Hotel Josef

In contrast to its historic surroundings at the center of Prague's delightful Old Town, the Design Hotel's interiors are sleek and modern. Color and style come first and foremost in the lobby, where curved beige leather sofas are dotted with neon accent pillows while a cluster of swirling chandeliers hang overhead, exuding a cool lavender hue. A few black acrylic pedestal tables serve as registration kiosks. The adjacent staircase, a striking spiral of glass and steel, descends to the lower level. The equally colorful lobby bar features rich brown marble floors and a bar that’s illuminated in neon lime green. Recessed lighting and cream tile floors throughout help create cheerful spaces. The property is relatively quiet housing mostly tourists eager to sightsee, but corporate travelers make up a portion of the clientele as well. Various events are held here, too.

Being able to walk to most of the city's top attractions is one of the hotel’s most appealing features. It’s located in the heart of the Old Town surrounded by its many restaurants and bars. The Municipal House can be reached in about five minutes on foot, as can the 11th-century Powder Gate, one of the city's original gates. Iconic Old Town Square is seven minutes away on foot. It's a seven-minute walk to the closest metro station, and Wenceslas Square is about 10 minutes away. The 14th-century Charles Bridge can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. It's a 10-minute drive to Prague Castle, or 17 minutes by public transportation. The Vaclav Havel Airport is a 25-minute drive or about 40 minutes by public transportation. 

Guest rooms are clean and quiet, decorated in a modern style that borders on minimalist. Some decor variations exist between the categories, but the two rooms that we saw -- the Signature and Lounger Sofa -- both featured neutral white and beige shades warmed up by bright red and orange accents found on bed throws and upholstery. Walls are left bare, devoid of art or decoration, and glass and stainless steel desks and pedestal tables add to the streamlined effect. The Lounger Sofa Room has a sitting area with a sleeper sofa as well. 

The most striking features of many of the rooms are their all-glass bathrooms. Even the walls separating the bedroom areas are clear glass and overlook glass sink basins and glass shelves. Some privacy is provided by frosted glass separating the toilet areas and spacious walk-in rainfall showers, though it might not be enough for some concerned guests. Fortunately, a few rooms have more traditional bathrooms with lovely tile walls. 

Standard amenities include mini-fridges, free sodas and water, Nespresso coffeemakers, smart TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, safes, robes, and slippers. Deluxe and Josef Rooms on the seventh and eighth floors feature balconies with sweeping views. 

This modern hotel places a big emphasis on its excellent breakfast, with an on-site bakery that provides fresh treats for the extensive buffet and a la carte menu. Both options are served daily, but they’re free only for guests who book directly through the hotel’s website. There is a colorful lobby bar that serves creative cocktails, but no restaurant service for lunch or dinner. Room service is provided, however.

To balance those baked goods, the fitness center on the top floor is spacious and equipped with a good choice of cardio and weight-training equipment. It also has a sauna, and various treatments are available at the spa in its nearby sister hotel, Maximillian. For business travelers, meeting space for up to 100 people is available, and Wi-Fi is free. Parking is available at the hotel’s underground garage (a good perk for Prague). Other services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.