Maximilian Hotel

Art Deco at its sleekest, a 71-room modernist conversion in a peaceful, attractive square in Prague’s historic centre

Brother to the better-known Hotel Josef around the corner, this sophisticated hotel was also designed by Czech-born architect Eva Jiricna, but bears her ‘male’ signature. The modern, minimalist interiors riff on an Art Deco theme, in keeping with the beauty of the original 1920s building, designed by Karl Teige. Furniture and lighting are influenced by early 20th-century architects and designers, and suffused with the spirit of Art Deco icon Maison de Verre (House of Glass) in Paris. Original graphics by Czech artists on the walls are loaned from Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts.

Like Josef, the location is fantastic – 5 minutes’ walk to Old Town square, yet not on a tourist main drag. And like Josef it’s chic yet not intimidating, more discreet and less buzzy, with a lower-key, more traditional atmosphere. It’s on one of Prague’s oldest streets, overlooking the picturesque St Agnes Monastery. There’s a comfortable drawing room with fireplace and honesty bar, plus a library and a serene Asian-styled spa with a floating room where you can bob around in tranquil silence.

Highs

• Fabulous location
• Beautiful design: all 71 rooms compliment the era of the original building
• Great attention to detail
• Splendid breakfast
• Original Art Deco artworks on walls

Lows

• The rooms on the 6th floor in the red house are only accessible by staircase but the elevator goes as far as the 5th floor
• There’s no restaurant or bar, though there is an honesty bar