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One Day Stay: Prague, Czech Republic

PRG

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Prague three times. Once in the winter, once in the fall and my latest visit was in the summer. It is truly gorgeous in all seasons but I think summertime is my favorite even if it was my shortest visit. There is a reason it’s known as ‘The Golden City’ with its gilded roofs and spires but I have never it seen it glisten & shine like it did this summer. It was like the whole city had a golden glow.

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Prague was founded in the Romanesque period and blossomed in the Gothic & Renaissance eras, playing as the seat to two Holy Roman Emperors. Although this incredible city has a vibrant history it also has a dark side tied to wars and Communism. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Prague has become the 6th most visited European city. I can see why! It is truly stunning and there is no limit to what you can find to do. If culture is your thing, this city hosts museums and musical events galore. If food is your thing, you can find traditional Czech to the latest trends in every other cuisine. Then there’s shopping, nightlife and the great outdoors. Although there is so much of Prague to explore, it’s a great ‘One Day Stay’ destination if you are pairing it with a taste of Europe’s other great Hapsburg capitals – Vienna and Budapest.

DROP YOUR BAG

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I’ve written about the unique and gorgeous Four Season Prague before but I haven’t actually stayed as a lucky guest. So, you can imagine how happy I was to actually rest my head here and in my favorite style room in the Renaissance House! With just over 160 rooms held within 3 different historical structures, Four Seasons Prague kind of felt like returning home. You see, the staff were so gracious during my fall visit that we were all happy to be reunited once again this summer. Of course the hotel was everything I could imagine and more. Sleeping like a princess underneath a crystal chandelier and a soaking tub with jetlag salts waiting for me in the bathroom. Who wouldn’t be happy? Totally LOLA APPROVED! Only steps away from the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and with views of the Prague Castle across the Vltava River, Four Seasons Prague was perfectly situated for me to get a quick dose of the best Prague has to offer.

DO

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This visit to Prague I took a walking tour to the Hradcany district across the river from Old Town where you can find Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. I wandered up to the city wall and through the less well-known area called the “new world” where many writers and artists have lived over the years. As you move toward the river you will find the neighborhood Mala Strana whose cobblestone streets are so charming. This quiet neighborhood is home to many embassies and is said to be the most exclusive area of Prague. Even just crossing the Charles Bridge was magical in the summertime.

DRINK

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Post walking tour it was time to taste what Prague is so well-known for – BEER! Friends who live there suggested meeting in Letna Park – the biggest park in the center of Prague. You will also find great beer gardens there and a spectacular view of Prague. I loved watching the setting sun over the golden rooftops and people enjoying the summer evening.

DINE

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Back over in Mala Strana or Lesser Town, is where you will find the street named Maltezske namesti and definitely where you should head to dine. Filled with cute cafes and some of Prague’s best restaurants, here you’ll find a variety of places to eat. A few recommended spots are the French brasserie Cafe de Paris, Vino Deja Vu for a glass of local or international wine, and Cafe Lounge for a great cup of coffee.

A big THANK YOU to Four Seasons Prague for hosting my stay and treating me like a longtime friend. I’ve highly recommended Four Seasons Prague repeatedly and so you know I ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

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Filed under czech republic, one day stay, prague, swanky luxe stays, travel

a different kind of castle – Four Seasons Prague

a palatial complex of its very own unique kind!

it’s no secret that i like the royal treatment. i have princess tastes that’s for sure. thankfully Prague has a gorgeous castle so it was a perfect place to begin my month-long Eurotour in regal style. having said that, the Prague Castle wasn’t my favorite grand property – Four Seasons Prague was!

i had the pleasure of touring the gorgeous Four Seasons while visiting Prague. located in the historical Old Town, Four Seasons is situated along side the Vltava River with the famous Charles Bridge nearby. what i loved best about this property, besides its STUNNING views, was the unique marriage of four different style buildings, each from different eras, brought together to create one luxurious hotel.

how did they accomplish this you may be wondering? well, along with careful restoration & preservation of the different original details of the buildings, the property was tied altogether by a modern building.  the styles of the older buildings are neo-Renaissance, neo-Classical and Baroque and, of course, the newest structure has a modern feel so as to allow each of the other buildings to retain its individual personality. BRILLIANT!

“The important focus throughout was the integrity of the design that ultimately blended the architectural styles harmoniously to reflect the character and elegance of Prague’s Old Town.” says Rene Beauchamp, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Prague.

i’d say mission accomplished. during the tour, it was pointed out that this promise to have each structure reflect its own persona offers visitors the option of choosing between a Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical or contemporary stay. i love this unique approach & its one that ensures this property will offer a special & memorable experience for its guests. perhaps one would be lucky enough to try each style on separate luxury holidays.

now a bit about these different styled buildings

The Neo-Renaissance House

built in 1883, the neo-Renaissance building has a richly embellished facade that was restored, including the grand entry foyer with its frescoed ceilings.

The Neo-Classical House

dating back to 1827, the neo-Classical building has many original features such as windows & fixtures.

The Baroque House

the oldest house of the complex was built in 1737 in the Baroque style. many architectural features were preserved & restored, including stone architraves and masonry vaults, wooden doors and hand-forged ironwork.

The Modern House

of course built in the 21st century, this structure’s interiors reflect the modern-day traveler with a more sleek look.

is this property lola approved? ABSOLUTELY!! Four Seasons Prague definitely accomplishes giving its guests the best of modern-day conveniences & comforts while retaining the city’s rich history all in one place. i liked the balance of old & new. even the interior decorating achieves this concept. as i’ve said before, i love the idea of keeping the old alive but breathing new life into it. my favorite style of the four houses was the Renaissance. here’s hoping this princess returns again soon to Prague & as a guest of the Four Seasons there!

 

 

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Filed under czech republic, prague, swanky luxe stays, travel