Mandarin Oriental Prague

Hotel/Resort

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague Rises Above Ordinary Chain Hotels

by Nick Klenske, Freelance Writer

August 2007

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague stands out from other chain hotels in that it excels in blending into its historic surrounds by creating a modern, luxury hotel within the structure of an old Dominican abbey. Although it was opened less than a year ago, the building dates back to baroque and renaissance times. Situated just minutes from the constant wave of tourists that traverse Charles Bridge, the hotel is ideally located in a peaceful neighborhood shared with cafes, embassies and government offices. Entrance is through a leafy courtyard with nothing more than a small plaque announcing the existence of the hotel. The intention is for the focus to remain on the architectural and archeologically significant building that the Mandarin Oriental calls home.

The building’s exterior is a U of orange tiled roofs and beige brick walls. One side is the renaissance abbey, another the baroque wing and the third the home of the Czech Museum of Music. Adjacent to the courtyard entry is the spa complex, which once housed a small chapel. The entrance is a simple glass and marble affair that escorts one to a bright, if not abstract, registration desk. Each guest is personally escorted to his or her rooms and, along the way, one is given a brief tour of the premises and an overview of its unique history.

The hotel’s rooms are of two general designs: the baroque, with the grand arches and exposed wooden beams, and the renaissance with its long, geometrical halls speckled with hints of frescos worn away with time. Whether a suite or a standard deluxe room, all have at least one large plasma television, sitting room, a décor of dark blues on white, an ample workspace, wood floors, king sized bed, double sink, bathroom television, VCR/DVD/CD player, and minibar. The suites have a large glass shower and separate bath, whereas most standard rooms have a combination of the two. Each room is characterized by a unique touch of original abbey trimmings and unearthed artifacts. Rooms along the first floor have direct access to the well-manicured garden and provide a small outdoor sitting area.

The hotel has one main restaurant, a café and several bars. Essensia, serving both Asian and international fare, is located within several adjoining rooms running along an arched renaissance hallway highlighted with Asian inspired wall hangings. Afternoon tea is offered in the comfortable, vaulted ceiling and baroque-styled Monastery Lounge, while drinks can be shared in the ultra-cool yet sophisticated atmosphere of Barego, a glass and mirror cocktail lounge. The wine cellar, located down in the musty stone interior of the abbey’s floors, is available for private dinners and wine tastings.

The real treat here is the spa, located on the far side of the inner garden. The reception area encompasses the recess of the abbey’s chapel and contains a glass floor revealing the structure’s original foundations. The spa utilizes a holistic approach with an Asian twist. There are seven treatment rooms, two specifically for couples.

A stay at the Mandarin Oriental is like spending a night in both a historic museum and a modern art gallery. The hotel successfully takes the concept of luxury accommodations in a new direction. By focusing on preserving the past with a fusion for the future, the Mandarin Oriental Prague is best described as a chain hotel with an intimate boutique personality.

Mandarin Oriental

Nebovidska 459/1, Mala Strana

Prague

Czech Republic

+420 233-088-888
www.mandarinoriental.com/prague

moprg-reservations@mohg.com