Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Mandarin Oriental, one of the best establishments in the city, has the advantage of being located away from the crowds of tourists but is still close to some of the must-see sights. The setting is historical and the services luxurious, true, but this haven of peace and quiet for the more fortunate has a certain austerity that feels a bit cold.
Mandarin Oriental - © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental - © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The Mandarin Oriental is located away from the throngs of tourists but is nevertheless close to the must-see sights of the capital. It is in the neighbourhood of Malá Strana, across the Vltava River from the Old Town, five minutes from Charles Bridge and 15 minutes from the Castle. It is discreetly hidden in a picturesque setting up a peaceful little paved alley, and the high walls surrounding the hotel buildings make it a luxurious retreat. The Museum of Music is nearby.
There is no attempt to tone down the style in the hotel's 99 guest rooms. They come in different categories: Deluxe and Deluxe Suite, Superior, and one Presidential Suite. The decor is a combination of Czech and Eastern influences, and some rooms are adorned with photos while others with paintings. Some of them have parquet floors; the others have carpets underfoot. There is plenty of space, and the beds are large. The quality of the materials used in the furniture, light fittings, bedsheets, curtains, and so on is remarkable. The rooms have been designed to incorporate luxurious amenities while also giving the place a familiar feel, which is quite an achievement.
The amenities are superb: a large flat-screen television, a CD/DVD player and keyboard, individual air-conditioning, etc. Wi-Fi Internet access is also available, but unfortunately the connection is charged. The furnishings include a secretary desk and a reading lamp by the window. The bathrooms are superb spaces lined with marble, and they even have a television so you can keep up to date with the news while you get ready in the morning. The rooms either overlook the street or a leafy interior courtyard. Those on the ground floor have the advantage of a terrace space in the garden, and it is just a pity that no efforts have been made to make it feel more private. Room service is available 24/7 with a reduced selection of dishes available on the nighttime menu. There is one guest room adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
After passing through the pretty porch, we were a bit disappointed with the initial appearance of the premises. Guests are received into an austere paved courtyard where, in the interest of creating a good first impression, a bit more character would not go amiss. However, once you are in the entrance hall, the place starts to work its magic. It is a small space where the charm resides in an uncluttered, stylish decor, the light fittings on the walls, and the chandelier recess in the ceiling. A wooden door leads through into the 'Barego', a bar glittering with countless lights, that is open from 10:00am until 1:00am. It is decorated in a modern style and has won the prize for the best Martini in the whole of the Czech Republic.
It is almost impossible not to be bowled over by the general facilities provided by the hotel. It opened in 2006 in a collection of buildings set around a cloister garden, which some of the rooms look out over. The communal areas are spacious and have walls made of stone which lead your eyes to discover the superb arched ceilings and intimate little recesses. However, the delicate decorative style gets a bit lost in these large spaces, making them feel rather austere and unwelcoming. In the basement, there is a large and well equipped gym that is open from 6:00am until 10:00pm. The spa, which is open from 10:00am until 10:30pm, must be one of the most successful in the Czech Republic. There is even a wine cellar in a room in the basement with stone walls and an arched ceiling where you can sample some great vintages around the big wooden table.
The restaurant, Essentia, is split into a series of 5 very stylish spaces. The cuisine is a refined fusion of Czech and Asian recipes. It feels inevitable that classical music should play in the background to match the exquisite setting, which has seating for up to 75 diners. Open from 12:00pm to 2:00pm for lunch and from 6:00pm to 11:00pm for dinner, breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:30am and is absolutely not to be missed. The pastries, fresh fruit juices, various kinds of bread, and hot dishes are a treat for the taste buds.
The entire hotel is located in buildings dating back to the 14th century and the Museum of Music is just next door.
sauna, massage, spa, keep fit, hammam, wellness, Turkish bath
fitness, sports, tennis, golf, baseball, gym, mountain bike, dance
If you already know Prague and don't want to stay in the town centre (Wenceslas Square), too noisy to your taste, try this hotel in Mala Strana. Its location is quite convenient for a visit to the Castle quarter on foot. If you dislike walking (because the area is a little bit sloped), trams pass just outside the hotel.
The Certovka is on the same side of the river as the castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, and admirers of Charles Bridge will also be happy here, as it can be seen from some of the hotel windows. It enjoys a very good location, offers a modest range of amenities and its rooms, which are decorated in a classic, cosy style, are small.
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