PRAGUE
The Jewel of Eastern Europe
WHERE TO STAY
Le Palais Hotel Prague The belle époque hotel was a former private mansion, with original frescoes by Czech artist Ludĕk Marold. Located in the quiet Vinohrady district, the 72 room hotel features rooms and suites (some have fireplaces). Le Papillon serves a menu of international fare created by Chef Martin Ševit. Unwind with a relaxing massage at Pure Spa, one of
the best in the city. The hotel is an impressive nod to old world glamour and sophistication.
CZ-120 00 Prague 2, U Zvonařky 1;
www.vi-hotels.com/en/le-palais;
www.palaishotel.cz
Augustine Hotel Prague Part of the Rocco Forte Hotel Collection, the 101 bedroom property was created from several buildings, including the 13th Century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery. The elegant and modern rooms have distinctive views of Prague castle (for up close views of Prague castle choose the tower suite). Lichfield restaurant serves stellar award
winning food from chef Miroslav Grusz. Lichfield Cafe & Bar serves the renowned St. Thomas beer (a must) and cocktails including several unique “angel cocktails.” Look out for the two peacocks kept on site. The hotel also has a spa.
Letenská 12/33, 118
00 Prague 1;
www.theaugustine.com
Corinthia Hotel Prague The hotel, part of the Corinthia Group, is steps away from the metro and Vyšehrad Park and is located on one of Prague’s seven hills. The hotel also includes three executive levels include an executive lounge, business rooms, a spa, 3 restaurants, a cafe and bar. The top floor spa affords panoramic view of Prague.
Kongresová 1, Prague 4, 140 69;
www.corinthia.com/en/Prague/home
Best Western Premier Majestic Plaza Centrally located near Wenceslas Square, the 181 room hotel boasts a Latin American themed club (Havana Club) with live music, a lobby bar, and
two restaurants (Asmera and Victoria). Panorama Club floor includes a terrace and access to sauna and whirlpool. Breakfast is complimentary. Ample conference space.
Štěpánská 33, 110 00 Prague 1;
www.hotel-majestic.cz
Hotel Maximilian 70 room 1 suite modern, sleek and small boutique style hotel. Breakfast buffet with local specialties that can be ordered off the menu. Coolest feature: lonely travelling by yourself? A courtesy goldfish will be delivered upon request. Hotel also houses Zen Wellness Spa.
Haštalská 752/14 110 00
Prague 1;
www.maximilianhotel.com
Kempinski Hotel Hybernska Previously a 15th century palace, the 75 room hotel is located near many of the historical sightseeing monuments including Charles Bridge and Wenceslas
Square. Restaurants include Le Grill and Winter Garden. Hotel also boasts a spa.
Hybernská 12
110 00;
www.kempinski.com
Four Seasons Prague 141 room 20 suite luxury hotel nestled in the in the middle of vibrant Old Town.
Veleslavínova 1098/2a
110 00 Praha-Old Town;
www.fourseasons.com/prague
WHAT TO DO
Zoo Praha Dozens of exhibitions and an impressive layout. Plan to spend at least a few hours.
U Trojského
zámku 3/120, 171 00 Praha 7;
www.zoopraha.cz/en
The Jewish Museum Židovské muzeum v Praze A collection of museums which include: The Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall (Prague Burial Society Building), Spanish Synagogue (spectacular with gilded Moorish architecture), Robert Guttmann Gallery and the Education and Culture Centre. Walk around old Prague to discover these historic sites.
www.jewishmuseum.cz
Castle Zbiroh One hour away from Prague, the castle is easily accessible by train. Impressive collection of Knights templar and culturally significant artifacts with the permanent “Beauties and Secrets of the Czech Republic” exhibition. The castle also features a 50 room hotel. Ideal for a weddings, banquets and other events.
Zbiroh č.p. 1, 338 08 Zbiroh;
www.zbiroh.com,
www.hotel-chateau-zbiroh.cz
Artěl Glass shop Beautiful selection of glassware.
Celetná 588/29
110 00;
www.artelglass.com/stores
Karlštejn Castle 45 minutes from Prague by train (Beroun station plus 30 minute walk to castle). The gothic castle was built by Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV as a place for safekeeping of the royal treasures. Houses 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric in the Chapel of the Holy Cross (the world largest of its kind).
www.hrad-karlstejn.cz
WHERE TO EAT
The Alcron at the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel One Michelin star restaurant in Prague with exceptional service, and meticulous attention to detail -will have you talking for years to come. Stepanska,
40 – 11000;
www.radissonblu.com/hotelprague/
dining/the-alcron
ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
A stunningly picturesque UNESCO world heritage site overlooking the Vltava river in Southern Bohemia.
www.ckrumlov.cz
State Castle Český Krumlov Masquerade hall, Baroque theatre, cloak bridge and Rococo gardens are impressive examples of each period.
Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov Zámek
59; www.castle.ckrumlov.cz
KUTNÁ HORA
An old silver mining town that figures prominently in the history of the Czech Republic. Kutná Hora’s history is both above and below ground. Sites of interest include St. Barbara’s cathedral, the church of St. John of Nepomuk, Palacky Square, and The Italian court, the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist and the impressive
and unique Sedlec Ossuary (in nearby Sedlec).
www.kutnahora.cz
PLZEŇ
Located in South west Bohemia, it is known as the birthplace of Pilsner beer. Lovely town square with Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, Plague column and historical houses. The town also has a beautiful Moorish Revival Great Synagogue and puppet museum.
www.turisturaj.cz
WHAT TO DO
Tour the large Pilsner Urquell brewery, the brewery museum the underground cellar labyrinth. Don’t miss the restaurant on premises, Na Spilce serving authentic Czech dishes served up with delicious cold beer no less.
www.pilsner-urquell.com
www.prazdrojvisit.cz/en/
KARLOVY VARY
Also known as Carlsbad, this spa town features several mineral hot spring colonnades, glassworks, and a liqueur factory.
www.karlovy-vary.cz/en
WHERE TO STAY
Dvořák Spa Hotel Located on the charming cobblestone streets, the 126 room hotel is conveniently situated. Spa features excellent treatments (worth the trip alone). Restaurant has views of Teplá river. Don’t miss the library bar, sitting in a cozy chair sipping Bohemia sekt (free welcome drink offered).
CZ-360 21
Karlovy Vary, Nová Louka 11
www.vi-hotels.com/en/dvorak
WHERE TO EAT
Charleston restaurant and club A 1930’s style restaurant with wrought iron balustrade, old black and white photos of film stars, Tiffany type lamps and porcelain piano. Silky mushroom soup and roasted duck are standouts.
Bulharská 1
www.charleston-kv.cz
WHAT TO DO
The Jan Becher Museum Tour the museum and taste the unique herbal bitter made with herbs.
www.becherovka.cz
Moser Glass Visitor Centre,
www.moser-glass.com
Diana tower Funicular to lookout point.
www.karlovy-vary.cz/en/diana-tower
Castle tower
www.karlovy-vary.cz/en/castle-tower
Colonnades
www.karlovy-vary.cz
Alžbětiny lázně
(Elizabeth Baths),
www.spa5.cz
LIBEREC REGION
Located in Northern Czech Republic, the area is natural beauty personified. Plenty of opportunity to hike, and experience the outdoors.
www.infolbc.cz
WHERE TO STAY
The Forest Garden Hotel Ahaven tucked away in the mountains. Don’t miss the full country breakfast.
Mezna 90, 40717 Hřensko;
www. theforestgardenhotel.cz
Certrum Babylon
Asocial and entertainment complex that includes a hotel with more than 400 rooms.
Nitranská 1, 460 12 Liberec;
www.centrumbabylon. cz
www.babylonliberec.cz
Pytloun Design Hotel An affordable hotel with restaurant.
Proletářská
195, Liberec 25, 460 25;
www.design-hotel.cz
WHAT TO DO
Czech Switzerland National Park Hike the beautiful park filled with geological wonders.
www.pbrana.cz/en
www.ceskesvycarsko.cz
Sklářské (Glass) Museum Exhibits include the unique Kamenický glass musical chair made by Elias Palme in the last decade of the 19th century for the Maharajah’s Palace in Hyderabad, India and many other intriguing artifacts.
Osvobození 69, 471 14 Kamenický Šenov;
www.muzeumskla.cz
www.kamenicky-senov.cz
Gorges in Hřensko Enjoy a leisurely boat ride between the gorges on the Kamenice River.
www.soutesky-hrensko.cz
Anežka glass studio (Bořek Šípek Glassworks)
Visit the beautiful, unique and colourful work of Czech artist, Bořek Šípek said to be the father of “neo-baroque” style.
Ke Koupališti 1390, 473 01
Nový Bor;
www.boreksipek.com
www.sipekglass.com
Granát Turnov
Tour this cooperative, the largest processor and manufacturer of Bohemian garnets some of the most esteemed in the world.
Výšinka 1409, 511 14
Turnov
www.granat.eu/en/bohemian-garnet/customercenter-gallery
Museum of glass and Jewellery in Jablonec Divided into two sections: The art glass and folklore ethnic section housed in the former residence known as Klemencovsko.
U Muzea 398/4, 466 01
Jablonec nad Nisou;
www.msb-jablonec.cz
Český ráj
Also known as “Bohemian Paradise”. A protected natural landscape, with plenty of opportunities for hiking. Lookout points at Hrubé, Suché, Prachovské, and Klokočské.
www.cesky-raj.info
WHERE TO EAT
Penzion Na Vyhlídce and Restaurace v Českém Švýcarsku Offers nine apartments located in Mezna, in the heart of the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park. Restaurant serves Czech specialties.
Mezná
80, 407 17 Hřensko;
penzionnavyhlidce.eu
MORE CZECH REPUBLIC:
Read more in the City Style and Living Winter 2012/13 issue.
