Elite Traveler Winter 2020

113 elite traveler WINTER 2020/21

Historic Hotels

Four Seasons Prague In the heart of the vibrant Old Town, just a three-minute walk from the Old Town Square, Four Seasons Prague is a peaceful retreat at the water’s edge, with postcard views of Prague’s finest sights: the river, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Experience centuries of Czech history across the four equally impressive historic buildings: Baroque, Neo-Classical, Renaissance andModern. There’s a popular Italian restaurant with an alfresco dining terrace, and an AVA spa with hydrotherapy pool. Its 19 unique suites are among the largest in the city, with the Charles Bridge Presidential Suite and the Prague Castle Presidential Suite both extending over 1,674 sq ft; both are sumptuously decorated and feature breathtaking views of all the major landmarks. Charles Bridge Presidential Suite from$4,090 per night. Contact Martin Dell, general manager, +420 221 427 777, fourseasons.com

Mandarin Oriental Prague Housed in a former Dominican monastery, with roots dating back to the 14th century, Mandarin Oriental Prague sits near the banks of the river in the Lesser Town on one of the city’s prettiest streets, with views of Prague Castle. The hotel’s buildings comprise six centuries worth of architecture, with rooms spreading across a Baroque, Renaissance and Spa wings. During its reconstruction over 250,000 historical objects were found, and many are displayed throughout the hotel. It’s home to one of the best spas in the Czech Republic — the world’s only spa in a Renaissance Chapel, connected to the hotel by an underground passage. Top suites include the Moser Crystal Suite, with exquisite crystal accessories and decorations, a light-filled living room, tall Baroque windows and arched ceilings; and the Presidential Suite, located in a private tower across two floors with a terrace offering magnificent panoramic city views. Moser Crystal Suite from $1,160 per night. Contact Flavia Daudan-Caponi, general manager, moprg-reservations@mohg.com, +420 233 088 888, mandarinoriental.com

Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel An oasis in the heart of Lesser Town (the most exclusive part of the city), Augustine is a lavishly renovated monastery. It captures the essence of the cultural capital across seven historical buildings, with its interiors and color scheme reflecting the Augustine Order, alongside Czech Cubism furnishings that were first popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The hotel still serves St Thomas Beer, brewed according to the original recipe of Augustine monks from 1352, and there is still an area in the grounds that is retained by practising monks who live there. The Presidential Suite is the largest and most luxurious, with its own dining room, library and office as well as views of the Sundial Garden, a hidden gem in Lesser Town. The Tower Suite is the most popular choice with celebrities. Housed in the former astronomical tower of the monastery across three floors connected by a spiral staircase, it offers unforgettable views and feels as though you’re almost touching the stars. The Tower Suite from$2,450 per night. Contact Mario Egger, general manager, augustine@luxurycollection. com, +420 266 112 233, marriott.com