Design hotels in Prague: where ancient meets modern chic

An interior fan’s dream, the Emblem Hotel lays claim to an eclectic array of design talent, with local artists and creatives often staying in exchange for their work. This place is an absolute design haven, think custom built copper lamps by architect Andrew Clancy by your bedside, textured fabric wallpaper by French design house Elitis adorning the walls, and genuine Chesterfield sofas by Brit brand Fleming & Howland in the hotel’s M Lounge. There is even a collection of Tom Dixon copper lampshades hanging from the lounge ceiling.

Thrown into this design masterclass are quirky touches (there’s a bedroom with a hidden door behind a bookcase) and modern luxuries such as a spa and a rooftop whirlpool.

The restaurant and bar go big on their flavours to match the design, it’s all about the very best prime beef, a stockpile of whisky and US bourbon, and must-try, pack a punch cocktails (don’t miss the coffee bean negroni).

An ancient building gets a contemporary lease of life at the Boho Hotel, one of the most refined design hotels in Prague. Set in the heart of Prague’s old town, the Boho Hotel’s aesthetic incorporates its Art Nouveau roots, with intricate design touches and the careful restoration of original features such as the terrazzo mosaic flooring and iron handrails on the staircase. A cool colour palette of grey, cream and muted neutrals gives the Boho Hotel its classy charm, with a chic bar and lounge area that just hits the spot after a long day of sightseeing around the city.

You can’t help but be bewitched into a state of relaxation at the hotel spa. Here you’ll find a black tiled jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room, all set in a golden, glowing space that just instantly soothes.

Don’t miss out on a wine tasting session in the restaurant at 5pm, and stay for dinner – you won’t regret an evening overlooking the courtyard followed by a cocktail in the bar (do ask about the jazz nights, they’re well worth staying in for).

Set in a building designed in the 1920s by avant-garde Czech architect Karel Teige, Hotel Maximilian is one of the more modest of Prague’s design hotels. The interior makes a statement with strong, dark colours and standout pieces such as oversized inky wood headboards, Philippe Starck bathroom fixtures and art on loan from the Museum of Decorative Arts.

A light-filled library come drawing room connects the two hotel structures, designed to echo the buildings’ art deco and modernist heritage. Here you’ll find Eileen Gray chairs where you can while away the hours with a book and a drink from the honesty bar.

It’s the quirky extras that make Hotel Maximilian stand out from the crowd – practice your local lingo with Czech language taster sessions, book the hotel goldfish to look after during your stay (he’s Maximilian’s lucky mascot!) or mix your cardio with some sightseeing on a morning tourist trail run.

In a city filled with grand ancient architecture and extravagant hotels, the retro Vintage Design Hotel Sax brings a slice of fun to the table. With a spirited colour palette and eclectic furniture, this Prague design hotel provides splashes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, doing it with playful attitude and an impressive collection of original pieces, from Eames chairs to vintage lamps.

The vibrant colour scheme here put me in mind of Austin Powers (although perhaps a little more refined and only if he was uber stylish); it’s the perfect place to wake up and start the day.

Every room is different but they all breath some life into your stay through features such as chintzy patterned wallpaper, bright bedding, retro lighting and colourful artwork.

The hotel sits along an old cobbled street, sandwiched between those famous, typically-Prague baroque buildings. Walking through the front door is a complete surprise, as you go from ancient Prague to a greeting of colour and old school style. Don’t leave without hanging out in the lounge area, where the talking point is definitely the hanging egg chair and the eclectic mix of music on the jukebox.

With award-winning design, you can expect the ultimate in contemporary cool from Hotel Josef. This Prague design hotel is a minimalist marvel, dreamt up by Czech architect Eva Jiřičná. Known for her love of steel and glass, Jiřičná’s style is epitomised by the hotel’s grand foyer staircase and the floor to ceiling windows that lead to the zen garden. This sophisticated feel permeates throughout the hotel, with a neutral colour palette providing a backdrop for statement oranges and reds in the bedrooms.

This cool gem is set amidst of one of the most exciting spots in Prague, surrounded by hipster cafes and bars, Czech design shops and some of the city’s most interesting sights. The staff always know where the latest hotspot is, and they’ll happily tell you about the most recent openings… you can even borrow a hotel scooter to explore for a few hours.

Don’t miss out on Hotel Josef’s on-site bakery, a must-stop for a pastry – they are made fresh every morning, they taste delightful and you can work them off with a day of sightseeing.

I was lucky to visit cool kid Mama Shelter in LA, and now it has brought its effortless, stylish vibe to Prague. Taking inspiration from the creative and diverse aspects of this city, it’s an eclectic artistic explosion, with a host of talking-point features and sublime design.

Mama Shelter has a homely and bohemian vibe, with relaxed interiors that are spiced up with eclectic one-offs – look out for the bedside lights, my room was decorated with a Stormtrooper head and Spiderman. These unique features are anchored with a mix of retro and urban furniture, creating an effortlessly cool place to hang out and relax.

Come home to Mama after a day spent exploring the city – the deep bathtubs are perfect for a soak, while the restaurant is all about the comfort food… make sure you try the ribs.

Cosy vintage blended with contemporary cool and only 16 rooms, Miss Sophie’s offers the Prague design hotel experience with a boutique hotel feel.

Found in an art nouveau building dating back to the 19th century, Miss Sophie’s interior style oozes echoes of its past but with chic contemporary touches, thanks to design by the Czech architect Olga Novotná. Mellow yellows and are mixed with dusty greys, while soft furnishings, house plants and vintage furniture give the hotel plenty of heart. Clever style touches are found in upcycled pieces; most bedrooms boast old wooden doors made into headboards.

Set in Prague’s new town, Miss Sophie’s is still only a five-minute walk from famed sights such as Wenceslas Square and the National Museum. It also boasts a cosy hotel spa equipped with a jacuzzi, sauna and chill-out zone. This small space is open for private sessions, which is the perfect way to finish off a day of city exploring.