The Grand Mark Prague

The building at Hybernská 12 started as two medieval houses. Later, they became the Palác Věžníků during the Baroque era. You can still see the aristocratic bones in the thick load-bearing walls and grand staircases. Everything was built for the expansive lifestyle of nobles. It got a Neoclassical facelift in the late 1800s to match the Austro-Hungarian imperial style. Then came the 2008 overhaul by Ian Bryan Architects. They didn't just polish the old stone. They added a glass roof to the central courtyard. This turned a drafty space into a bright hub that connects the historic wings. Now, modern design sits right next to 17th-century masonry. It works because they didn't try to fake the history with cheap antiques. They just framed the original volumes with clean lines and glass.

Don't let the formal facade fool you. Behind the lobby lies an 1,800-square-meter garden. In the middle of Prague 1, a green space this big is a miracle. Park Hood redesigned the layout with sharp geometric paths, lush lawns, and a central fountain. The sound of water masks the city traffic outside. Then there are the peacocks. A family of them lives here. Look for the rare all-white ones alongside the blue ones. They give the place a surreal, royal feel that you won't find anywhere else. In summer, you can eat outside while a pianist plays. The chefs even have a private herb garden tucked away here. They use the fresh botanicals for the food at Le Grill and the craft drinks at Two Steps Bar. It’s a proper escape from the city heat.

Le Grill isn't just a hotel restaurant. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a high-end meal. The kitchen takes heavy Czech classics and makes them lighter and sharper. Think regional meats and sustainable produce paired with herbs from the backyard. The dining room has vaulted ceilings and a winter conservatory that opens to the garden. It’s elegant but not stuffy. Next door, the Two Steps Bar sits under original 17th-century arches. The mixology here is serious. Order a signature cocktail and grab a seat. It’s quiet in the morning for coffee but gets lively at night with live music. The bar serves as the social heart of the building. It shifts from a tranquil morning spot to an energetic evening destination without missing a beat.

Size is the main reason to book here. Standard hotel rooms in Prague are often tiny and cramped. Here, 64 out of 78 rooms are suites. Even the basic Superior Rooms start at 28 square meters. If you move up to the Executive Suites, you get 55 square meters of space. That’s bigger than most local apartments. You’ll find wood floors, leather chairs, and velvet touches. Most suites have separate bedrooms and small kitchenettes. The bathrooms are huge. They come with rain showers, underfloor heating, and soaking tubs. For the full experience, the Bohemia Suite has a panoramic terrace. Or you can go big with the 190-square-meter Presidential Suite. It has two bedrooms and its own private Jacuzzi. It’s the kind of space you usually only see in private palaces.