February
27
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ESCAPE LONDON – The Golden Well Hotel in Prague, a breathtaking boutique hotel
Walking up the cobbled street towards the hotel, you can’t fail to be impressed by the beautiful entrance. You will no doubt get your camera out already at this stage. Housed in a 16th-century building, the former private residence of Emperor Rudolf II, and later of astronomer Tycho Brahe, the hotel has been restored to its former glory, and lavished with care and attention to detail.
The reception feels more like a room in a grand private residence than a hotel. You can sit on comfy armchairs to check in and you are handed a welcome drink and a minty wet towel to clean your hands. What a treat after travelling! It is adorned with gorgeous hand-picked antiques, as well as original art depicting scenes of Prague, which all contributes to the feeling of being in someone’s majestic private home.
This is a boutique luxury hotel, with only 19 rooms, each named after an eminent 16th century figure, and all decorated and fitted out with utmost care for comfort and beauty. Sabina from reception showed us around and explained the history of the building. Considering how many times she must repeat this on a daily basis, she still gave her knowledgeable explanation with obvious pride and passion. You can tell that someone has put their heart and soul into this hotel, and not only into the décor, but the service and staff too.
There is also an evident passion for treating guests like emperors. One example is the fabulous touch of a pillow menu with five types of pillow to choose from! Fancy a cooling Aloe pillow or a relaxing lavender one? Just ask and you will get. There are also fluffy dressing gowns, soft towels, different sizes of slippers (hotel slippers are usually always huge for me), a proper Philips hairdryer and your own coffee machine that makes superb-quality coffee.
I never expected the turn-down service to be quite so luxurious either. It seemed as though a fairy had entered the room whilst I was out. The bed was made, my jumper was folded, my slight mess was subtly tidied, and I came back to find a delicious piece of cake on the side of my bed, covered in a glass dome so it wouldn’t dry out. There is complimentary water, a bowl of fruit, pralines, a music player, Molton Brown amenities, and an iPad containing all the information on the room and the hotel. Literally, what more could you need? I suspect that even if you managed to come up with something else, the hotel would more than provide.
There is a cosy coffee and tea lounge, open only to guests, which again is more like a beautiful sitting room, where you can feel at home at any time (yes, it’s open 24 hours). Complimentary refreshments are provided between 4-6pm every day: just perfect for having a little break between lunch and dinner, and to take a rest from walking around and marvelling at the sights of Prague.
The restaurant is glass-fronted and has an ample terrace looking over one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Prague I saw on my entire visit. But it’s not just a room with a view, it has won several awards for best restaurant in the entire Czech Republic.
The cocktail bar needs a special mention too. All the classic cocktails are masterfully made by the friendly barman, but no visit to Prague would be complete without trying the local absinthe, served here with a stunning antique absinthe fountain.
The Golden Well Hotel is beyond “home from home”. It’s one of the most stunning homes I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay in. It’s no surprise that these illustrious figures from the past chose this building and this location to live in.
Heart London 5 Star Review
Decor 5
Bedroom 5
Service 5
Drinks 5
Service 5
Location 5
Golden Well Hotel Prague
Address: U Zlaté studně 166/4, 118 01 Malá Strana, Czechia
Phone: +420 257 011 213
Marie-Helene, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 