Understated luxury (Savoy)

Member Name: doctordarke2389

Product:	Savoy
Date:	04/08/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything you should need for this level of hostelry

Disadvantages: Don't go near the stag and hen parties ...

The Savoy (a name that invokes luxury) hotel in Prague carries the same pedigree that is enjoyed by its more illustrious name sakes in places like London, Rome, Sharm-el-Sheihk, etcetera. Prague is no exception.

The Savoy here utilizes the Olde Worlde charm that the Czechs do so well; middle European je ne sais quois built in 1882 in the classic pre-modernist art nouveau style, mixed with up to date modernist chic for the discerning tourist who likes that kind of thing. Before writing about the hotel's surrounding ambience, it's worth dwelling on the place itself.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 'velvet' revolution that freed Eastern Europe from Communist austerity, the Savoy received a timely renovation and became a 5 star building that firmly fits into the up market 'luxury' bracket. It offers the usual luxury amenities: steam sauna, baths and showers, gymnasium and beauty salons, and a library room where one may partake of tea or coffe at one's leisure.

The lobby and restaurant are decidely elegant, tastefully furnished and appointed, and there are equally tasteful meeting rooms where one may hold conferences, seminars and business meetings for those so inclined.

Of course, the rooms are extremely well appointed and fitted with all the amenities that a 5 star hotel provides, including hi-speed internet, HD TV, safe, and a complimentary minibar! Oh, and the bathroom's marble, as well ... and, there's free wi-fi in the lobby, but NOT in the rooms yet.

The Savoy's cuisine is simply exemplary, with a range of international dishes for the guest to salivate over, and all watched over by personable and attentive staff. That last bit applies to all the Savoy's staff, by the way.

The surrounding locale of Mala Strana is steeped in history, and in close proximity to the historic Prague castle and St. Vitus (as in the infamous dance) cathedral. This, in the city of Prague, where beer is cheaper than coffee in some places, and with a stunning arctitectural backdrop as well. In August, Expedia are doing a 2 person 3 night break over the weekend for £276, including continental breakfast.

Summary: Worth the outlay