HIDDEN GUEST: Augustine Hotel Prague

Imagine spending the night a stone’s throw away from Augustinian friars, who benevolently agreed to share a part of their monastery with tourists. The friars themselves take excellent care of a well-stocked, well-preserved library and lush gardens. All this can be experienced smack in the centre of Prague, in one of the most extraordinary hotels many would dub dispersed. Augustine Hotel Prague comprises seven facilities, through which you pass as if in a labyrinth.

It oozes the impression of an oasis in a metropolis.

It is set in Malá Strana, one of the city’s most scenic districts, nestled between the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, which towers over the city. Narrow cobblestone streets, baroque facades and sweeping views of the castle hill foster a setting that feels as monumental as it does intimate. Despite the phenomenal central location, silence permeates the air, rare in these touristy waters of Prague. All main landmarks are accessible on foot, including the Vltava River, historical churches, galleries, and boutique cafes. Augustine couples the best of both worlds: perfectly tucked away in the city centre, yet safely embraced by the serenity of the former monastery. It oozes the impression of an oasis in a metropolis. Indeed, the location is extraordinary and unmatched.

a gateway to exploring the Czech capital, with no need for transport and no rush.

Access to the Augustine Hotel Prague from Václav Havel Airport is straightforward and effective. The taxi or car ride takes from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. On request, the hotel also organises private transfers, a convenient option for guests who wish to arrive in the historical Malá Strana district seamlessly. The public transport is excellent, too. The nearby Malostranská station provides easy connections to the metro and tram services. Some tram lines also pass by the hotel, which might result in a distant hum reaching the hotel rooms. Still, the tranquillity in the hotel remains unperturbed. Should you arrive at the hotel by car, expect to find parking only if you book it in advance. The parking area also includes electric charging stations for EVs. In the historic part of town, that is a significant advantage. Above all, the location is tailor-made for guests who prefer walking and cycling to driving. Sauntering to the Charles Bridge or ascending the Prague Castle are virtually part of the morning routine here. The cycling paths along the Vltava River provide one of the most spectacular urban backdrops in Europe. Even running along the river or up the castle hill is commonplace here. Augustine is thus not only a hotel in the heart of Prague but also a gateway to exploring the Czech capital, with no need for transport and no rush.

The meticulous renovation carefully pieced together the fragments of the historical property – original arched walls, stone corridors and baroque frescos – and paired them with minimalist lines, prestigious materials and interior pieces.

Augustine is a one-off hotel comprising a complex of seven historical buildings dating back to the 13th century. One of these buildings is an active Augustinian monastery. The meticulous renovation carefully pieced together the fragments of the historical property – original arched walls, stone corridors and baroque frescos – and paired them with minimalist lines, prestigious materials and interior pieces. British designer Olga Polizzi incorporated local designer elements into her work, including Cubism-inspired chairs and modern textile details that exude subtle French elegance. The bars, and, above all, the common areas, are not only functional but carefully thought out and Gothically refined. It seems as if every corner of the hotel tells a story from past centuries, when the rooms were dedicated to prayer and now form part of the luxury hospitality experience. Thanks to its unique design, Augustine retains the spirit of the past, while offering all the modern amenities expected from demanding international guests. Augustine is where history is not showcased like in a museum. Here, the past whispers silently through the stone corridors and intimate luxury.

The beer, carefully brewed according to the monastery’s centuries-old recipe, is integral to the experience.

As soon as you set foot in the hotel, you will recognise professional, discreet, and warm service. The staff works like a well-oiled machine, offering ample insights into the city’s secrets and peculiarities while being extremely hospitable, from the reception desk to the restaurant tables. At Augustine Restaurant, you can expect dishes that draw inspiration from traditional Czech flavours, yet adapt to international tastes and are served in a modern way. The often-revered breakfast is rich, fresh and thoughtful – expect baked goods, a selection of local cheeses, and egg classics that pair well with local ingredients and staples. Here, the cuisine is more than filling; it portrays a story of Prague through flavours – from locally-produced ingredients to wines recommended by top sommeliers. Beyond the main Augustine Restaurant, the hotel offers pleasant wine and beer corners in the baroque-designed rooms. The beer, carefully brewed according to the monastery’s centuries-old recipe, is integral to the experience. Guests have emphasised that the staff always arrive with a smile and offer recommendations that enrich every dish. We cannot agree more.

Hotel rooms

The attic room seems straight from a Prague fairytale. Exceptionally inviting, warm and decked out in stunning decor, it offers the perfect haven for relaxed stays. It was designed in a classic style, featuring darkwood furniture, a spacious work desk and warm beige tones dominating the walls. This style oozes elegance and the sense of a home away from home. The centrepiece of the room is the sizable, utterly comfortable bed with excellent bed linen. Once you open the bathroom doors, a surprisingly spacious room is revealed, with all the amenities a guest could wish for in a hotel bathroom. The retro bathtub beckons guests to pamper themselves, while the marble floor tiles and peerless floor heating add a touch of prestige. We were equally awed by the superb shower. Unlike in many other hotels with textile flooring, the carpet in this room was of supreme quality, adding warmth. The eye-catching sketches of chairs and unique illumination breathe life into the space. The domes and spires of Prague seen through the roof windows seem incredibly romantic. It is not hard to imagine staying for several nights in this cosy attic nest.

Meetings centre

Augustine Hotel Prague boasts several conference rooms where the historical architecture in a former monastery meets modern technology. The rooms range from intimate saloons to larger halls with arched ceilings and stone elements, making any event here unmistakable. Augustine features five halls for meetings and events, totalling 351 square metres. Its largest hall can accommodate up to 180 attendees. The Monastic Room is the flagship, an impressive hall with monumental arches ideal for conferences, presentations or evening receptions. The Jophiel, Michael, Rafael and Gabriel halls are brighter saloons flooded by daylight, better suited for smaller meetings and workshops. Finally, the Sundial Garden and interior courtyards offer a beguiling ambience for receptions or outdoor cocktail parties. At the Augustine Hotel Prague, business events eclipse the norm, taking place in spaces where history quietly lingers.

DESSERT – The extras

The spa within the Augustine hotel is not a large-scale resort spa, but an intimate, peaceful sanctuary. It is set in the historical part of the complex, where the stone arches foster an almost meditative atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a sauna, steam room, and boutique gym, and choose from a range of massages and healing treatments. The spa allows guests to unwind after a day of wandering the city or conducting business meetings. We call this silent regeneration behind the embrace of centuries-old walls.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

The complex’s historic design means the layout of the halls and buildings can be somewhat unclear, with multiple passageways between areas. Guests who prefer a more linear, contemporary hotel structure might find the orientation a problem at first. The wellness, though elegant, is limited in space and lacks a pool many guests would expect in a hotel of this calibre. The ambience is particularly toned down. Those seeking vibrant urban dynamics or a trendy lifestyle hotel may need to look elsewhere.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The hotel’s trump card is the unique combination of an active monastery and luxury hospitality. Its ambience is not artificially created; it is authentic and historical, permeated with a sense of continuity. Silence in the city centre is of a rare sort. That is one of the reasons the hotel offers exclusive privacy.

Augustine is a far cry from the generic DESIGN of MOST hotel chains.

The architectural details, arches, courtyards and views of the Prague Castle create an unmatched setting. The bar, revolving around the story of the monastic beer, brings local tradition closer to the guests. Augustine is a far cry from the generic design of most hotel chains. It is a place to visit in and of itself.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

Sustainability at the Augustine Hotel Prague stems from respect for the historical area in which it operates. The hotel was built on the site of a 13th-century Augustinian monastery. During the renovation, the architects preserved the original elements and repurposed the facilities rather than erecting a completely new hotel. This approach is a best practice case in sustainably preserving cultural heritage and reducing environmental impact. The hotel’s gastronomy follows the sustainable principles of The Luxury Collection hotels. In cooperation with the MAD Academy, they have developed practices that encourage the use of seasonal and locally produced ingredients, reduce waste, and promote a more responsible approach to food preparation. The cuisine thus focuses on carefully using only regional and local ingredients. Ultimately, the atmosphere of the monastic complex contributes to the sustainable experience itself: the peaceful courtyards, gardens, and thick stone walls foster a pleasant, serene environment that reduces the need for technological innovations. At Augustine Hotel Prague, sustainability is not merely a trend but a modus operandi that respects the surrounding buildings, history, and local environment.

CREATIVITY

Augustine Hotel Prague’s creativity emanates from its clever interplay between historical and modern design. The 13th-century monastery was revamped with meticulous attention to heritage. The stone corridors, frescoes and arches peacefully coexist with the minimalist interior conceived by Olga Polizzi. Adding a special flair to the property is St. Thomas Brewery Bar, where the story of the monastic beer bridges the hotel experience with the local brewmaking tradition. Augustine draws on its past for inspiration but refines it into a modern hotel experience.

The investors behind the Augustine Hotel Prague embarked on a path rarely trodden in the hospitality industry. Instead of building anew, they opted for a meticulous renovation of a historical monastery complex. The renovation was carried out with utmost respect for the cultural and architectural heritage, making the rooms and facilities seem timeless and convincing. After a few years since its inauguration, the hotel appears even more appealing than when it opened, as if the story has only become more beguiling. The hotel’s greatest asset is the fact that guests stay in a luxury property that adjoins a still-active monastery.

Stone arches, verdant interior courtyards and views of Prague Castle create an inimitable ambience.

Augustine’s ambience is not fabricated. On the contrary, the ambience is genuine, historical and imbued with a sense of continuity. The surprising silence, despite its location in Malá Strana, helps guests experience a sense of monastic seclusion. Stone arches, verdant interior courtyards and views of Prague Castle create an inimitable ambience. Another standout feature is the St. Thomas Brewery Bar, where the story of the monastic beer subtly connects the hotel with local tradition. Augustine is thus not a typical hotel of an international hotel chain, but one of the most original hotels in Prague: a property with a distinct identity where history, design, and contemporary luxury merge into a holistic entity. Not least, the hotel doubles as an exceptional event venue. The monastic ambience, courtyards, and historical event halls create an inviting environment where business or social events have a unique atmosphere and ooze prestige and discretion. Augustine is not only a hotel, but one of the most remarkable historical event venues in Prague.

FINAL GRADE: 4.94 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Resort 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