By Michelle Wranik-Hicks
Prague's Hotel Fusion.
FUSION HOTEL
With round-the-clock breakfast, Apple TVs in all rooms and offbeat illustrations by Czech artists adorning the walls, fusion hotel is playful, funky and doesn't take itself too seriously. Rooms here are themed: Rock suites with musical accoutrements and Vintage rooms with London fleamarket finds. On the cheekier end, Love Rooms feature ceiling mirrors, while colossal beds in the Xtensive rooms sleep up to six. The hotel lives up to its name at the futuristic revolving bar, which is offset by a glass atrium crafted by the building's original architect, Josef Gocar, one of the pioneers of Czech modernism. Double rooms from $115.
HOTEL SAX
The building might be 14th century but the interiors of this 22-room hotel are pure retro. You wouldn't be blamed for thinking someone went and raided the set of Austin Powers; the chic 1960s' styling is a shagadelic riot of psychedelic wallpapers, geometric prints and hues of orange and green. Design denizens will love the Eames chairs and original pieces by Colani, Panton and Saarinen. Request a design suite for extra space and storybook views over cathedrals and Gothic spires. Sax is only a few shimmies along the cobblestones from the city's defining landmark, the Charles Bridge. Standard double rooms from $102.
See hotelsax.cz.
987
Understated, sophisticated and swathed in a moody palette of taupe, burnt orange and grey, the 987 is more about polished minimalism than showy exhibitionism. The lobby area opens with a bold Kundalini light installation and low lounges. The 80 guest rooms are on the petite side with armchairs by Arne Jacobsen and Le Corbusier, and Philippe Starcke bathrooms with vivid glass orange doors. The compact windows in the superior rooms don't let in much natural light but spacious junior suites (including 610 and 605) on the sixth floor bask in daylight with balconies and views overlooking the rooftops. Superior rooms from $104.
See 987hotels.com.
HOTEL JOSEF
Czech architect Eva Jiricna is the creative force behind the Josef, embracing light and modernity with the all-white lobby and one of her signature glass and steel spiral staircases. Prudes beware: Jiricna's glass fetish continues throughout the 109 guest rooms, some of which feature exhibitionist-style bathrooms. The hotel's plum location is trumps for exploring downtown historic Prague and for dining out. Hipster cafes, contemporary pubs and the impressive Michelin-starred La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise are all around the corner. You can burn off the gluttony in the hotel's gym, but joining staff on a quirky "sightseeing jogging" tour is much more fun. Deluxe rooms from $157.
See hoteljosef.com.
HOTEL THREE STORKS
Formerly known as Dum U Tri capu (a pickle to pronounce), this sophisticated boutique hotel is all about subtle luxury, with discreet and earnest service. Rooms are stylishly appointed with solid oak floorboards, sheepskin rugs and antique furniture, while the ceilings, fitted with dramatic, exposed wooden beams, hint at the building's history: the building once housed a monastic brewery. The cobblestoned Lesser quarter of Prague is an excellent location too, only a short amble from the Valdstejn Palace gardens and the Charles Bridge, should you want a jostle-free midnight stroll. Superior rooms from $135.
See hotelthreestorks.cz.
THE EMBLEM
Overseen by Canadian designer Alison McNeil and Czech architect Eva Jiricna, Prague's newest design hotel will make interiors cognoscenti quiver, with custom-made oak furniture, original artwork and vintage pieces including a stunning chaise longue by Vladimir Kagan. All 59 rooms feature Carrara marble bathrooms, walnut desks, hand-spun copper lamps and in-room computer tablets. The Library Suite is the piece de resistance, with a handmade copper bathtub, secret passageway leading to an attic bedroom and a book collection to rival Kafka. The rooftop gym and spa has steam rooms and an outdoor jacuzzi with views over the Old Town. Queen rooms from $200.
See emblemprague.com.
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