Alchymist Residence Nosticova, Prague, Czech Republic

Alchymist Residence Nosticova is a wonderful boutique hotel: romantic and full of character, occasionally booked by big Hollywood names filming in Prague. It is tucked away a few minutes' walk from the Mala Strana side of Charles Bridge. The area breathes discretion - surrounded by embassies, near a leafy park leading down to the river.

The facilities

The boutique hotel's building dates back to the 17th-century, as the old stone staircase will testify. This winds upward through the house, punctuated by little antiques and oddities - here an old suit of armour, there a kitsch ceramic figure of Christ. Walls are painted in umbers and pistachios and decorated with delicate murals of laurels and grape vines. There is also a lift, which will take you up to all rooms except for the Hradcany Suit