LABYRINTHINE ART-NOVEAU CHARM
LOCATION
When rebuilding Art-Noveau buildings scattered across Prague, architects must adhere to strict regulations, as the facades of the buildings are protected as cultural heritage. How to introduce modernity whilst respecting traditional architecture and paying homage to local designers? Radisson Blu found its answer on Źitna Street, a ten-minute walk from the city centre, close to one of the most popular districts in Prague. The street was named after the Czech word for rye because of the once-abundant rye fields. The street was once the home of composer Antonín Dvořák. It is a few steps away from Charles Square, one of the largest squares in Europe. The hotel, its facade luckily untouched by modernist interventions, seeps in with the neighbouring buildings, making its incognito entrance a well-kept secret. Despite this, the hotel is visited by numerous guests from around the world who praise the hotel’s location, close enough to the centre yet far away enough for a good sleep without the hum and rattle of the tram. A beloved brewery once operated here. The layout of the four original buildings, the central dating to 1928, remained predominantly unchanged and is, consequently, still labyrinthine to navigate. Yet, the location and story overshadow the design of many modernist hotels.
ACCESSIBILITY
Radisson Blu Prague is a twenty-five-minute drive from Prague Airport. The airport is excellently connected to the rest of the world, now serving over 170 destinations. The overseas market has rebounded after COVID-19, becoming one of the city’s crucial target markets. With the newly added Uber and Bolt, taxis are a safe and affordable choice. Prague’s excellent public transport is ideal for getting around town; you can use the tram, metro or bus to reach the city centre and other districts. Train connections from Prague’s central train station are great, too. You can reach Berlin in less than five hours. Guests arriving by car may find themselves in a predicament, considering parking is hard to come across in the city centre. Still, traffic runs smoothly, and most drivers will adjust to the traffic flow without a problem. Prague plans to make parts of the city centre pedestrian-only. That would improve the quality of life for locals, although cyclists still seem neglected. The cobblestone streets are not the perfect surface for cycling. Notwithstanding, Prague enjoys excellent connections and a favourable geographical location in the heart of Central Europe.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Undergoing a strict renovation in 2019, Radisson Blu retained much of the Art-Noveau elements from the original building constructed in 1898. The central building was designed by distinguished Prague-born architect and engineer Jaroslav Polivka. After migrating to the USA on the eve of the Second World War, he established himself as an excellent structural engineer. His life works include the static design of the illustrious Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Butterfly Bridge in San Francisco. The marvellous stucco details and the incognito facade exude elegance from the turn of the century. Guests can still admire the original welcoming sign salve (Latin for welcome) on the floor. The building was the residence of numerous local artists and painters. In the lobby, the architects decided to go for a stylish, bright interior that goes well with the pleasantly-dimmed restaurant just opposite the reception. Gold-coated poles adore the top of the walls, adding prestige to the typically minimalist Radisson reception. The bar is tucked away in a corner that overlooks the street but appears stylishly cosy and inviting. Curious onlookers who pass can admire the hotel lounge, designed exclusively for hotel guests seeking secludedness and peace. The hotel restaurant is the heart and soul of Radisson Blu Prague. Doubling as a dinner restaurant by night and breakfast-cum-lunch-area by day, the grey chairs ooze comfort and quality. The tables feature a chic black-and-white style. The design managed to preserve the authentic look of the building and gold elements. The staircase, should guests use it, will remind them of an era of splendour.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
Warm and hospitable staff members are a trademark of this hotel, and you will undoubtedly feel at home here. Most of them seem proud to work in a hotel with a historical pedigree, although the hotel is not alone in this respect. One of the hotel’s greatest advantages is the restaurant. Not only is it a great meeting space, but it also serves superb Czech cuisine. The breakfast also includes local delicacies that change daily, including cured sausage and marinated cheese. Most guests will drink mediocre coffee from the Nespresso machine, but those in the know can order one from the friendly staff behind the counter. The hotel also works with local suppliers, thus working to connect the community and offer fresh and seasonal dishes. We recommend the management consider show-cooking that would bring a grin to the faces of otherwise bored guests. One of the advantages of the restaurant is the in-house catering. Event attendees can thus go from the meeting hall to the restaurant or enjoy the cuisine in the elegant foyer.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The spacious room we stayed in featured elegant grey and ocean-blue hues. The classic Radisson look is elevated by a panoramic artwork of Prague, copper lights and a small terrace. Dark wooden flooring and furniture pair beautifully with a grey carpet and a stylish golden-brown-coloured lounger. The bathroom is eye-catching thanks to its elegant pastel tiles and the brand’s signature quality cosmetics. A spacious bed ensures excellent sleep, while the work desk with a black faux marble top proved superb for remote work. The rooms in this hotel are ideal even for prolonged stays, providing all the amenities a modern traveller requires. A hairsplitting remark concerns the views from the rooms, as most face the unappealing inner courtyard. Given the fierce competition from other hotels, the hotel would need to emphasise its incredible views from the rooftop terrace more.
Meetings centre
As a testament to its meeting potential, the hotel hosted its largest-ever conference for 130 guests just before we visited. The eight meeting rooms are modern and connected to a spacious foyer that leads to the hotel restaurant. With in-house catering, the hotel can provide a seamless experience for attendees as they can go from a conference to dinner in the restaurant without even noticing. Event organisers will be happy to learn that the rooftop terrace will be available for events soon.
DESSERT – The extras
The hotel’s fitness is ideal for active business guests. Together with the unique rooftop bar, this hotel offers the perfect additional services for event attendees. The hotel also cooperates with local DMCs to provide extra experiences for their guests.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The hotel should connect the bar with the street and the local residents. If stylish, the bar does seem somewhat alienated from the locals. There is space for improvement in this respect.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The hotel’s approach to cultivating heritage is not unique in Prague, yet its attention to detail is praiseworthy. We enjoyed the original, separate entrance. Although not open to guests, they can see the time capsule behind the closed glass doors.
SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
Radisson Blu hotel chain has been perpetually improving its sustainable initiatives. The hotel in Prague is Hotel Sustainability Basics verified according to the chain’s sustainability system. The cuisine aims at connecting local suppliers and using fresh produce. They also measure the carbon footprint, which is praiseworthy. All in all, Radisson Blu Prague seems serious about its green endeavours.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Radisson Blu Prague offers affordable luxury at a great price. Its location, just outside the city centre, is perfect for exploring the lesser known districts of Prague, but close enough to see the landmarks. Art-Nouveau elements, such as the high ceilings or the golden details do not appear eclectic or generic, making it a convincing choice for business guests. The room price is affordable in the off-season, although double the price in the high season. Still, compared to similar city meeting hotels in Prague, this hotel offers excellent value for money. We recommend the hotel stays true to its essence, offering quality meeting spaces and well-designed rooms that put the guests first. In Prague’s competitive hotel market, it takes something extra to be on top. We believe Radisson Blu has the answer with its rooftop and multifunctional restaurant.
FINAL GRADE: 4.84 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐City Meeting Hotel
3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60
