well equipped Business Centre allows free access to the Internet: how many hotels give such a facility in Prague? We also liked also the luxuriously appointed and well equipped Stratos Health & Fitness Centre. On the top floor, with a breathtaking view, it is has a lovely pool, saunas, massage (including authentic traditional Thai massage, by special trained staff imported from Bangkok!), solariums, gymnasium and squash court. The entrance fee is not expensive; but Executive floor guests don't have to pay for it at all. The Corinthia Towers is also reputed for its restaurants, including, where guests can experience a great variety of cuisine and atmospheres. We had one of the most delicious and generous buffet breakfast in town at the Toscana: which is a pizza and pasta elegant setting. Some details in that restaurant, at least for breakfast, shows the quality of service and F&B in this hotel: for instance, the smiling waitress came to our table with the traditional "coffee or tea?" question, but also kindly suggesting us a fresh made orange juice. We believed that Czech Republic was one of the largest importer of artificial orange powder: well, obviously the Corinthia Towers is not part of it! The amazing Rickshaw Restaurant serves the smartest and most authentic Far Eastern cuisine in the all Czech republic. There are also the Let's Meet, Let's Eat, the Cafe Praha, and the entertaining Beer & Bowling Diner: with a wide selection of draught Czech beers and 10 pin bowling (4 lanes), ideal for affordable and relaxed dinner with friends. The hotel's cellar displays fine wines, and a rare choice of Armagnacs dating from as early as 1922. Rates start from approximately EUR 127 - 219 for a standard room. Those are rack rates. The hotel offers money saving packages: some of them (just like the Corinthia 24 Hour Delegate Package) even include meeting room rental. A fine hotel with a fine service. CORINTHIA
TOWERS: Kongresová 1, 140 69 Prague 4 REVIEW
OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PRAGUE
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