HOTEL JOSEF: RATES / RESERVATION / DIRECTIONS
Address
Rybná 693/20, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Directions
Closest train station: Praha Hlavní Nádraží. A hotel transfer service from the airport is available on request.
Webpage
Rates
From €139,- (for a deluxe room) to 801,- EUR (Deluxe Suite)
Year of Establishment / latest renovation
June 2002
THE HOTEL
Opened in 2002 following the successful story of its sister hotel, the Maximilian, Hotel Josef is the second hotel belonging to Austrian brothers Rudolf and Christian Ploberger. Looking for new destinations to extend their growing hotel empire in the 1990s they discovered Prague with the help of an incredibly enthusiastic ‚fairy taxi driver‘, who filled with a love for the city drove them around pointing out highlights and teaching them about the city’s unique charm. By the end of the trip the new hotel destination was decided and the Maximilian opened in 1995, before a short wait to secure the land where Hotel Josef was constructed from scratch.
THE ROOMS
The 109 rooms at Hotel Josef are split between the pink and orange houses, two main buildings positioned either side of a Zen inspired courtyard which guests can enjoy dining in during summer time.The décor of the rooms is modern, stylish and muted with splashes of colour, ultimately geared towards comfort – the amazingly textured bed throws testimony to this.
THE CROWD AT HOTEL JOSEF
Hotel Josef is a temporary home for many different types of travellers, from young bohemians from Berlin and Vienna in search of the original bohemia to the more seasoned traveller on a business trip or weekend get away.
ART / DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE
A proud member of Design Hotels, Hotel Josef was designed by award winning Czech architect, Eva Jiricna. Holistically designed to provide tranquility and calm in its urban location, the modern, minimalist design which the hotel embraces is evident from first view even with the facade; sleek balconies adorned with smart sun roofs. Inside the interiors (also carefully selected by Jirinca) are based on a mainly neutral palette with splashes of detail, such as the delicate yet vibrant butterfly motif present in the lobby and the restaurant.
FOOD & DRINKS
Hotel Josef serves the perfect breakfast for any discerning traveller. With an excellent selection of fruit, yoghurts, bread, meats and all of the elements of a cooked breakfast, the restaurant is a great way to start your day. The breakfast buffet is complemented by a breakfast menu, with innovative changing daily specials such as a croissant with crispy bacon, cheese and cranberry jam. All of the patisseries are sourced locally from a French baker, adding to the list of temptations but for those staying on the straight and narrow there are also plenty of healthy options to choose from, and even a blender to make your own fabulous smoothies.
For those looking to indulge later on in the day, room service are happy to help, and there is also a cosy bar located in the lobby serving a range of drinks to help whet your appetite and help you relax and unwind for a great evening.
SPA & YOGA
The Orange House is home to a fitness centre and sauna for guests who want to devote a little more time to mind and body. The sauna comes complete with a relaxation area and balcony overlooking the courtyard, the logical place to come after a work out or just to unwind. Those who are into running will also appreciate the jogging map left in each room and the jogging tour, which happens twice a week at 7:30am, giving guests the chance to view the city in a fun, fit new way.
THINGS TO ENJOY
There are plenty of things to enjoy at Hotel Josef, from the welcome strawberries and macaroons to a brisk morning jog around the fairytale old town where the hotel is located. The perfect venue to relax and recharge for sightseeing or whatever you may have on your agenda, providing a moment of calm amongst any stressful travel itinerary. For those not sure where to start on their trip to Prague the concierge desk in the lobby of the hotel is a great place to start.
THE NEIGBORHOOD
One of the highlights of staying at Hotel Josef has to be the location. Situated in the idyllic old part of town with its beautiful architecture and relaxed atmosphere, many of the city’s main attractions such as the astronomical clock on the bustlng Old Town Square or the Charles Bridge over the Vlatva river are a short walk away. Hotel Josef is also located directly next to Josefov or the Jewish quarter, home to a cemetery and various synagogues which play a key part in Prague’s history.
Text: Marie J Burrows