CZECH REPUBLIC | W Hotels will officially debut its first hotel in the Czech Republic with the anticipated opening of W Prague.
W Hotels has announced the highly anticipated unveiling of W Prague, marking the brand's entry into the Czech Republic and the start of a new chapter for the former Grand Hotel Evropa, a renowned Art Nouveau-style property.
With the brand's signature, distinct approach to luxury, W Prague joins newly unveiled and celebrated European gems such as W Rome and W Budapest, redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality. The hotel blends Prague's heritage-filled legacy with contemporary touches through a trifecta of distinct design, elevated service, and dynamic culinary offerings and experiences, making W Prague the new social soul of the city.
Located on Wenceslas Square, W Prague revitalises the former and famed hotel, once a witness to many historical moments and a pioneer of innovation in the 1900s. With its forward-thinking design and progressive spirit, the hotel now presents a modern and sophisticated setting for the next generation of luxury travellers. The hotel offers 161 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites, including the WOW Bohemia Duplex, the signature W Lounge, and the Above Rooftop bar with sweeping cityscape views, all influenced by the city's storied history and culture.
"As we debut W Prague, we're not just opening a new hotel – we are breathing new life into one of the city's most iconic landmarks," said George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels.
"W Prague fuses the enchanted history of the storied destination with bold, visionary design, creating an experience that both honours the city's deep cultural legacy and embraces its vibrant, modern energy. This opening is a further representation of W Hotels' momentum in Europe and beyond, setting a fresh standard for what luxury can mean in the heart of such a beloved city."
Internationally acclaimed architects Benoy and award-winning global design firm AvroKO's London Studio, in collaboration with local designer Chapman Taylor, have reimagined one of the city's most iconic landmarks, drawing inspiration from Prague's cultural richness and the building's Art Nouveau roots. The colour palate utilises the original tones of the protected heritage building, including natural, earthy hues of yellow, beige, terracotta, dark grey, and a unique green for the stucco decorations. In conjunction with the meticulous restoration, a new chapter has been created with the addition of a nine-story contemporary elliptical-shaped wing, designed by architectural studio DAM.
Further inspiration came from the magical concept of the 'Elixir', symbolising a blend of tradition and innovation, nature and industry, and reality and fantasy. With Prague often referred to as the 'City of Gold', this golden elixir theme is woven throughout the design, from the enchanting façade to the inviting communal areas through to the W Hotels totem, guiding guests between the heritage building and contemporary wing. Adding to this transformative experience is the 'Fantastical Garden', inspired by the dreamlike art of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. The design incorporates whimsical and escapist elements through both wings, inviting guests on a journey of discovery and wonder. Connecting the heritage building and new wing, the corridor is draped with a unique 'Fantastical Garden' faux embroidery by London-based Studio Adam Ellis, inspired by elements of a magical garden. Guests are transported through the visually stunning passage by a variety of flora and fauna embellishments, including tall grasses, weaving botanicals, hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies enhanced by floral chandeliers created by Preciosa Lighting.
Encapsulating the hotel's vision of both tradition and modernity, the hotel's 161 distinctive guestrooms, including 23 suites, feature striking colours and reflective textures, creating a refined ambience. The E-WOW Suite on the eighth floor echoes the architecture of the new building whilst embracing Art Nouveau styles, partitioning the room for guests to recharge, entertain, and work. The WOW Bohemia Duplex in the heritage building features restored beams and decorative arch windows, finished in a deep grenache colour palette. An oversized curtain lends a theatrical air that accentuates the suite's double-height ceilings while creating a sanctuary on the upper floor. Skylights allow natural light into the restored loft-like space, and plaster-finished walls hark back to the building's illustrious legacy.
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