by Every time I walk into Prague, I feel as if I’m being gently embraced by time. Cobblestone streets, golden sunlight glinting off pointed towers, the gentle flow of the Vltava River… it’s all utterly intoxicating. Yet hidden within this romantic Old World atmosphere is a collection of stunning design hotels—some housed in historic buildings, others crafted by world-renowned architects. These hotels stay rooted in Prague’s cultural soul while boldly embracing modern aesthetics.
This time, I decided not just to visit Prague, but to truly live within its soul. From Art Deco elegance to minimalist modernism, from century-old monasteries turned private sanctuaries to riverside glass boxes—each night’s rest in these design hotels became a feast for the senses and the imagination.
The Emblem Hotel: A Modern Collage of Old and New
I first arrived at The Emblem Hotel at dusk. There was a minimalist sign by the entrance—simple, unembellished, and yet compelling. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, the hotel is just minutes away on foot from Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock, with quiet winding alleys just behind it. It strikes a perfect balance between energy and serenity. The surrounding area is filled with quaint cafés, boutique shops, and baroque architecture that seems to glow in the amber evening light. Despite being in a prime tourist location, the hotel manages to provide a tranquil retreat, insulated from the city’s bustle.
The hotel is designed around the concept of a “home away from home.” The shared spaces feel like an open living room, filled with books, artworks, and cozy sofas—like stepping into a warm host’s house. The rooms themselves blend vintage elements with modern details: walnut desks, gray-blue leather headboards, ornate ceiling moldings, and black-and-white art photography create a delightful contrast. Each space has been thoughtfully curated to evoke both comfort and inspiration, with small touches like local art books and aromatherapy kits enhancing the personalized feel.
The biggest surprise is the M Spa on the rooftop. With an outdoor hot tub and sauna, soaking in the steamy water while watching Prague’s rooftops fade into twilight on a winter evening is an experience beyond words. The spa also includes a private treatment room and a small fitness center, making it a holistic wellness destination within the hotel. Whether it’s a couples’ massage at sunset or a solitary soak under the stars, the rooftop becomes a sanctuary that elevates your stay from memorable to unforgettable.
Hotel Josef: A Minimalist Pioneer
Hotel Josef, designed by the renowned Czech-born architect Eva Jiřičná, is a striking example of minimalist elegance. Its glass façade is defined by clean lines and sharp contrasts of light and shadow, while the interior is a textbook display of minimalism: crisp white walls, splashes of orange, expansive windows, and subtle use of metal. The building itself stands out even among Prague’s eclectic architecture, acting as a modernist counterpoint to the surrounding baroque and gothic structures.
My room was on a high floor, overlooking rows of red rooftops with church spires in the distance. The design is functional yet thoughtful—open wardrobes, hidden lighting, handcrafted furniture—all exuding a refined simplicity. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and even the smallest details, such as the curve of the bedside lamp or the placement of power sockets, showed signs of user-centered design. The space invites relaxation, creativity, and clarity of mind, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
The breakfast area was my favorite space in the hotel. It felt more like a museum café than a dining room: natural light streamed through a translucent ceiling, surrounded by greenery and geometric furniture. Enjoying a cup of Czech pour-over coffee here felt more like attending a design exhibition than having breakfast. Each morning, a wide array of fresh pastries, cold cuts, fruits, and hot options is presented like an edible gallery. The setting encourages guests to linger—reading, chatting, or simply soaking in the ambiance of functional beauty.
Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Hidden Luxury in a Monastery
If you want to stay inside a piece of history, Augustine is the ultimate choice. This hotel is housed in a 13th-century Augustinian monastery, part of which still serves active monks. It’s a rare “living history” hotel. Nestled near Prague Castle and close to the quiet charm of Lesser Town, the hotel offers an atmosphere of reverence and seclusion rarely found in the heart of a capital city. The echoes of the past seem to resonate through its thick walls, cloisters, and sacred spaces.
Walking past the thick wooden doors and medieval stone steps, I felt transported back to the Renaissance. Inside, rooms marry classical grandeur with understated luxury: vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and carved oak doors sit alongside contemporary bathrooms and modern technology, offering a balance of historic charm and comfort. Each room is uniquely designed, with artifacts and motifs that tell stories of the building’s monastic past, subtly reminding guests of its spiritual heritage without compromising on convenience.
The hotel’s St. Thomas Brewery Bar is located in the original monastic cellar. Its monk-brewed beer is rich and slightly herbal—the perfect drink for a quiet night. In the morning, breakfast is served in the cloister garden, where sunlight filters through Gothic arches onto silver tablecloths—a serene moment that words can barely capture. The menu offers refined takes on traditional Czech breakfast dishes, made with seasonal and local ingredients. The gentle sounds of birds and distant church bells make it a meditative start to the day, grounding you in both the present and centuries of history.
Dancing House Hotel: Stay Inside a Sculptural Icon
Many visitors to Prague photograph the iconic “Dancing House” along the Vltava River, but few know there’s a hotel hidden within this masterpiece by Frank Gehry and his Czech collaborator. I chose to stay in this architectural wonder.
My room was nestled in the curved glass tower, offering panoramic views of the river and castle beyond. Decorated in soft grays and beiges, with extensive use of glass and reflective surfaces, the interior felt like a futuristic art installation.
The rooftop Ginger & Fred restaurant not only serves refined Czech fusion cuisine but is also one of the city’s rare 360-degree view spots. As night falls, dining on caramelized duck breast and sipping dark beer while gazing over the sparkling cityscape was an almost surreal experience.
MOODs Charles Bridge: A Dual Triumph of Design and Location
I stumbled upon MOODs Charles Bridge by chance, tucked between the Old Town and the Lesser Town, just a two-minute walk from Charles Bridge. The exterior is modest, but the interior is full of character, blending Scandinavian warmth with Eastern European patterns and textures.
The rooms feature premium mattresses and zero-gravity massage chairs, with lighting and curtains controlled via smart panels. Clearly designed with tired travelers in mind, the comfort level was so high it made me reluctant to leave the room.
The hotel also includes a meditation room and reading corner, where Czech indie music plays softly in the background. Occasionally, small art or photography exhibitions are held here, making each stay a quiet cultural encounter.
Hotel Cosmopolitan Prague: Art Nouveau with a Contemporary Twist
Tucked away on a quiet street in New Town, Hotel Cosmopolitan immediately impressed me with its reimagined take on Art Nouveau. The building itself is over a century old, and the renovation preserves classic elements like mosaic flooring and wrought iron railings, while incorporating modern furniture and art.
Each room follows a unique color scheme—mine was themed around emerald green and included elegant tea sets and a plush reading chair. The bathroom, clad in gray marble with black and gold fixtures, exuded a restrained opulence.
The hotel’s restaurant, Next Door by Imperial, is a Michelin-recommended spot led by celebrated Czech chef Zdeněk Pohlreich. The dishes are both modern and deeply rooted in local flavor—don’t miss the slow-roasted venison with red wine reduction, an explosion of rich, layered taste.
Booking Tips and Reservation Advice
For Prague’s design hotels, it’s best to book at least two months in advance, especially during the popular spring and autumn seasons, when rooms fill quickly. Some hotels offer free airport transfers or city passes—reach out to the front desk to arrange.
Choose your hotel based on your itinerary: for photography and Old Town exploration, stay near Charles Bridge; for quiet and river views, opt for the Vltava riverside; for shopping and food, New Town or the Anděl district offers the most convenience.
Suggested Booking Platforms: All hotels mentioned can be reserved through major platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia. Compare rates before finalizing your reservation.
In Prague, Let a Design Hotel Speak to the City
Accommodation isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s a window into the soul of the city. Prague, with its blend of the ancient and the avant-garde, shares her story through her design hotels.
Wake in a stone monastery as bells echo through the cloisters. Lean against glass walls while night falls over the riverbank skyline. Or sink into a thoughtfully chosen chair and flip through the works of a Czech poet… In Prague, a design hotel is more than a place to stay—it’s the most intimate and unforgettable chapter of your journey.
