The SL City Guide To… Prague

The SL City Guide To… Prague

A chic European hotspot, Prague comes into its own during the winter months when its Christmas markets brim with festive treats, ice skating rinks pop up around the city, and the main attractions aren’t overrun with tourists. Here’s how to spend a long weekend in the Czech capital.
By SHERRI ANDREW
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Photography: ANDREW FRIEDRICH

WHERE TO STAY

Boho Hotel

This boutique hotel set in a former art-deco post office has been given a slick makeover in recent years. Just a five-minute walk from Prague’s Old Town, guests will appreciate the cleverly designed rooms and modern interiors. Book a spacious suite for a weekend trip – all of which have eye-catching marble bathrooms with fluffy towels and robes – and make your way around the nearby cafés and bars to sample the local produce. The hotel also has an impressive spa, gym and library, as well as a modern restaurant and bar which hosts regular jazz nights. 

Rooms from £128 per night.

Visit MrAndMrsSmith.com

Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

Easily one of the smartest hotels in the city, Alchymist is in a great location, right next to Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge. Set within four houses dating back to the 16th century, the hotel has grand interiors that look like something out of a medieval castle – think plush furniture and opulent accents throughout. There are 27 rooms and 19 suites to choose from – all with spacious marble bathrooms – as well as an on-site spa, and the award-winning Italian restaurant Aquarius. 

Rooms from £165 per night. 

Visit AlchymistHotel.com

Mandarin Oriental

In Prague’s historic Malá Strana district, Mandarin Oriental Prague is surrounded by cobbled streets and impressive landscaped gardens. Guests can choose to stay in modern rooms with city views or suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and Prague-inspired artwork. Guests can enjoy treatments at the spa before eating at Spices Bar & Lounge which offers all-day dining and cocktails in the evening until 10pm.

Rooms from £200 per night. 

Visit MandarinOriental.com

boho hotel

Mandarin Oriental

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

The Four Seasons has beautiful views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, which are just a short walk away. Ideal for special occasions, the hotel has everything you need to enjoy a long weekend, from luxurious rooms and spacious suites to a spa with treatments by Omorovicza, and full room service. The hotel’s Italian restaurant Cotto Crudo is one of the best in the city, while the adjoining bar is the perfect place to enjoy a glass or two of champagne after a long day of sightseeing. Couples should book a Premier River Room with views of the Vltava, but if you want to go all out, choose one of the Duplex Suites.

Rooms from £308 per night.

Visit FourSeasons.com

Le Palais Art Hotel Prague

If you don’t want to stay in the city centre, Le Palais Art Hotel is in the trendy neighbourhood of Vinohrady, which is lined with art-deco buildings, small cafés and nightclubs. One of the most affordable options on this list, guests can choose from 72 accommodation options, ranging from standard rooms to spacious luxury suites with balconies overlooking the city skyline. There’s also a basement spa with an array of facilities, plus the Artista restaurant with two grand dining rooms.  

Rooms from £70 per night.

Visit LePalaisHotel.eu

Mama Shelter

Regular SL readers will know how much we rate Mama Shelter for a fun weekend – you can’t go wrong at its hotel in Prague. Slightly further away from the main attractions, the hotel is a ten-minute tram ride from the Old Town. Set over ten floors, rooms have modern décor with fun accents dotted throughout, plush linens on the beds, and organic toiletries in the en-suites. Ideal for a girls’ trip, groups can have drinks at the rooftop bar and order sharing dishes to the restaurant’s large communal tables. During weekends, resident DJs play until the early hours. 

Rooms from £110 per night.

Visit MamaShelter.com

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

La Dégustation Bohême Bourgeoise

For Michelin-star dining, book a table at La Dégustation, set withing a historic building in the city centre. Diners can choose fom three or five-course set menus with paired wines, featuring traditional Czech dishes. The current all-day dining menu includes duck with pear and currants, fallow deer with truffle and egg yolk, and sunchoke served with caramel sauce and cream. 

Visit LaDegustation.Cz

Café Savoy

One of the biggest and most popular cafés in Prague, Café Savoy has a buzzy atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping for coffee or eating in the spacious dining area, there’s plenty to choose from, including giant pastries, traditional Czech breakfasts and lunchtime favourites like chicken schnitzel with potato salad. You can even place your order online and pick it up for a quick bite on the go. 

Visit CafeSavoy.ambi.Cz

Field

Cafe Savoy

La Dégustation Bohême Bourgeoise

Au Gourmand

This French patisserie always has a tempting selection of pastries, cakes and desserts to choose from. Get to Au Gourmand first thing to enjoy coffee and freshly baked croissants, or stop by at lunch for toasties and sweet treats like chocolate éclairs, mini lemon meringue pies and custard slices. 

Visit @AuGourmand

Divinis

This elegant Italian restaurant gets booked up quickly, so be sure to reserve a table in advance. In the Old Town, it serves rustic, seasonal dishes alongside an extensive menu of Italian wines. Mediterranean plates include linguine vongole, veal tartare with truffle, grilled calamari in pomodoro sauce, taglioni with wild boar ragu, and quail with buttery mashed potatoes. Be sure to leave room for dessert – we like the sound of the hazelnut tartlet with orange caramel. 

Visit Divinis.Cz

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