Grand Hotel Bohemia

The Grand Hotel Bohemia was built in 1925, used as an exclusive residence for high-ranking party members during Czechoslovakia's communist period, and extensively renovated and reopened in 1993 -- the same year as the birth of the Czech Republic. Its elegantly curbed, yellow-stucco facade hints at its 1920s Art Nouveau heritage, while more evidence can be seen in its superb and typically Art Deco portico and heavy double doors. Inside, the lobby has decidedly less panache, with a well maintained though slightly dated feel and a mismatch of traditional and 20th-century styling. Hallways and stairwells, however, focus more on the 1920s aesthetic with polished gold handrails and elegantly stepped molding, which helps contribute to the hotel's historical, and mostly luxurious, ambience while its extravagant neo-Baroque ballroom provides a final piece of stunningly lavish interior design. Weddings and events here are a common occurrence.   

The hotel occupies a prime position on a cobbled street in the heart of Prague's Old Town, just around the corner from the wonderfully gothic Powder Tower. The city's Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock is a five-minute walk away, while other attractions such as Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Josefov Jewish quarter are all well within walking distance. The Mustek Metro is just over five minutes on foot and connects to the Prague Castle with the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral in just two stops -- alternatively it's a half-hour picturesque stroll. The airport is about a 30-minute drive to the west of Prague and the hotel has a 24-hour shuttle that can be arranged in advance (for a fee).

The hotel has 78 rooms spread across seven floors, all of which are decorated in a smart and tasteful blend of dark-wood furnishings, cream and beige tones, and subtle floral patterns. There's no shortage of amenities, Wi-Fi is free of charge, and minibars are well-stocked. Bathrooms are particularly upscale with tubs, massage showers, and even TV speakers, while fluffy robes and slippers come standard. The pricier rooms also include Nespresso machines and free refreshments, and also tend to be on the higher floors that look out over Prague's pretty red-roofed cityscape -- even with glimpses of the castle in some. Some lower-end rooms however can be cramped. 

An extensive buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast is served in the Art Deco-styled Franz Josef Restaurant (not generally included in the rate), where a la carte lunch and dinner menus are also on offer. A snug café-bar provides a pleasant spot for afternoon tea or evening drinks, while if you're lucky enough to attend an event in the Boccaccio ballroom, it's hard not to be blown away by the stunningly extravagant neo-Baroque decor. Unusual for a hotel of this level, there are no pool or spa facilities. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel free of charge, and there's an Internet corner for guests' use.