The Palais Art Hotel Prague ★★★★★

Arriving at Le Palais Art Hotel, you will have no doubts on having arrived in a special place, deserving of its five stars. Marble floors gleaming in the lights of the chandeliers, open spaces and marble pillars, artworks everywhere – it feels both grand and inviting at the same time. The welcome we received from the staff was genuine and heart-warming. Built in 1841 and restored in 1897, the hotel remains one of the finest examples of Belle Epoque architecture in the city. The intricately carved ornamental stucco around the walls and ceilings with the magnificent wall paintings create an ambience which is indeed palatial. The hotel is small by modern standards, with only 72 rooms, a plus as it means that everywhere there is fine attention to detail and focus on guest experience.

Our Deluxe Room with twin beds was large with comfortable armchairs, generously swagged curtains and practical table and chairs on a little dais by the window with views out over the city. We had a balcony with pretty outdoor furniture, just inviting us to sip a glass of wine under the stars and gaze out over the 100 spires of the dreaming city, exactly what we did after settling in!

The dining room of the hotel’s Artista Restaurant is a work of art in itself - green walls, sunshine yellow tablecloths and a glowing log fire in the hearth make an enchanting picture. Dinner was excellent, too, featuring Italian cuisine (we had to save the traditional Czech pork and dumplings for later in our visit) served with artistry. Later, we enjoyed a nightcap in the book-lined, flower-filled and softly lit library that welcomes you in to relax by the fire and enjoy an after-dinner brandy.

While our main goal for the trip was shopping, and we weren’t disappointed on that front, we also managed a quick visit to the hotel’s Wellness Centre for a brilliant facial and massage, and some sightseeing. We visited the Municipal House, an unparalleled temple of Art Nouveau, and to my favourite Baroque church – the Church of St Nicholas in the lesser known Malá Strana square (not the one in the Old Town Square). The fabulous ceiling trompe l’oeil frescoes and extravagant gold decorations are just breath-taking.

We returned home satisfied and delighted with our trip. My hope is that we can return before long to Prague and when we do, we will be sure to stay again at Le Palais Art Hotel *****!