W and Prague: a match made in heaven
Urban friends of all kinds, Czech Republic awaits you. Behold, the trendiest capital for all Cloud, city and scooters gurus looking for a change of scene: Prague. Their beloved hotel company, W, just opened a new spot there.
At 25 Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square), at the heart of the capital city (1.4 million of inhabitants), the frontage looks good. It radiates all the Austro-Hungarian presence of the empire that, during the 19th and 20th centuries, covered central Europe in gold and glory. Since 1905, this legendary façade, an Art Nouveau treasure, had covered the Grand Hotel Europa.
Today, once renovated with the latest hotel standards, it rises again through 5 floors, 161 guest rooms including 23 suites, several bars (Minus One, Bisou) – already renowned among fans of cocktails, intimate secrets and pretty figures – a gorgeous old-style lounge (dark paneling, mirrors, velvets and coppers), a swimming pool, a spa and even a rooftop for night crawlers to enjoy.
Designer lights
All the magic of this W hotel relies on the perfect blend between daytime hotel pleasures and respect of the historical house style. On the one hand, ubiquitous Wi-Fi, remarkable designer lights, gorgeous wooden furniture and high-flying modern paintings.
On the other hand, smooth and shiny paneling, fine leathers, mirror effects, immaculate marble and designer wall hangings charmingly adorn all the common spaces. As the centerpiece, a spectacular central staircase that spirals on 5 different floors. An Empire-style signature that invites you to grab onto the bannister, ignoring the elevators nearby.
Get that cardio up
The W community care for their weight as much as their screen-time. They love this little cardio session, perfect for abs and gluteal. But careful, don’t you dare preen around! Man-buns and patched, baggy jeans make no waves, but neon leggings and shouting are frowned upon. Everybody speaks English, with as much humility as an entrepreneur who just conquered the Californian market.
A foot in each camp: gold or cryptos?
Let’s be real: merging imperial class and Gen Z chic was a great idea. Mixing gold and cryptos, strict academia and pixel acrobatics, Bohemian crystals and totem tattoos is a success.
Sprinkle atop W’s renowned hotel comfort – with 70 establishments around the globe, it remains yet a mere sample of the 9,000 hospitality spots owned by Marriott International. The guest rooms, yet modestly sized, follow so-called “American” standards. They feature king-sized beds, body massage oil samples, bottles of wine (beer and whisky as well), a Nespresso coffee machine and a portable screen charger.
Cream moustache
This time cocoon encourages you to visit the Czech capital you can feel buzzing all around. The W hotel faces Wenceslas Square and the avenue that spreads until the Vlatva river. Its finely crafted bridges delightfully adorn Praguer postcards.
Coffee houses, fashion and luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries. It is the perfect place to stroll around – glancing at passers-by and being glanced at. Flirting, improvising a little concert, rolling around on a self-service scooter or relishing on the short black coffee served with the whipped cream pastries (rakvičkas)… Don’t you dare wipe off your cream moustache when taking a selfie!
Let’s talk about Mozart
The next stop is: Charles Bridge, spanning the Vlatva River. Forget about Google Maps and let your own carefreeness and inspiration lead you there. Prague is a quiet city. It has few traffic jam and many relaxed pedestrian zones, with terraces. You can watch people walk by, while sipping on a pint. People talk about Mozart, about the hundred spires of the city, about Kafka – obviously –, about the Jewish town, about Jan Palach – maybe –, about the castle up the hill, about the dusty shelves of antique dealers, about communist ideals lost behind the German saloons’ radiators… Such an ideal breeding ground for tomorrow’s Europe. Holding tight on its history, it announces a brighter future. W is coming on the trip.
W Prague, about €350 the night for a double bedroom, breakfast not included. Pets are welcome.
Tel.: 00 420 296 231 000 and www.wprague.com
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