An absolutely breathtaking hotel is located directly in Old Town Square, and that hotel is called U Prince (At the Prince). Although I highly recommend the hotel for it's location, rooms, and service, it's the rooftop cafe that I call a "hidden gem". I'll tell you a little about the history of this building, and then it's to the rooftop we shall go! Before I even begin, I have only one word to describe the rooms at U Prince...gorgeous!! They all ooze of dark rich wood, parquet floors, walls & ceiling with original detailing, and oversized antique furniture that looks as though it belongs in a palace.
U Prince is the 3rd building in ...the one with the flowerboxes in all of the windows
The hotel also offers a few restaurants (one on the main floor and one subterranean), and if you really want to feel like nobility, there are 2 private rooms, The Knights' Salon and the Royal Salon, where you're surrounded in medieval glory!
It's easy to feel like a king or queen in this building from the 12th century, which was at one time a "showpiece house". Even though it has been reconstructed, the building still has old stone portals and Gothic wells. In the 15th and 16th century, a pharmacy was located in this building, and in the mid-19th century the ground floor was a bookstore. It wasn't until the 20th century that a restaurant and bar opened its door at this location.
The building's Baroque-style facade is from the first half of the 18th century. There's a sculpture of St. Florian on the corner of the building, which is the emblem of the hotel. St. Florian is the Patron Saint of firefighters and the protector of those in Danger of Fire and Flood. Legend has it that Florian was a General in the Roman Army and that he "saved an entire village from flames by dousing it with a single bucket of water."
Now that you know a little bit about the building, let's walk through the foyer to the glass elevator in the rear...up, up, up we go! Now just follow me right through this door to a set of stairs connecting us to another part of the building (yes, we're outside in a courtyard so-to-speak). Now follow me through the cafe (coffee smells good doesn't it?), one more door and we have arrived at the rooftop terrace!
Beautiful view isn't it?
Prague castle stands proud in the background...
Old Town Square
The Clock Tower
As evening rolls around...
The city alights in a magical glow
Waiting for Orloj to strike the hour
View of Malé náměsti (Little Square)
Prague, my love, with my love...
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