48 Hours at the Aria Hotel Prague

Our party was divided into two groups. One stayed at the new and ultra chic Emblem Hotel, while we decided to stay at the more casual and more luxurious Aria Hotel. Never did we regret this simply amazing choice. Upon arrival we were greeted with a smile and a welcoming "Welcome to the Aria Prague!". I wouldn't say that probably this is the most personal front desk staff if I hadn't stayed at so many luxury hotels. Honestly this is the secret formula for a successful hotel - a place where also I will return many times. 

Our rooms were situated on the fourth floor meaning that our rooms are designed in the Classical colour scheme - well, the rooms are not as chic as at the Emblem, but they definitely are twice as comfortable and welcoming with lots of warm colours. The bathroom was large and the tub was huge as well. I also loved the huge shower head - honestly it reminded me of The Savoy in London, probably because the toiletries are from London, by Molton Brown!

The Apple TV is really really cool and we could even connect our iPads to the TV and could hear our Music through the excellent loundspeakers! There is also a turn-down service with chocolate, which was done normally between 4 and 5 pm - guess it could be a bit too early for some people! In contrary to the Emblem, the do not have boxspring beds, but therefore enormous King beds with a size of approximately 2m x 2 m. A very nice gesture when we arrived: a bottle of red wine and a fruit plate!

One of the nicest touches at this musical themed hotel is the afternoon tea, held daily between 4 and 5pm - fully complimentary for hotel guests. With sweets, finger food, hot tea and wine (during christmas time), we were completely in the mood for the christmas markets at the Prague castle, Venceslas Square and Old Town Square - the most wonderful I have seen in Prague!

After all these excellent reviews on Tripadvsior (and of course because we were extremely tired of our 5 hours drive ;-) ) we decided to eat at the Coda Restaurant. Again, an excellent choice! Our menu consisted of three courses and an accompanying house wine, which was incredible! Beginning this excellent evening with an Amuse Bouche, a slice of tuna, followed by Foie Gras - it was truly magificent. I was quite insecure if it is a good idea to take the "Papardelle with Truffle" in December. As you might guess, all my believes were incorrect! These papardelle were simply extraordinary - never had such excellent truffle dish outside the Piedmont or Italy before! For dessert we had the famous Valhrona chocolate cake, another fabulous choice! Honestly all our expectations were exceeded on all ways! Congratulations to the chef David!

Of course we discovered some of Pragues best cocktail bars before we headed back to our worldclass accomodation. At breakfast we were greeted with a smile once again and started the day with some scrambled eggs and omlettes, together with a real Capuccino!

Finally I can just assure that you won't regret to forget the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental and head therefore to this picturesque Boutique Hotel in the real heart of one of our Top favourite cities in the world. If you are looking for something really special, then book one of the few Suites overlooking the Vrtbovska Garden - one of the most wonderful baroque gardens in the world, accessible free of charge from the hotel. 

A special thanks to the team of the Aria for being so welcoming and kind!

Our stay at the Aria Hotel Prague was sponsored by Mr. Vostiar and we were guests of the hotel throughout the weekend. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

48 Hours at The Augustine Hotel Prague

As the newest high-end five-star hotel addition to Prague, I really felt in best mood when arriving. The check-in was smooth and we got a welcome drink, what I found a nice touch. Afterwards we got a tour through the public areas, followed by an inspection of the room. We were lucky and got a parking space in their courtyard, otherwise when you prefer parking in a garage, they park your car in the garage of the nearby Aria Hotel.

The room itself was spacious, the bathroom on the other side not – with a bath-tub-combination (I normally hate this most in a hotel). As the toiletries were upscale ones and filled up every day, I was not that discerning. Just to let you know: they do have rooms in the standard category with larger bathrooms and even separate showers as well. The bed was very comfortable as the whole room. Unfortunately we did not have a view over the Castle Hill, but therefore we overlooked a church and a courtyard. One afternoon there was a wedding going on in this courtyard but happily for the hotel they finished in the early evening. Otherwise it could have ended like at the Grand Hotel Stockholm – see previous blog posts.

Breakfast Buffet was on the small side, although everything can be ordered from your table and will be prepared in the kitchen at your disposal. The scrambled eggs were really good and in my opinion everything else was of good quality, too. The service was perfect and very attentive, we felt very welcomed.

The bar is also a nice place to relax in the afternoon, as the Augustine Spa is: A small spa indeed with a sauna, hamam, steam bath and relaxation room with experience showers. The products were really good – Kerstin Florian, Ila and Ex Voto are predicted to be world-class.

All in all, I like this hotel because of the generous layout combined with the chic italian style, the location and the wonderful ambience of staying in an old monastery.

Insider's Getaway - Prague Summary

My last seven weeks in one of Europe's most beautiful city were great! As you should always quit when it isbest, I will leave Prague this Friday to go back to Austria.

During my time in Prague I tested some of Prague's best restaurants and places and I also showed them to you on my last two Restaurant-Checks. Today, I will present you my absolute favourite places in Prague - a small Summary so to say!

1. Cotto Crudo (the following three pictures)
First of all my new favourite restaurant is the new CottoCrudo at the Four Seasons Hotel. Of course that may sound strange, but it is not so much more expensive than other mid-range italian restaurants in Prague. I had excellent Vitello Tonnato (also better than in some Restaurants in Italy) and afterwards Saffron Risotto at its finest. I had no space for any dessert, but I got some housemade Cantuccis free of charge. The service? Four Seasons! Do I really have to say more? It could not be better. At nearly 1000 CZK for Dinner-for-one not cheap but well worth.
If you have reserved in advance or you're only lucky, get some tables with castle view!!
http://www.cottocrudo.cz/

 2. The Café Savoy (the next three pictures)
Wow, this was my place to relax in the evenings and to wake-up in the mornings. I had nearly every weekend breakfast at this place. The Savoy breakfast is not only very good by Prague standards it is also cheap - at about 150 CZK per person. The fresh orange juice is seperte at 88 CZK. If you are here, try the famous "Dort Savoy" - the Savoy Cake - you won't be disappointed. It is definitely one of the best cakes, I've ever had. The Café Savoy is also a place to have a late-night drink with friends. Just go there whenever you like and whenever you are in this area. http://cafesavoy.ambi.cz/cz/

3. Cantinetta Fiorentina (picture below)
I always went to this place when I was seeking for holidays. Whenever I was sitting inside or on the glamerous Pariska street, this nice restaurant reminded me of a real Fiorentine Cantinetta, like it can be found in rural Tuscany. This restaurant is not just look-alike-fake. No, it also offers the best bread and olive oil in an italian restaurant in Prague. If we talk about the bill, I have to be honest and I should mention that the Pariska street is simply THE most expensive part in town, so are the prices and of course the guests! http://www.cantinetta.cz/

Last but not least my favourite place to hang around and spend the lazy Sundays:

4. Boscolo Wellness & Spa Prague
When the life of being a single really sucked, I went there to sleep this lazy day away! I was clever enough not to pay these high prices for the average treatments, so I booked a special offer through my Special City Concierge Lime & Tonic, and I immediately got the treatments for at least 30-40% cheaper. The staff is very attentive and very kind. They greet you warmely and you feel welcome from the first moment. The pool is the largest I've seen in a Hotel Spa in Prague and is not cold at 28°. http://prague.boscolohotels.com/spa-and-wellness/

If you want to have more tips or hints of if you want to know anything about Prague, please do not hesitate to contact me: travel.executive@yahoo.de

Restaurant-Check Prague - Part 2

Duck breast with baked mashed potatoes

4.) U Modré Kachnicky (Blue Duckling)

If you pass by the glamerous Mandarin Oriental Hotel and then turn right, you will read the sign of the restaurant. Despite the really bad look from outside, do not pass by at this restaurant - be man enough to open the door! One of Prague's finest restaurants will await you behind the door. We had some great duck breast which was flambé in front of us, as a side dish we chose baked mashed potatoes, which were quite excellent. The dessert was expensive as hell - 8 Euros for a Blackforest Cake - to be honest -  fully worth each Penny. 

Starters from 8-19 euros, main courses from 16-30 Euros. 

http://www.umodrekachnicky.cz/en/original/welcome

Duck breast "flamé en salle"

5.) La Bottega di Finestra

Last but not least my top favourite place for a fast and convenient dinner or late lunch. This casual atmosphere is perfect in my opinion. You can not only have a great meal there - no, you can also buy the best italian products in the whole Czech Republic. The prices? Not bad, I would say. When I was there the last time I paid about 500 CZK for Beef tartar, Lasagne and a housemade lime lemonade - which I highly recommend to try - there is a choice between Lime, Orange, Melon, Grapefruit and some berries.

Starters from 5-8 euros, main courses from 10-22 Euros. 

http://www.labottega.cz/

Restaurant-Check Prague - Part 1

Prague. During the next weeks, I will present some of my favourite hot-spots in my hometown for June, July and half of August 2013. There are several options for having a great evening - the best ones will follow up on my blog during the next 5 weeks. Although Prague has many Italian restaurants, and of course no bad ones (!), you should definitely try typical Czech cuisine. 

1.) Kogo Slovansky dum (picture above)

My absolute favouirite place to have a business lunch or fancy dinner! Cool italian restaurant with probably one of the best fish dishes in Prague. The Pizzas and Pastas are great as well. Vitello Tonnato should not be missed, as one Dolci for a great end of the evening. The location is great as well, next to the Municipal House and the Powder Tower, perfectly situated in a green oasis.

Starters from 5-15 euros, main courses from 13-23 Euros. 

http://www.kogo.cz/en/kogo-slovansky-dum/kogo-slovansky-dum/

2.) Cestr Steak Restaurant (picture above and below)

Top-Secret Hot-Spot far away off the beaten tourist track, but still not too far for Prague's Food Lovers, or those enjoying a great evening with friends. Great steaks from Czech cattle, you can choose from which part you want your steak and of course how long it should be grilled on charcoal. The beer is served in nice cans and the menu consists of a personal envelope which can be taken home. The dessert was great as well. There is also a terrace with a more cool atmosphere. 

The best steak (Tenderloin) and therefore the most expensive course -  is around 23 Euros. 

http://cestr.ambi.cz/en/

The best steak in town - altough it is from Czech Republic!

3.) Marina Grosseto Ristorante (picture above and below)

Not on my favourite's list, but still a great venue for a nice dinner, especially for those not having enough time in Prague to see everything. The view to the castle and the Charles Bridge comes up to nearly everything - that's also the reason why I come again to this restaurant. The service is not everywhere the same - some servers are great and some are definitely not! Food is good and pizza is also above average. Although the location is exceptional, the prices are average - not too high for the quality offered. 

Starters from 6 euros, pizza/pasta from 6 euros and main courses are starting at 14 Euros.

Following you can find some dishes we had during our evening.

http://www.grosseto.cz/en/marina