Hotel Review: Andaz Prague

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…

As the first Andaz hotel (and also the first World of Hyatt property) in the Czech Republic, the laid-back luxury of Andaz Prague has quickly become a favorite of travelers. Located in the historic Sugar Palace, its historic interiors tell a lot of stories. It was once the main office of the sugar trade in town (did you know the sugar cube was invented here?). It then served as a government office for nutrition during the Communist years, and later a bank.

These days, the interiors are filled with colorful art and mythical legend allusions that give the entire building a museum-like air. Every few steps leads to questions or conversations, usually solved via a quick QR scan thanks to the hotel’s excellent focus on art and design. No matter your reason for visiting the city, these are the top five reasons to stay at the Andaz Prague.

The art and design

The entire essence of this hotel is built around the mystery and myth of so many Czech legends. White it may not seem obvious it first, pick up a book from reception (it’s a beautiful paperback of almost 50 pages that you can take home) with details on all of the historic stories that created the art here.

As soon as you enter, the exuberant light wakes you up to something fresh and new, and I loved that, even after arriving late in the evening. I immediately drew attention to the colorful art and historic pieces that lined the walls. The book details how everything throughout the hotel is based on legends and historic tales from the region’s past.

Moving through the building, you can quickly notice the ornate moldings, tall windows and door frames, which were reconstructed or upgraded to their original style.

The cuisine

The main restaurant handles three meals a day with glorious views of the neighboring architecture and constant passersby on the sidewalk. I started the day with a lovely breakfast featuring Czech and international cheeses, pastries, breads and veggies. I really loved the a la carte breakfast with Turkish eggs, which was more of a Middle Eastern offering with poached eggs, labneh with sumac and fresh veggies.

The other menu dishes varied between international and a few regional options, which the culinary team calls Czech “bistronomy.” I really loved the creativity in the presentation and delivery. During the week, local business people pop in for an executive lunch. At nearby MEZ bar, guests and locals visit from morning to night enjoying coffee or afternoon tea, evening cocktails and light bites. During the warmer months, the cafe spills out onto the terrace.

The rooms

I love how the mythical Czech theme continues from the elevator through the hallways to the guest rooms. Hardwood floors with area rugs are home to wide king or paired queen beds with very soft pillows. Bedside power outlets are a plus.

What I really liked are the fun and quirky touches that continued the legend theme of the design, like the clutched hands that hold back the drapes and the characters that dangle from atop the mirrors or underneath the lamps.

The lion’s head that prowls over your pillow refers to the two‐tailed lion that fought the nine‐headed dragon. It now protects guests as you sleep, and there’s an extra night watch if you know where to look. On either side of the night stand, the foot stools of the table have one lion’s paw on either side. You won’t notice it unless you look.

Other fun features include some of the plumpy men climbing down the mirrors over the vanity (another story from the book at reception) and the brass bar exteriors to each guest room, part of the original bank tellar windows from years ago.

The suites are elaborate with spacious living rooms, marble-walled bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and large windows, and modern furnishings. The winter garden suites have glamorous French doors that open to hexagon-shaped seating areas that double as dining or work spaces. With the history of the building, many of the rooms sport different design layouts.

The bonuses

Andaz may be a luxury brand, but it does not skimp on special perks for all members, and not just elite status members in the top tier. Everyone is invited to the Andaz hour, a brand standard evening experience where guests can immerse themselves in a fun and local moment. Here, the hotel puts its regional immersion on full display.

The hotel hired a local parfumier to design several bespoke fragrances for the hotel. These are diffused in public areas, but during the Andaz hour, guests can interact with the bartender to curate their preferred drink using one of these scents. At the end of the experience, guests leave learning a new cocktail recipe and can taste their own drink.

Another perk for guests is the complimentary minibar in all rooms, which includes local juices and lemonades plus still and sparkling water. My favorite inclusion is the chocolate pretzel mix, a local brand that also includes other flavors in the portfolio.

Be sure to share with the hotel that you are traveling with kids. The staff has a lot of special extras that they can offer from special snacks or even exciting in-room surprises.

The points

World of Hyatt is the little loyalty program that could (and does). Despite its size, it punches above its weight when it comes to benefits and perks. This allows it to compete with bigger competitors like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.

During your stay, you can earn points for your room rate. You also earn points for room charges including food, drinks and spa services. Of course, the well-equipped fitness center is free for all guests to use.

If you have elite status with Hyatt, you earn bonus points and late checkout privileges. Top-tier Globalist status includes complimentary breakfast for two (and quite substantial here). Andaz Prague is one of nearly 30 Andaz properties open around the world. There are about 20 more on the way. Andaz is one of Hyatt’s most design-rich and exciting brands. The historic Prague property should be one of the first you visit.