Four Seasons Hotel - Stay with us!

Yet again, we make another Top list... this time it's our very own Four Seasons Hotel that made Conde Nast Traveler's  Top 25 Hotels in Europe: Readers' Choice Awards 2014

Who wouldn't want to stay here?

A Stroll Through Praha...Part I

Any day is a good day for a stroll through Prague, but a Friday that happens to be a holiday means the city empties out, which in turn makes for a perfect day to walk around.

Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square)

Hotel Ambassador Zlata Husa (Wenceslas Square) was built in 1920

As the name suggests, the hotel consists of two parts - the history of the first is quite straightforward in comparison to the history of the second, which is a bit funny...


The owner of the hotel was a rich widow, who had a young yet extremely unattractive and silly daughter.  The daughter was already of marrying age, but despite her assets she remained single. She never married and for that she was known in Prague by the nickname "Golden Goose" (Zlata Husa).

In 1964 both hotels were joined together and their modern history begins...

The National Museum ...founded on April 15, 1818

 View of Wenceslas Square from in front of the National Museum

One of the many stops I had to make was to this charming shop, located through a pasáž (passage) off Wenceslas Square

Can it be any cuter?  I think not!

 Surround me with fountains and I'll be a very happy girl

Ovocný trh - an outdoor market selling everything from fruits & vegetables to souvenirs, artwork, and leather goods.  I discovered my new favorite handbag maker. Made by hand, no less.  Um, yes, of course I made a purchase, and I'm contemplating deciding on another one.  

My new Kubat.  Love.

 I also couldn't resist a new one of these:

Gorgeous flowers caught my eye

Never even knew there was a tearoom in this courtyard...

That's another thing I love about Prague - all the nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered

Prague's Most Luxurious Hotels

Making Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2012 The World's Best Places to Stay are four spectacular properties in Prague.  You can't go wrong with any of them, but I'm partial to the Alchymist Grand for its history.  Dum u Ježíška (House at the Jesus Child), houses the hotel and spa and dates back to the 16th century.  It's just a marvelous example of Baroque architecture.  And the rooms...ah, the rooms.  I merely sigh.

Summer in Prague

I was reading  Condé Nast Traveler earlier today and they listed 5 European cities that you can afford this summer...Prague being one of those cities!

Check out the article here

As if it's not cold enough...

But hell, if it's cold you may as well surround yourself with ice, snow, and even more ice right here in Prague at our very own ice bar!  Good thing cocktails will warm you up...

Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge at the Hilton Hotel will be holding it's Ice Bar Opening Party tomorrow, Friday, January 6th.  Don't miss your chance to experience a bar made entirely of ice!  The view from the Hilton's terrace is spectacular, and you'll also get to taste and enjoy Slovakia's Double Cross Vodka, as they're holding their official launch at this event, too.  

Even better, Lime & Tonic has a special offer to attend this event.  Tickets are normally 2000kc, but through Lime & Tonic they're only 1,390kc, and every purchase helps to support tree planting.  There's also an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet included, and of course all-you-can-drink Double Cross Vodka cocktails.

As they say in Slovakia, na zdravie, and as we say in Czech, na zdraví!

Luxurious Prague

Ideeli Travel has a great offer on accommodations at the luxurious Augustine Hotel located in the historic and uber-charming section of Prague known as Malá Strana.  To view the offer, visit ideeli travel 

During your stay, don't forget to visit The Brewery Bar, located in the cellar of the former St. Thomas Brewery.   Off of the beer tasting menu be sure to sample St. Thomas Dark Lager 14˚ -  a beer brewed especially for the Augustine Hotel.

Because who doesn't want to be a princess (or prince) for a day!

I was just looking at Budget Travel's "10 Beautiful Castle Hotels" and they listed Krásná Lípa in northern Bohemia, stating:

A nice Czech waltz is the only thing missing from the fairy-tale atmosphere at Château Krasna Lipa, located in Czech Saxon Switzerland.  Built in 1886, this fanciful palace has turrets and Juliet balconies; not to mention gracious rooms with 14-foot ceilings, furnished with antiques, hand-carved furniture, and Rococo oil paintings. The surrounding area is home to lush forests that invite romantic souls to discover intricate rock formations—and crystal-clear lakes and rivers—also prime fishing areas.  Now a vacation rental, the castle has eight luxury suites with private baths and flat-screen TVs—some suites have walk-out terraces with panoramic views.  As with any dream trip, excellent service is a must, and Krasna Lipa delivers: Private tour-guides and interpreters are available to guests, as are pick-ups from Prague airport (80 miles away) or the nearby Decin railway station. Double rooms from $50 per person per night (breakfast included), 1/416-529-1523.


Now I don't know about you, but this sounds fabulously romantic!  (hint hint to all husbands and boyfriends reading this)

To read more about the chateau and view it's lovely interior and surroundings, please visit Chateau Krásná Lípa

Wednesday's House Insignia of the Day Revealed...Dům U Černého medvěda

House at the Black Bear (Dům U Černého medvěda)

This house dates back to 1428.  It got its name after a statue of the black bear in chains. Its baroque façade is decorated with statues of St. Wenceslas, St. John of Nepomuk and St. Florian.

Today the building is a small hotel as well as a restaurant named Indian Jewel

Location:  Týn 6, 110 00 Prague 1 - Staré Město (Old Town)

Prague: Holiday package from the Mandarin Oriental

There's a deal available that I just saw on Travelandleisure.com for a holiday package from the Mandarin Oriental in Prague

Why Go:

Though housed in a centuries-old monastery, the Mandarin Oriental is a refreshingly contemporary break from Prague’s medieval spires and cobblestone streets.  The hotel is hosting guests for the holidays, and to get everyone into the spirit, it’s offering a full-on Christmas special with all the trimmings.

Christmas in Bohemia package includes:

• Overnight accommodations for a minimum rwo-night stay
• An hourlong ride through Prague in a vintage car with cookies and mulled wine or hot chocolate
• Daily breakfast
• A surprise present for each night of your stay
• On-site holiday activities including a cookie making workshop held each Saturday
• A card valid for 10% discounts the Artel crystal shop

PRICE From $530 (€385 at today's exchange rate)

BOOK BY January 06, 2012

For more information or to book, please visit Mandarin Oriental Prague, or call 420-233/088-888.

Friday's House Insignia of the Day Revealed - U zlatého anděla (House at The Golden Angel)

The Golden Angel (U zlatého anděla)

Of ethereal purity and divine power, the angel in Judeo-Christian theology appears as a messenger or intermediary between the heavenly and earthly realms.  In the Koran, it is stated that people were created from earth but angels from fire, as its flames always leap upwards to the heavens.  As a symbol of protection, the image of an angel was greatly popular in medieval times as a house insignia, to protect the inhabitants from evils both earthly and diabolical.  An angel also adorned the personal coat-of-arms of Johann Kepler, the great German astronomer who resided for many years at the Prague court of Emperor Rudolf II - perhaps in the hopes that angelic forces could help an earth-bound mortal to uncover the secrets of the celestial bodies.

Where the present U zlatého anděla stands in Celetná Street was originally the location of four medieval houses.  These were demolished in the mid 18th century for the present building, originally of Baroque style, which contained a popular coaching inn with its own brewery.  During his first visit to Prague in 1787, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is known to have stayed here.  Towards the beginning of the 19th century, the inn became a hotel, retaining its original name but growing far more exclusive.  The "Golden Angel" Hotel was visited by many persons of fame, including the queen of Denmark, the kings of Saxony and Hanover with their families, the queen of Greece and even the Russian anarchist Mikkhail Bakunin.  The present Neoclassical façade of the building dates from 1860.  After the Communist seizure of power, the hotel was closed and the building, converted to a variety of uses, grew increasingly decrepit.  Recently, however, a thorough restoration of the "Golden Angel" returned it to its original use as a modern hotel fully aware of its earlier glorious tradition:  Visit  4-Star Superior Barceló Old Town Praha

Location:   Celetná ulice 29/588, Staré Město (Old Town)

Monday's House Insignia of the Day Revealed - The Green Frog

House at The Green Frog

The Green Frog house has always contained an inn or wine cellar on its ground floor, even to this day.  One of the earliest establishments was greatly frequented by the town executioner Mydlář, known among his other deeds for beheading the 27 Czech lords and burghers who joined the uprising of the Bohemian Estates, carrying out his gory task not far away from Old Town Square in the year 1621.  Another visitor to the same tavern, though of far less gruesome bent, was the renowned Flemish painter Pieter Brueghel.  During his stay in Prague, he diligently made the rounds of various hostelries, compelled rather less by mere thirst than the needs of his art.  Brueghel was always sketching portraits of intriguing faces, grimaces, gestures, movements - and of course fights and brawls.  And whenever nothing of visual interest was taking place, he himself unobtrusively provoked various disputes, simply to have material for his sketchbook.  Yet the citizens of Prague soon saw through the Flemish master's tricks, and so whenever any tap room commotion arose, the passers-by would say, "There's that 'Brajgl' again!"  Adapted to the vagaries of local pronunciation, the word brajgl remained in Prague's dialect as a memory of the great painter, and even today still designates great disorder and chaos.

The Hay Harvest by Pieter Brueghel the Elder

Located at Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle

As for the tale usually associated with the stone frog on the building's façade, it tells of a tailor by the name of Lobytek, who lived here in the early 15th century.  Above all else, he loved jugglers and acrobats, endlessly observing their tricks and dreaming that one day he could join them in their craft.  He sewed for himself a green tunic, of the sort that acrobats wore for their appearances, and in the seclusion of his own house attempted to mimic their movements.  One day, he succeeded in placing his legs behind his head - yet reversing the procedure was much more difficult.  While in this position, he was discovered by his housekeeper; yet instead of rushing to help him, she ran outside and terrified the neighbors with a tale about her master having been swallowed by a giant green frog.  Soon, however, everything was satisfactorily explained, and the episode occasioned many a laugh across the city.  When Master Lobytek died, his neighbors are said to have ordered that a green frog be carved into the stone above his door, a s a memorial to the deceased.  It is, however, only a legend, sine the actual sign of the stone frog dates from nearly two hundred years later. 

Today, the building is home to a Brazilian restaurant that is part of the Ambiente Restaurants Group

and a hotel, U Tří bubnů (Hotel at the Three Drums)

Location:  U Radnice 8, Old Town

Beer Me

I don't know what it is but today I'm craving a good pilsner.  And so it is that with a great pilsner within my reach, I bring you to a wonderful Czech beer hall style pub in the heart Prague.  One that has retained its old world charm and hasn't become a tourist spot.  Sure there will be tourists on any given day/night...can't really escape them ...but somehow they have managed to remain a favorite spot with the locals.  Oh, and did I mention they brew their own beer?   Uh huh, yes, indeed they do.  A pub that brews it's own pivo, serves good food, and is a favorite haunt amongst locals in the heart of the city - there is a God!

 

U Medvídků dates back to 1466 and for over 500 years the building served as a brewery until the former malt house was converted into the present day beer hall in the 20th century.  The history of brewing is still retained in the form of a small microbrewery.

Then:

Now:

The beer at U Medvídků flows plentifully and is reasonably priced.  Although I'm a pilsner girl, be sure to try  their famous unfiltered amber lager Oldgott (rich in minerals and B vitamins so drink up!) and their newer 1446 pale lager.  

Definitely be sure to order their infamous X Beer 33 - it's a dark, bittersweet lager that ferments for 6-months in an oak barrel and has an alcohol content of 11.8%.  Bring it on!

Address:  Na Perstyne 7, Old Town, Prague 1

House Insignia of the Day Revealed - The House of the Three Blackbirds (U tri kosu)

The House of the Three Blackbirds (U tri kosu)

Kremencova 13, Prague

Today this building houses the Best Western Hotel Páv , but it dates back to the year 1806 when it was called "U tri kosu", The House of the Three Blackbirds.

The building was built in early-Classicist style, which was heavily influenced by the art of ancient Greece.  In 2006, the building was fully renovated to a modern hotel with 89 guest rooms.  They did maintain it's classic charm and design though - phew!

The hotel is located very close to one of the oldest establishments in Prague...a great brewery/restaurant called U Fleků - stay tuned, MUCH more to come about that place!!

Yesterday's "House Insignia of the Day" Revealed - Valkounský House

Valkounský House 

Nerudova 14

The history of house number 14 dates back to the 17th century.  Valkounský house is named after the owner, Knight Bohuchval Valkoun from Adlar, from the beginning of the 17th century.

According to an early Baroque project of Kryštof Dientzenhofer, the house was rebuilt in the 16th century, as all the neighbouring houses were just after the fire of 1541.

.In 1601 it was bought by Kašpar, brother of Kaplíř from Sulevice, who was executed on the Old Town Square.

The house acquired its Baroque shape during 1705-1727, when it was owned by a famous baroque architect, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.  

Santini prospered and bought the house Valkounsky dum for 3000 gold coins in cash in 1705.  Two years later, he bought the neighbouring house, U Zlaté cise (At the Golden Goblet) and connected both houses.  **At The Golden Goblet was Monday's House Insignia of the Day by the way.**  However, when Santini died, a renowned goldsmith, Diesbach, bought the house in an auction and built up the third floor.

This town house served its tenants until 2002, when it was closed.  At the same time, very sensitive reconstruction of the whole property came underway, thanks to which, we now have the opportunity to admire authentic wooden ceilings, ribbed vaults, wall fresco paintings and an original porcelain stove.

Today, the building houses the Santini Residence, a romantic, luxury hotel.  

https://www.santiniresidence.com/

Yesterday's "House Insignia of the Day" Revealed - The Golden Key (U zlatého klíče)

The Golden Key (U zlatého klíče)

Originally a Renaissance house with Baroque and Classicist adaptations, it sits where a moat once divided Hradčany and the Prague Castle.  The house insignia, a richly adorned wrought key in a Baroque cartouche, is from 1844.

Today, the building houses The Hotel Aureus Clavis, a three-star hotel that was recommended by the New York Times as one of the top 100 hotels in Europe for under $150 per night.

Nerudova Street 27/243, Lesser Town

A revolving wheel symbolizes the endless course of time...

Yesterday I asked if you knew where this is:

It's called The Golden Wheel and it dates from the end of the 18th century.  In ancient cultures, the wheel was a powerful symbol of the energy that animates the entire universe.  A revolving wheel symbolizes the endless course of time, the changeability of fate and the inevitable cycle of rise and fall; as a symbol of the turns of fate, it also holds a leading position in the Tarot pack.

Hotel U U Zlatého Kola

Today the building houses a really nice hotel called The Golden Wheel (Hotel U Zlatého Kola).  The first records of a building at this location go back all the way to the end of the 15th century.  In 1541, after a major fire destroyed almost three-quarters of the Lesser Quarter in three hours, the building underwent a major renovation.  At the end of the 17th century, the building was owned by a painter named Kristian Dittman, who performed another major renovation and also added another floor.  The current appearance of the hotel is due to sensitive renovation of the baroque building, conserving and revitalizing its authentic charm. Inside you'll find an original medieval wall and the chimney of a so-called "black kitchen" - from times when cooking was done on an open fire.

The Golden Wheel 

Nerudova 28, Mala Strana

For a link to the hotel, please visit

http://www.thegoldenwheel.com/

A lovely flat in an amazing location will make your stay in Prague even more spectacular!

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p449319
Sure hotels are nice, but renting a flat while you're on holiday is even better!  What better way to experience a foreign city than to stay in a flat and pretend you live there, even if just for a few days.  I much prefer the privacy of flats to hotels, and why would I ever miss room service when there's an entire city full of fabulous restaurants to experience?

So for those of you traveling to Prague, please consider renting a flat in beautiful Mala Strana (Lesser Town).  The location can not be beat!  Charles Bridge is a mere few minute walk, and several trams (#12, 22 & 23) stop at the end of the block at "Malostranské náměsti" (Lesser Town Square), which has been the hub of Mala Strana since the 10th century.  From here you can catch a tram to anywhere in the city or walk across the Charles Bridge to Old Town.  Prague Castle is situated just a short stroll away, as is Petřín Hill & Observation Tower.  Mala Strana is home to international embassies housed in gorgeous old Baroque buildings, restaurants, quaint old pubs, and cozy shops.  At night, it's very peaceful and a stroll to the castle will surely take your breath away.  A stay in one of these flats in Mala Strana is sure to pull at your heartstrings for years to come!!  (It does mine and I can't wait to return!)

There are three flats available... all of them are extremely comfortable with modern amenities (ie, plenty of hot water, great water pressure, plush towels, cozy beds, plush pillows and blankets, etc.).  I'm an extremely clean individual and these flats met my high standards.  All are very clean and well-maintained.  I loved the style of the flats and felt right at home immediately upon entering!  

The view of St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle from the front of the building... beautiful eh?

At the center of the square is St. Nicholas Church...you can climb its tower for spectacular views of Mala Strana and over the Vltava River to Old Town.

Trams stop just down the block...a mere 1 minute walk.  The #22 tram takes you all around the city and is the best one for Prague's visitors

#11 Malostranské náměsti - your sweet home away from home

The front of the newly renovated 15th century building...a good Czech restaurant is situated next door

Entrance to the flats

Safety first!  You need a key to enter the building and the courtyard....

You can take the stairs or the lift to your flat...

Pretty courtyard with a restaurant below

Shall we take a look at Flat #1?  Follow me...

Beautiful granite countertop in the bathroom...

Extra bed... 

Flat #2

Since I tend to stay in Flat #2, here are some additional photos...

As I said before... clean, hot water, and strong water pressure, all of which make for a great shower!

The kitchens come complete with silverware, dishes, mugs, glasses, pots & pans, coffee & tea, a kettle to boil water in, microwave, etc...  We would keep the refrigerator stocked with water, beer & snacks...a little something to enjoy while we got ready for the evening.

Flat #3

Extra bed...

Another plus is that the owner, Lucie, speaks both Czech and English and is just a lovely individual who cares about your comfort.  I hope you chose to stay here during your visit to Prague...you won't be disappointed!  Please visit this link for more information and to make a booking... http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p449319#inquiry-bar OR contact me and I will put you in touch with Lucie.  Please let her know that Eva of "Prague, My Love" sent you!