Hotel Hoffmeister

Description:

• The artsy Hoffmeister opened in 1993, rising out of the ruins of dilapidated block of buildings. It's one of a kind: a full-service luxury property owned and operated by a Czech who tries hard to provide friendly customer service. As the hotel is on a busy street used by cars and trams to get to Prague Castle, your stay can be somewhat noisy at times, but the rooms are solid, distinctive, and well equipped. Each has a unique color scheme with rich fabrics, matching draperies, and even bed canopies. The beds have firm mattresses, while the roomy bathrooms are fitted with tub/shower combinations. For an ultimate relaxation visit the wellness center, where massages and other body treatments are on the menu. Conceived by the son of Adolph Hoffmeister, an artist and former diplomat, the hotel's bold, eclectic style is striking. Sketches by Adolph are hung around the building and depict such friends and acquaintances of the late artist as Charlie Chaplin, Salvador Dalí, George Bernard Shaw, and John Steinbeck. One corner of the building is held up by a massive abstract human figure gesturing in an Italian-style salute to the wild drivers who pass on their way up the hill.

• © Frommer's 2013