Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and Apartments

We just returned from 3 nights in Prague and 2 in Paris. There were 4 couples travelling together, so anywhere we went had the possibility of not pleasing all of us. The Alchymist left us all in awe.

We are pretty much 4* and 5* travelers. The Alchmyst is somewhere between the two. In service it is a 5*. Built in 1517, the rooms, spa and restaurant are outstanding. While expensive by Prague standards, by NY or Paris pricing this place is a steal.

As to its quiet location, you are about 3 blocks from the Charles bridge one way and about 3 or so blocks from the Prague castle the other way. We walked almost everywhere, and when coming back at night we had no concern for safety. Plus the Alchmyst is next door to the American Embassy, so there are always police quietly nearby.

The breakfast (included) was as fine as you\'ll find in a European hotel. I wish hotels in the US would adopt the European Hotel breakfast standard. For dinner Aquarius is considered one of the top rooms in Prague. They also have a sister restaurant a few blocks away, the Alchymist Club. Very very good, another top room. Hard to find, make sure you have good directions, the desk will do that for you.

Unrelated to Alchymist is the restaurant David, immediately next door to Alchymist. You got it, another top room! (Top rooms as rated by Zagats, by the way, not just my opinion.)

Just down the street is a pub St. Nicholas owned by an American expat, Kevin. Live music Th and Sundays, outstanding pizza, and of course, beer. The pub is underground in a beautiful cave-like space. Great feel, very very reasonable and just a few stumbles from the hotel.

Truthfully, while 3 days in Prague to tour is pretty good, we raced off to Paris thinking we could have spent another night or two just to enjoy more of the Alchmyst. Only one couple used the spa, they raved about the massages and the rest of us regretted not getting one.

So, an unequivocal two thumbs way up for a beautiful hotel that totally gets it right.

Situated in a quiet backwater yet close to the famous Charles Bridge and Castle, the Alchymist is all (and more) that it professes to be. The decor with murals and ceiling friezes together with the high quality furnishings reflect the flare and dedication of the italian owner. The staff give impecable though discreet service and the food would not be out of place in a Michelin Star Restaurant. With a superb indoor pool and spa, the Alchymist is an oasis of perfection. A most delightful experience.

Anthony & Sandra Peel, England

I had picked the Alchymist for our 3 day stay as part of our Honeymoon.
I had booked the honeymoon package including the Balinese Massage for two in their Ecsotica Spa and a dinner in the Aquarius Restaurant. At the airport we had a very nice guy with our name waiting to take us in a superb Rolls Royce Silver Cloud to the hotel. Tip: if you really want to impress your wife/girlfriend book this car and everybody on the way to the hotel will take a picture of you! The entrance of the hotel is simply amazing with a charming courtyard full of flowers and every other part of the Hotel is extraordinarily decorated with old paintings and baroque statues. We entered our junior suite to the sight of fresh flowers, chocolates box and fresh fruit basket. Room was amazing, view looked over a cozy garden. Everything was just as it looked in the pictures on the Internet. I had read mixed reports about the breakfast, but our experience was superb with everything from scrambled eggs, cold meats through to smoked salmon and home made cakes. We were very lucky with the weather, so we had our dinner in the courtyard, where a couple of musicians were playing Brazilian melodies. Food was great, service a little slow. We met up with a couple from France, who invited us for a bottle of Champagne into their room that had a large terrace on a small cobblestone street. The wooden ceiling of their suite was richly painted with old emblems and their bathroom was amazing. I didn’t ask for their rate, but I guess it was quite expensive. We were anyway very happy to come back to our lovely smaller room. The second day started with some noise coming from the garden where they are still working at their Ball Room. They told us later that it will be ready in October. It was not a big deal. In the afternoon we tried the Balinese massage in their Spa and we were impressed by the décor, with original carved wooden doors and statues from Indonesia. A small bridge above an open aquarium takes you to the massage parlors. In the Health Club there is a nice swimming pool. They have also saunas divided for men and women and Turkish Bath. The hotel is perfectly positioned just at the side of Nerudova Street, few minutes from Hradchany ( the Castle ) and Charles Bridge. Nice touches with the hotel are the free hotel slippers and home made chocolate pralines every night. We would not normally stay in such a plush hotel, so to us it was quite amazing, but apart from the inconvenience of their construction site, I could not find fault in the place. I would strongly recommend the Alchymist to romantic couples and people who love art, but discourage everybody with small children. VINCENZO SOLERI