The Best Of Eliška Přemyslovna Suite And Other Legends In Prague

Who Was Eliška Přemyslovna And Why Is A Room Named After Her?

Our enjoyable stay at the Prague boutique hotel Alchymist Nosticova Palace continued, as we changed from our Alžběta Pomořanská Deluxe Room to Eliška Přemyslovna, one of the eight Junior Suites, so we could share more details about this wonderful luxury hotel.

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All 16 rooms and suites of the Alchymist Nosticova Palace are individually named after historical figures. Eliška Přemyslovna – Elizabeth of Bohemia 1292-1330 was a princess of the Kingdom of Bohemia. But not all suits are named after Bohemians – well maybe Bohemian in spirit! Arcimboldo, Johannes Kepler; Rudolf II, Maria Theresa; Mozart, Casanova; Eliška Přemyslovna and Karlstejn are the names given to the eight Junior Suites.

So What Is The Difference Between A Deluxe Room And A Junior Suite?

While all rooms are Deluxe, the Junior Suite is a step up from the Deluxe Room; an upgrade in size including more living and dining room area, a larger wardrobe; more storage space and perhaps most importantly, an en-suite kitchenette. These are the major enhancements.

Speaking of space, our Deluxe Room Alžběta Pomořanská had the most spacious bathroom in the entire building which I absolutely adored. Our Junior Suite bathroom was smaller by comparison of course but still wonderfully serviceable. As for now, I was happy to enjoy the convenience of a kitchen and indulge in a larger living room.

The Style And Character Of The Eliška Přemyslovna Suite

The luxurious baroque interiors, polished wooden floor; colourful Persian rugs and the striking, signature red and gold fabrics of the furnishings and drapery. These are the design features seen throughout the hotel; though each room is completely unique and maintains its own character. For example in Eliška Přemyslovna Suite, although we missed out on a chandelier, we gained a four-poster bed and the equally lavish looking divan.

I also adored our antique inlay chest of drawers and the splendid Empire style wardrobe which was beautifully decorated with bevelled mirror, tracery; gold beading, rosettes and column details. What inspired me to book the Alchymist Nosticova Palace was the admiration I have had for period décor, and this boutique gem was indeed packed full of period charm!
Every time we returned to our room, the details and the beauty.., I felt like I was living part of old Prague’s royal glamour!

Alchymist Nosticova Palace Facilities

As you would expect: minibar, flat-screen TV; tea and coffee making facilities, heating and the air conditioning.., standard for a five-star hotel. Complimentary bottled water is renewed daily. Although we did have a kitchenette in our suite, Kent and I preferred dining out (so little time so much to experience), therefore we did not use the stove at all! Though Kent who loves to cook was very tempted to try cooking up some local Prague produce and sausages he kept seeing in the shops, but it didn’t happen, maybe next time.

San Carlo, the hotel’s restaurant which does double duty as breakfast buffet for hotel guests and offering gourmet Italian cuisine at lunch and dinner. The service and food were fantastic here, stay tuned for my detailed review of San Carlo coming soon!

While there is no gym or spa on site in this 16th century historical building, all guests have open access to facilities in its sister hotel – Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. For those who don’t care much of using a gym for exercise, the good news is that, Kampa Park along the banks of the river Vlatava and the Charles Bridge are only steps away, this discreet neighbourhood of Malá Strana is breathtakingly beautiful, an ideal spot for jogging or power walking.

After a few days of settling in and getting to know our way around central Prague; Kent and I started exploring this amazing city through its art and culture.

Swan Lake – Our First Cultural Activity In Prague

Where Is The Best Place To Purchase Ballet And Theatre Tickets In Prague?

Well, our answer is: the Prague Ticket Office – Via Musica.
Not only is it an online ticket booking website; it is also a fabulous and sadly, the last classical music and jazz CD retailer in Prague.
The good news is, Via Musica is situated in the Old Town Square, on the corner of Staroměstské nám and Týnská, such a convenient spot. Kent and I decided to pay this music store a visit and purchase our tickets in person. The gentleman at the store was helpful and knowledgeable making the whole process of getting our tickets there very smooth.

Pre-Theatre Drinks At The Kavárna Obecní Dům

Just like many theatre goers would and tourists should, we had pre-theatre drinks at the most stunning café in Prague – Kavárna Obecní dům, which is right across the road from the Divadlo Hybernia (Hybernia Theatre).
The café is on the ground floor of the Municipal House, which is regarded one of the most important examples Art Nouveau architecture in Prague.

The period interior of the Kavárna Obecní dům is not to be missed – grand, dazzling and splendid! We chose the outdoor ‘garden area’ (it’s almost a piazza) over looking the Empire style Hybernia Theatre, the venue of Swan Lake. Lovely for basking in that glorious spring day we had and doing some people watching. If you choose an outdoor table too, make sure you use the facilities inside to simply taking pleasure in the magnificent interior and have a taste of that by-gone era.

Our Evening at Swan Lake – Thoughts And Notes

• Very affordable ballet tickets here.
• The theatre is dated and the interior could use a make-over.
• The music to the ballet is played from a recording.
• Prague National Theatre soloists (chamber cast) did not disappoint; but don’t expect world-class set design and costume.

Overall, it was lovely to get dressed up and enjoy a theatre night out in Prague.

How We Came To Be Invited To An Art Opening In Prague?

Prague seems to be the most perfect city to get lost in. Even Kent who has a ‘perfect sense of direction’ was repeatedly losing his way. Not to worry as there is a new discovery around seemingly every turn…
We had been strolling around the Old Town Square then moved down a busy street, made a turn and were promptly lost! And it was quite chilly that day so when we saw a well lit art gallery, we happily stepped in. Once inside we were warmly greeted by the gallery owner Jitka and we started to chat, from travel to art to Prague… By the time we left, we had been invited to return for its very next art opening.

Yes, that was how it happened. That fabulous gallery is Galerie Havelka and the passionate gallery owner is Jitka Grígerová Sochorová.

LEGENDS Of GR2 – Round Four

We happened to be in Prague during the middle of the gallery’s eight-week stretch LEGENDS Of GR2 – Round Four, which was a series of week long solo exhibitions from artists of Vladimir Kokolia’s Graphics 2 Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Although we had just missed out on artist Veronika Holcová‘s opening night; we did get to see her show and were grateful to be invited back to Tomáš Vaněk‘s opening event by Jitka.
The picture above shows one of the stunning works by Czech artist Veronika Holcová.

Having accompanied Kent to literally countless art openings in Sydney Australia; a live art event in the Czech capital was an exciting activity for the both of us. After the artist’s speech, Jitka introduced us to Tomáš, whose work for LEGENDS Of GR2 was a contemporary installation. Kent loved it but to tell the truth that I didn’t understand Tomáš’ work, but I did appreciate this whole experience.

Who knew that getting lost would lead us to gathering with some of Prague’s art elite?!! For more images of this opening party, please check out Kent’s Street Fashion Sydney – Prague Edition post here!

Two Masters Of Art – Alphonse Mucha And Gerhard Richter

On one grey and wet spring day in Prague, Kent and I decided to make it an indoor’s gallery day by visiting two legendary artists’ retrospective exhibitions – Alphonse Mucha and Gerhard Richter.

According to the Mucha Museum Prague, it is the ‘only museum in the world dedicated to the life and work of the world-acclaimed Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha’. The way Kent put it: ‘Even if you don’t know Mucha by name, you’d recognise his work.’ Indeed, Mucha’s work was all very familiar to me, I especially love the detailing, femininity; decorative layings and the dreamy atmosphere throughout his distinguish work.

I have seen myself as a fan of Mucha, even more so after visiting the museum. No photo was allowed there and that gave us licence to totally focus on the art itself. No ‘gallery selfie’, how refreshing!! Just the masterpieces and our admiration – the way it should be. Wonderful!

Gerhard Richter At The Kinský Palace

I have to admit that before seeing Gerhard Richter exhibition at the Kinský Palace (a former palace now an art museum; also known as the National Gallery in Prague), I knew next to nothing about this German artist. ‘Any artist would know Gerhard Richter and understand his huge influence in the modern art world.’ That was Kent’s introduction to me of Gerhard Richter.

Betty, Ella and many of Richter’s important pieces were among this sizeable retrospective exhibition. I was wowed and moved by the body and the range of work of this Eastern German artist and really consider ourselves fortunate timing-wise to be able to enjoy this art feast! For more coverage of the Richter exhibition, simply go to Kent’s post here!

Prague Easter Markets At The Old Town Square

Filled with traditional decorated stalls, the largest, most well known and no doubt the most popular Prague Easter Market you don’t want to miss out on, is set out in the Old Town Square.

As I mentioned in my previous Prague travel post, we were lucky to be here during this important cultural festival. I remember that day very well when we joined the crowds in a 4C spring chill… Kent and I bought a plate of the traditional street food – open hardwood fire, cooked and smoked pork; cheered with our drinks. Cold local beer for Kent and a small cup of the super rich, hot chocolate for me. Just the thing while looking over the vibrant, vividly decorated Old Town Square Easter Markets and happily soaking up the festive atmosphere.

It seems only yesterday and it’s rather hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner… Where does the time go??

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