Reviews of Hotel Paris, Prague, Czech Republic

Review of Hotel Pariz, by Jenny Pidgeon

People come to Hotel Paris for its central location in Prague and famed Art Nouveau décor. The cream five-storey building is impressive, with a green bronze cupola crowning the roof and an elegantly colourful side-entrance opposite the Grand Hotel Bohemia.

The facilities

The interior of this luxury hotel, designed by Pfeifer and Köhler, is a stunning example of the Art Nouveau style. The lobby features bronze chandeliers, a high-domed ceiling and an immaculate marble floor. There is a tiny bar squeezed in next to the staircase, which stays open late, and the reception desk behind which you will find friendly staff.

The lobby of Hotel Paris leads in one direction to the bright 'Café de Paris,' with more chandeliers hanging from a beamed ceiling, 1920s-style furniture and a pianist tinkling out jazz classics on a grand to accompany your coffee and cakes.

To the other side of reception is the very handsome 'Sarah Bernhardt' restaurant. This is classic Art Nouveau, with gold and blue mosaics on the columns and walls, elegant carved chairs and tables, and gilded light fixtures and decorations. Rising upward from the lobby is one of the most notable aspects of Hotel Paris: the grand staircase. It sports a lovely hand-crafted case iron stair rail, original stained class windows and hand-painted walls.

The rooms

The corridors of Hotel Paris leading to the bedrooms are carpeted in blue and gold, with attractive painted walls dotted with modern art. The rooms are fully equipped with a mini bar, safe, writing desk, sitting area and television. Most have pleasing views out to the Grand Bohemia, Obecni Dum (municipal house) or courtyard. Double doors onto the corridor ensure quiet. Bathrooms are small with attractive blue and white tiled floors and tiny towels.

It is worth splashing out on a junior suite. Whilst not enormous, they are light and colourful with more interesting décor than the standards. On the other hand, if you're going to spend big bucks, you might as well go all the way and opt for Hotel Paris' pièce de resistance; the Royal Tower Suite.

On the top floor of this luxury hotel, the suite is airy with white walls, crisp white fabrics and exposed wooden beams. The bed faces a porthole window looking out over the old town. A spiral staircase leads up to a glass-enclosed tower room with a stunning 360-degree view over Prague. With intercom and a mini bar thoughtfully installed in this luxury crow's nest, you need never come down.