Ten-foot glass doors part silently, granting access to a minimalist white lobby. A pyramid of green apples graces the glossy black reception desk, where two clerks speak to guests in the high-ceilinged room: one in perfect English, the other in perfect German. Behind another glass partition, a bar stands fully stocked with pastries and an array of libations. Geometric red chairs cluster around small black tables. Is this swank hotel located in London? No, too spacious. Berlin? No, too relaxed. The Death Star? No Storm Troopers. Can’t guess? It’s Prague, the leader of Eastern Europe’s tourist Renaissance, and the ultra-modern yet seriously sweet Hotel Maximilian.
Don’t assume those sharp angles and glass walls translate to a chilly atmosphere, for the Maximilian has many friendly touches that feel like home. The Honesty Bar, off the lobby, is the perfect spot to down a drink after a long day of trudging up and down the castle hill and hauling that crystal decanter you brought from place to place. Pouring your own G&T and pulling a snack from the fridge feels like raiding your host’s kitchen – just don’t forget to write everything down on the charge list (thus, the “Honesty” Bar). Speaking of trudging, if your toes need pampering, try a foot massage at the Thai massage center on the ground floor of the hotel.
The Maximilian sits just outside the main tourist area of Prague, an easy walk to the astronomical clock and a quick tram ride to the famous castle. Also, the hotel runs its own car service, and will send a driver to meet your train or plane at a cheaper and more reliable rate than a taxi. A range of cuisine, from traditional Czech to Thai to a bagel bakery, is less than two blocks away, along with a friendly shopping area that includes an English-language bookstore. Best of all, the hotel staff is helpful, multilingual and willing to point you in the right direction. For more information, including rates and specials, go to www.maximilianhotel.com.
Story By Blythe Butler