Grand Hotel Prague Towers

This building is a massive piece of late-20th-century history. Planners in the 1980s wanted a city of skyscrapers on the Pankrác plain. The Grand Hotel Prague Towers was the anchor. It hits 84 meters in height. It was a sharp contrast to the flat Palace of Culture next door. The architects ditched heavy concrete for a sleek skin of reflective glass and aluminum panels. Look at the two octagonal towers. They catch the light as clouds move across the Bohemian sky. Inside, the spaces were meant for big art. You'll still see massive glass works by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. Recent updates brought the rooms to five-star standards, but the geometric soul remains.

Most old-school hotels hide their spas in dark basements. This place does the opposite. The Apollo Day Spa sits on the 26th floor. It is a high-altitude retreat. The 14-meter indoor pool is the main draw. Floor-to-ceiling glass gives you a strange sensation of hovering over the red roofs of the city and the curve of the Vltava River. You can even see the silhouette of Prague Castle from the water. There are saunas and a steam room. A modern fitness center is also available. Watch the clock, though. Kids can only use the pool from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. After that, it's adults-only. Book your massages early. Locals love this spot as much as travelers do.

Dining here covers all bases. Let’s Eat handles the morning rush with a huge spread. You'll find standard continental eggs alongside Czech meats and pastries. The Grill is your spot for lunch or dinner. It leans into Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s a smart move for travelers tired of heavy pork and dumplings. On the ground floor, Lounge 62 is the social heart. The name nods to when the original brand started. It works as a morning coffee spot and an elegant afternoon tea venue. By night, it turns into a cocktail bar. Those mustard yellow chairs are more comfortable than they look. If you land on a late flight, the 24-hour room service is a lifesaver.

Don't let the Nusle district location scare you. You aren't stranded in the suburbs. The Vyšehrad Metro Station is only 150 meters from the lobby. It puts you in the center in under five minutes. You skip the traffic and the noise. In return, you get much larger rooms for better prices. The ancient Vyšehrad fortress is just a short walk away. Most tourists stick to Charles Bridge and the main castle. They miss this 11th-century citadel on the cliff. It's quiet. It has lush parks and the twin spires of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. Walk here at dawn or sunset. You'll have the views to yourself.