Alchymist Nosticova Palace

At the end of a cobblestone street in Prague's picturesque Mala Strana, this hotel echoes the area's rich history. The four-story building dates back to the 17th century, and the boutique property is bursting with gilded, opulent period furnishings. In the lobby, marble-topped coffee tables are surrounded by cream jacquard armchairs, textured fabrics, and illuminated antique paintings. Elegant rugs cover terra-cotta tile floors, while extravagant chandeliers hang from painted ceilings by Renaissance-style wall tapestries. The restaurant is equally fancy: Its red-and-gold velvet furniture are almost drowned out by silver-framed mirrors and engraved textures on every possible surface. Hand-painted vaulted ceilings, striking mirrored mosaic tiling, and red-velvet booths help create a romantic setting, though black-and-white photos and red-and-white checked tablecloths add (slightly clashing) homey Italian elements. The intimate vibe and luxurious design make this hotel best suited to couples on vacation.

Removed from the hustle and bustle of busier areas, the hotel's Mala Strana (Lesser Town) location is still vibrant. A tram stop is one minute away on foot and the nearest Malostranska metro station is a 15-minute walk. Several attractions are within walking distance, including Vlatva River's Charles Bridge a 10-minute walk away, and Prague Castle a little farther. Kampa Museum, St. Nicholas Church, and the Old Town Square are all within a 20-minute walk, as are the posh boutiques of Parizska Street. The famous Kampa Park Restaurant is a seven-minute walk, as is the Aquarius Restaurant, where hotel guests get a discount. Vaclav Havel Airport can be reached in 25 minutes by car or in an hour by public transit.

Individually named and designed, the hotel's 16 plush rooms are beautiful, romantic, and definitely in tune with the public spaces' baroque elegance. Though actual furnishings vary, most have exposed wood-beam or vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, red and gold fabrics, and antique -- often gilded -- furniture. All rooms have seating areas, desks, flat-screen plasma TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and plenty of storage space. Minibars, free bottled water, and tea- and coffee-making facilities are standard, while some rooms add kitchenettes with stovetops. Suites are considerably larger with drape-enclosed four-poster beds and more spacious living and dining areas. Family Suites can sleep up to four people, while the largest Imperial Suite has a grand piano and balcony. Views vary, with some overlooking Prague Castle. Pretty marble bathrooms have bathtubs and handheld showerheads, bidets, hairdryers, L'Occitane toiletries, bathrobes (for kids too!), and slippers. Suite bathrooms have separate walk-in rainfall showers.

Given the Alchymist is a small boutique property in a historic district, it's no surprise that features here are limited. For starters, there are no spa or gym facilities on-site, although guests have free access to both at the sister hotel, Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, a seven-minute walk away. All rates include an excellent free buffet breakfast of breads and pastries with organic honeys, cheeses, cold meats, and fruit, alongside smoked salmon. Cooked options include made-to-order omelets, sausages, and French toast. The San Carlo Restaurant serves well-reviewed Neapolitan pizza, and guests receive a free drink there each night. Note, however, that it only serves lunch on certain days. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.