Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Character and identity

Set inside a 13th-century Augustinian monastery in Malá Strana, between Prague Castle and the Vltava, the Augustine spreads 101 rooms across a complex of historic buildings where a small order of monks still lives in a separate wing. Olga Polizzi's interiors mix gray marble, papal purples and reds, original frescoes and stone carvings with Cubist and modernist touches, including reproductions of Pavel Janak chairs and Adolf Loos chaises. The Refectory Bar pours herb-infused monastic cocktails and a St. Thomas beer brewed to the monks' recipe; Augustine Restaurant works in lighter, nouveau Czech cuisine. The hidden interior garden is the property's quiet anchor.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this hotel apart is the genuine monastic setting: a working Augustinian complex with frescoes, a chapel, a Harry Potter-ish library and a private garden you can actually use. Book it for the atmosphere, not for slick service infrastructure. Splurge on the Tower Suite for the view or the Fresco Suite for the original detailing; shoulder seasons keep Malá Strana navigable.