Art Nouveau Hotels in Prague
Culture Lovers Enjoy Prague's Decorative Art Nouveau Hotels
May 1, 2008
The hotels of Prague boast a diverse array of architectural styles. One of the most innovative of these is art nouveau, and some of Prague’s hotels from the turn of the 20th Century are fine examples of the decorative art nouveau form.
To appreciate the beauty of Prague’s art nouveau hotels, pay particular attention to their wrought-iron staircases, balconies and gates.
Savoy Hotel
The art nouveau Savoy hotel, dating from 1911, was rescued from near-oblivion in the 1990s and lovingly restored. This hotel combines turn-of-the-20th-century elegance with every modern amenity and prides itself on its mastery of the art of pampering its guests. From the open fireplace in the library to the tasteful décor of the rooms and suites, every detail in this hotel induces a mood of relaxation and well-being. The hotel’s restaurant has a retractable cupola and serves sumptuous international cuisine. A short, gentle downhill walk brings you to the gates of Prague Castle.
61 rooms; Prices 9,900-10,500Kc (US$615-650; £300-315)
Keplerova 6, Hradcany, Prague 1
Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 224 302 430
K&K Central Hotel
The Central Hotel was one of Prague's very first distinctive art nouveau buildings, and served for many years as Prague’s theatre. Just as beautiful as the Evropa Hotel, by the same architects, it far out-classes it in terms of comfort. The hotel rooms are well equipped and attractive; but of a style that is strictly international contemporary in contrast to the hotel’s exterior. The location is excellent too, just a few steps from the Obecní dum (Prague’s Municipal House) with an attractive restaurant.
127 rooms; Prices 7,920-8,520Kc (US$490-530; £237-255)
Hybernská 10, Nové Mesto, Prague 1
Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 225 022 000/225 022 606
Paríz Hotel
The luxurious and very grand "Paris" Hotel matches its neighbour, the sumptuous Obecní dum, in architectural extravagance, though the public spaces have retained more original character than the rooms. A hotel with top-class amenities and facilities in what many consider to be among the finest hotels in Prague, and certainly one which captures the atmosphere of Prague at the turn of the 20th Century. This hotel is a short walk from Staromestské námestí (Old Town Square), whose main feature is the art nouveau statue of Jan Hus.
86 rooms; Prices 9,600Kc (US$595; £290)
U Obecního dumu, Staré Mesto, Prague 1
Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 222 195 195/222 195 666
Imperial Hotel
An alternative to art nouveau is the art deco Imperial Hotel, on the corner by Masaryk station and just a short walk along Na porící to the Obecní dum and Staré Mesto (Old Town). It was once Prague’s finest hotel, and though the grandeur has faded, it offers a budget experience in sumptuous surroundings. The Café Imperial on the ground floor remains one of Prague's great institutions.
286 rooms; Prices 1,180-2,500Kc (US$73-155; £35-75)
Na porící 15, Nové Mesto, Prague 1
Tel (from the US 011 420; from the UK 00 420) 222 316 012
You can combine your stay in Prague with visits to the Muchovo Museum devoted to the work of Prague’s art nouveau artist Alfons Mucha.
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