Stunning vistas, delicious local eats, and anything but cookie-cutter design: consider Czech-ing into one of these standout Prague retreats to take your stay from ordinary to extraordinary in the city of a hundred spires.
1. Le Palais Art Hotel (Preferred Hotels & Resorts)
This classic 1841 Belle Époque mansion’s serene setting–based in New Town’s trendy residential district overlooking a colorful cityscape–delivers a welcomed respite from the tourist crowds and souvenir shops. Inside is a jolt of chic and lavish with recently revamped common spaces marrying original frescoed ceilings and mosaic-tiled floors with golden art deco accents, dark satin curtains, and candle-ensconced hallways.
Why go now: Living up to its arty namesake, the property not only overflows with original Le Corbusier works, it’s now a gallery all its own with a rotating exhibit of up-and-coming and established artists, local and global.
Not to miss: Ask for the Tower Suite with a circular dining room of windows revealing an eye-pooping panorama of historic red-roofed row houses, modern skyscrapers, and greenery.
2. Hotel Josef
Tucked into a quiet, cobbled lane in the most charming quarter of Old Town, this 109-room, ultra-mod hotel holds its own in a city where old world rules the streets. Airy and light-flooded, the hotel is replete with glass, chrome, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalist furnishings in pops of lime and orange.
Why go now: An intimate and swanky new bar by Czech starchitect Eva Jiricna outfitted with sleek décor, a blingy light installation that ribbons across the ceiling, and a good-looking crew of stylish mixologists serving up creative cocktails.
Not to miss: Flanking a grassy courtyard, the glass-walled breakfast room has it’s own bakery where you can watch (and then devour) fresh-from-the-oven breads and pastries made right in front of you.
3. Four Seasons Prague
Come to this urban oasis for its stellar address on the banks of the Vltava River, but stay for the definitive picture of Prague elegance. Meshing a quartet of architectural styles from Baroque to neo-Renaissance, the property welcomes with a gleaming marble lobby decked in a mini-city of fresh vased flowers center-piecing antique tabletops. Sumptuous rooms have crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings, and the softest, zillion-thread count sheets you’ve ever slept on.
Why go now: A romantic, summer boat ride on the Vltava? Yes, please! The hotel’s private cruiser will whisk you past medieval spired-churches, the Charles Bridge, and Venice-like canals complete with swans.
Not to miss: Dining al fresco on the sunny patio at the hotel’s Italian CottoCrudo restaurant with stunning vistas of Prague Castle.
4. The Icon Hotel & Lounge
Just a stone’s throw from Wenceslas Square, this hipster design hotel seamlessly blends 19th century Czech architecture with cool, modern, and minimalist at every turn. A trippy rectangular light installation hangs above the front desk; while the sparsely furnished wood- and gray-toned rooms make the dark glowing hallways–dotted with chromatic neon cubes (displaying room numbers)–feel like you’ve entered a pinball arcade delight.
Why go now: Hurry to the hotel’s tapas restaurant, Room, before word gets out that its small bites are the best kept secret in town, from the marinated beef skewers and peanut sauced-dipped chicken satay to the perfectly seasoned grilled veggies.
Not to miss: The Icon’s disco-ball glittering, artful lounge is the spot to pull up a low-slung mod chair, sip a mojito, and listen to tunes.
