Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa is situated in the scenic Mala Strana quarter and housed in a UNESCO- protected 16th-century Baroque house whose name once translated to "House at the Infant Jesus." These days, none of that atmospheric quality has been lost. Interiors are sumptuous and maintain the property's Baroque style, with period details like frescoes, carved-wood furnishings, and hand-painted wallpaper. The Alchymist is named for the period when alchemists tried to turn metal into gold, and gilded surfaces figure prominently throughout the property. Those glitzy accents are complemented by the free welcome glass of Champagne that's provided when guests check into the property. Expect to see mostly well-heeled couples at this hotel, which isn't surprising given its luxury rates and romantic vibe.

This hotel is on the west side of the Vltava River, in the charming and historic Mala Strana neighborhood. The U.S. Embassy is across the street, and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars are a short walk from the hotel. The river and western end of Charles Bridge is about a five-minute walk, while Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral are a little under 10 minutes away on foot. Access to public transportation is good, with the Nerudova bus stop a three-minute walk and the Malostranske Namesti tram stop a little under five minutes on foot. Keep in mind that the walk back from tram is uphill and a bit steep. Old Town Square and the Prague Astronomical Clock are a little under 20 minutes away by tram, bus, or walking. The Strahov Monastery -- with its panoramic hilltop views of Prague  -- is also a little under 20 minutes away by a combination of tram and walking. Hlavni Nadrazi train station is a 10-minute drive or 25-minute tram ride, while Vaclav Havel Airport is about a 25-minute drive or an hour away by public transportation.

Rooms and suites have an elegant Old World look, with superb details like crystal chandeliers, parquet floors, finely upholstered chairs, framed paintings, and antiques. Many rooms have four-poster beds with gilded bed posts. The period look is enhanced by 16th-century painted wood ceilings and Persian carpets in some rooms -- the red, black, and gold palette enhances the sumptuous effect. All rooms are spacious and start at 270 square feet (25 square meters). Luxe extras like turndown service and twice-daily housekeeping come standard, plus expected features like air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Bi-level Family Rooms are available, and some rooms have sitting areas and/or balconies. City views are only available in certain rooms, and many windows only look out onto walls. One suite features a fully equipped kitchen. Bathrooms are spacious and clad in marble. All come with bathrobes and slippers, bidets, make-up mirrors, premium bath products, and rainfall showerheads. Most have shower/tub combos, but some have separate tubs and showers.

Features are numerous here, which isn't always the case in Old World Prague. The full-service spa is situated in a subterranean grotto, and includes a sauna, steam room, and plunge pool with underwater jets. The spa's menu focuses on Balinese-style treatments. Each guest is entitled to one free massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. A small fitness center has just a few pieces of cardio and resistance equipment -- it's fine for a basic workout. The hotel serves an excellent free breakfast buffet with a wide range of hot and cold items. Later in the day, the fine-dining restaurant serves Italian, Mediterranean, and traditional Czech cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Courtyard dining is available in the summer months, and there's live music on the weekends. The cafe serves coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and house-made desserts. The hotel also has 24-hour room service and a lobby bar. There's a free wine-and-cheese reception in the late afternoons. A business center, meeting rooms, wedding services, and a concierge round out the perks. The hotel doesn't offer parking, but there is nearby public parking for a fee.