Mandarin Oriental, Prague

The Mandarin Oriental, Prague comprises four buildings, with a gated entrance that leads into a cobblestone courtyard. Doormen stand at the front door of this hotel, a former Dominican monastery that dates to 1326 and has been luxuriously transformed into a five-pearl property. Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architectural features create a romantic ambience. Vaulted ceilings add charm to the common areas, restaurant, and ballroom, which have parquet floors and chandeliers. A cherry blossom tree sits under a skylight by the front desk, which has a black-and-gold color scheme. In keeping with the brand’s style, Asian decor and minimalist design dominate the common areas. Outside is a beautifully manicured courtyard and a stylishly furnished terrace that's used for private events. 

The Mandarin Oriental, Prague takes up a block in the Mala Strana, also known as Lesser Town, with uncrowded cobblestone streets. The hotel is in a quiet area that’s removed from the tourist-congested areas of Old Town. In the immediate area are shops, bars, restaurants, Segway tours, and museums. Also within walking distance is the Petrin Hill, Lennon Wall, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. By tram it’s a 10- to 20-minute ride to Old Town Square, the Prague Astronomical Clock, and Wenceslas Square. On-site parking is is convenient for guests who have cars. The drive to the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague takes 25 minutes.

Blue-and-cream textiles and wooden floors -- original parquet in some -- create a traditional ambience in the 99 rooms. Garden-wing rooms have terraces. Rooms in the Baroque wing have exposed wooden beams, vaulted ceilings, and hand-painted designs. Deluxe Garden and Deluxe Terrace rooms face the courtyard, while the Premier Castle View Rooms and Prague Castle Junior Suites have castle views. Suites -- except for Junior Suites -- offer separate bedrooms and living rooms. Duplex Suites also have two floors. Specialty suites, such as the Moser Crystal Suites, feature crystal ornaments, and Oriental Suites have Renaissance vaulted ceilings. Lazar Suites include dining rooms. The two-floor Presidential Suite features a sprawling terrace overlooking the castle, a dining table that can seat 10, a bar, and library. 

Limestone or marble bathrooms have heated floors, walk-in showers, bathtubs, or both; some also have soaking tubs and TVs. All rooms have minibars, coffeemakers or kettles, air-conditioning, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers, and some have Nintendo or PS3 consoles. 

The hotel’s history as  a 14th-century monastery makes for special architectural features -- glass floors expose what once was a Renaissance chapel in the three-room spa that offers Eastern and Western treatments and a vitality pool. Two saunas are in the stylishly designed gym that has modern cardio and weight machines, free weights, and chilled towels. Yoga and personal trainers are also available. Spices Restaurant and Bar, which opened in 2015, serves Asian cuisine in a modern setting, with a terrace and faux animal rugs in the lobby lounge. 

Event spaces include large and small ballrooms with vaulted ceilings, which can accommodate 120 and 45 people, respectively. The Monastery Lounge -- a former cloister -- a wine cellar, the courtyard terrace, and a boardroom offer additional event space. There’s also a concierge desk that can arrange tours and provide city information.