Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Prague
One of our most Instagrammed destinations of 2017, Prague was perfectly poised to make a splash onto our travel radar. This year, the Czech Republic capital bursts onto the luxury scene with six hotels receiving a coveted rating on Forbes Travel Guide’s 60th list of worldwide Star Award winners.
If you’re wondering what makes this Eastern European destination so special, we think it’s safe to say that fairy tale castles, medieval churches and river views have something to do with it. Of course, the following contemporary and stylish stays don’t hurt the charming city’s case, either.
FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FOUR-STAR WINNERS
Mandarin Oriental, Prague
In terms of design, there’s really nowhere in Prague quite like the Mandarin Oriental. Boasting an eclectic mix of Gothic-, Baroque- and Renaissance-style architecture, this Four-Star stunner features a unique blend of décor (authentic medieval artifacts, Asian-style furnishings and Czech chandeliers). And just in case you have a question about the building’s origins as a 14th-century Dominican monastery (or where to find the best beer in the city), the Les Clefs d’Or concierge staff is always nearby to assist.
Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Credit: Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel
If monastic-chic were a design style, this Four-Star property would be its poster child. Located just below Prague Castle, this former 13th-century monastery effortlessly blends past and present. Here you can try modern Czech cuisine at Augustine’s Restaurant while sipping on St. Thomas beer made from the monks’ original recipe. Cubist-style modern art hangs on the structure’s original stone walls and the monastery’s serene courtyard garden is not to be missed.
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa. Credit: Alchymist Grand Hotel & SpaFORBES TRAVEL GUIDE RECOMMENDED WINNERS
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa
Walking into this lavish Baroque hotel is like stepping into a fairy tale — antique furnishings, gilded details, hand-painted wallpaper and parquet floors will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into Cinderella’s slippers. But what makes this extravagant spot really shine is its pool, an unusual amenity for an Old Town hotel. This sumptuous, mosaic-tiled swimming hole features a rock wall with a running water feature and a crystal chandelier.
Boscolo Prague. Credit: Boscolo Prague
Boscolo Prague
From the coats of arms in the lobby to the frescoes and chandeliers of the Presidential Suite, this luxurious stay boasts a palatial feel, though it was built in 1895 as a mortgage bank. Hints of the hotel’s financial past can be found in the dapper details — grab a drink in the gorgeous, wood-paneled Vault Bar and look for the lobby’s unusual interior windows that used to be bank kiosks.
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague. Credit: Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague
A standout among Prague’s sea of historic hotels, this Asian-inspired boutique property gives off a modern romantic ambience that can’t be beat. A red color scheme, designer bathtubs and stellar views of Old Town complete the scene, while the eclectic European-Asian fusion dishes (like grilled filet mignon with fried udon noodles) offer a break from the city’s classic Czech cuisine.
BoHo Hotel Prague. Credit: BoHo Hotel Prague
BoHo Hotel Prague
Don’t let this unassuming hotel’s Old Town location and 19th-century façade fool you; within its walls you’ll find a surprisingly sleek and modern edge. From the polished wooden floors to the spotless marble surfaces of the restaurant and bar, this stylish spot has a clean and minimalist approach. It also has a prime location—most of Prague’s top attractions are within walking distance of this contemporary address.
