Prague, Czech Republic René Beauchamp seems a bit preoccupied by
water. When I first spotted the Four Seasons Prague’s dapper
general manager he was phoning the in-house florist. Apparently,
one of the lobby’s dramatic floral arrangements appeared a tad
murky. But that problem was a drop in the bucket compared to August
2002, when the adjacent River Vltava flooded the city and damaged
the hotel’s underground floors, forcing it to close for 10 months.
Last June, the 161-room Four Seasons Prague reopened, having
steadfastly weathered the floods.
A modern structure links the three historic buildings
harmoniously. The Baroque building has withstood the river’s fury
since 1737. The adjacent neo-Classical House was built in 1827
while the neo-Renaissance House dates back to 1883.
Sculptures and paintings by noted Czech artists decorate the
public areas and rooms, reflecting Prague’s reputation as a
cutting-edge cultural destination.
“There’s something special about the beauty of Prague,”
Beauchamp says. “Everything you see is a pleasure.”
Prague Castle, a 16th century complex of palaces, church spires
and towers poses atop a hill across the river from the Four
Seasons. When illuminated at night, it’s an awe-inspiring sight.
Naturally, the hotel’s rooms with views of the river and castle are
most popular.
“We sell from the top down,” says Andrew Farnfield, director of
sales and marketing. “The most expensive rooms go first.”
There are 20 suites, and the castle serves as a constant
backdrop in the prime-view rooms and suites furnished in a style
Farnfield calls “timeless interior design.”
The coral brown and emerald green color scheme is soothing and
sophisticated; the furnishings are contemporary and comfy. The bed
faces the views; many rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows.
The property has a variety of room styles, starting with the
standard room and moving up to the largest, the corner-positioned
Renaissance Deluxe Rooms, and the Premier Rooms, which feature
views of the castle and the Charles Bridge. There are six suite
categories.
All rooms feature wool blankets with duvets available on
request, down pillows (non-allergenic foam is available), a
hair-dryer, terrycloth bathrobes, an alarm clock and a safe. There
is twice-daily housekeeping service.
The deep bathtubs are pure bliss, as are the verbena scented
L’Occitane toiletries. The marble bathrooms have separate showers
and toilets in private alcoves. The cotton towels are
oversized.
Full mini-bars contain Godiva chocolates and Pilsner Urquell,
the Czech Republic’s most famous beer.
According to Farnfield, the hotel was originally designed for
business travelers, although the property offers many leisure
packages as well.
All rooms have high-speed Internet access, large desks and safes
big enough to hold laptop computers.
The music of Prague’s native-born composer Antonin Dvorak, or
Grammy-winner Norah Jones, are available on CD for the in-room CD
players. Suites also are equipped with DVD players and fax
machines.
Guests who book their accommodations for the night before
arriving on an early flight receive complimentary continental
breakfast on a linen-covered table in their rooms.
Coffee and tea are served in the lobby for those who arise
before the restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. Room service is
astonishingly prompt. Should you awaken at 4 a.m. with your body in
jet-lag confusion, a call for coffee brings rapid results.
Sightseeing in Prague involves serious walking on uneven
cobblestone streets enough exercise for most tourists. But the Four
Seasons has a very well equipped health club with cardio equipment
and free weights, saunas, and treatment rooms for massages sure to
ease out the kinks from long flights.
The hotel has an upscale dining room, the Allegro Restaurant,
from which diners overlook the river and can see the Prague Castle
from windows or the terrace. The relaxed Allegro Bar features piano
entertainment.
The Four Seasons is also within walking distance of the historic
city center with shopping, restaurants, sights and nightlife.