Stay in Style: Explore Art Nouveau Hotels, Guesthouses, and Villas
The shift from the 19th to the 20th centuries was the heyday of Art Nouveau, a creative movement that influenced architecture as well as fashion, jewelry, furniture, and tableware.
This fashion style, referred to as Jugendstil in German, Art Nouveau in French, stile floreale or stile Liberty in Italian, and Estilo Modernista in Spanish, made waves across the entirety of Europe. You can find elaborate Art Nouveau plasterwork and decorations, flowing leaves and flowers, striking colors, golden lines, stained glass, beautiful wallpaper, thick curtains, and ornamental paintings in many cities. Art Nouveau, often linked to the famous painter Alfons Mucha, has also left its delightful imprint on numerous locations in the Czech Republic.
Travel back in time to the Belle Époque period and check out our suggestions for Art Nouveau accommodations.
Prague Art Nouveau hotels
In Prague’s Wenceslas Square, the once-renowned Art Nouveau Hotel Evropa reopened in 2024 after undergoing renovations. This hotel, a symbol of elegance even during the First Republic, now operates under the name Hotel W Prague and is part of the global Marriott hotel chain. Originally constructed in 1872, Hotel Evropa was remodeled in the Art Nouveau style at the start of the 20th century. Karel Šroubek, who acquired the property in 1924, transformed it into a lavish grand hotel. Its guest list included the social elite of the First Republic: for instance, Antonín Čermák, a Chicago mayor of Czech descent, stayed here; in 1912, Franz Kafka had his only public reading in Prague at this location; and Nicholas Winton was also a guest.
Exquisite accommodation with a premium view of Prague’s Old Town is provided by Hotel Paříž, which features original Art Nouveau interiors. It is conveniently located just a short walk from the Municipal House, renowned as the finest Art Nouveau structure in Prague. Positioned a few steps away from Wenceslas Square on Panská Street is the Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, erected in 1909 in the Viennese Art Nouveau style. This hotel has hosted many distinguished guests, including Ema Destinnová, Enrico Caruso, Alain Delon, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, and Gina Lollobrigida, among others.
The luxurious Andaz Prague hotel offers rooms designed in Art Nouveau or Art Deco style, enriched with references to Czech legends and mythical figures; it is located in the center of Prague, in the historic Sugar Palace, built in 1916. The hotel captures the essence of the surroundings and the city’s historical charm so that guests can enjoy a full sensory experience. This extensively renovated Art Nouveau building is also home to the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague, found on Žitná Street, where the Old and New Town meet, and is close to many popular attractions.
What sets Café Imperial apart is its remarkable Art Nouveau interiors adorned with beautiful majolica details, located at the intersection of Zlatnická and Na Poříčí streets. Since opening in 1914, the café has welcomed famous visitors such as Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, and the composer Leoš Janáček.
Art Nouveau in the spas
It is often said that the unique charm and atmosphere of spa towns can rejuvenate your lost energy. Whether you choose to stay in Mariánské Lázně, opt for a hotel in Karlovy Vary, or select one of the spa establishments in Františkovy Lázně, you will undoubtedly come across the distinctive spa architecture everywhere you look.
One of the most stylish spots in the West Bohemian spas is the Esplanade Spa and Golf Resort, an upscale hotel featuring a large wellness center in Mariánské Lázně. Constructed in 1911 by architect Arnold Heymann, this building has seen considerable renovations but still holds onto its Art Nouveau essence and allure. Surrounded by a lovely forest park, the hotel offers stunning views of the spa center, where the healing springs emerge. Many famous visitors have appreciated its charms throughout the years. Architect Heymann also designed the Rübezahl Castle Hotel, which also carries a splendid Art Nouveau vibe, similar to both the Spa Hotel Bohemia and the Spa Hotel Palace Zvon.
Art Nouveau in Liberec
Are you interested in staying in an Art Nouveau hotel in a bustling city? Consider Liberec, where you can stay at the Clarion Grandhotel Zlatý lev, located in the historic section of the city near Liberec Castle. This hotel has been welcoming guests since 1906, when it had its grand opening attended by the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I during the Czech-German Exhibition. Just a year prior, the Art Nouveau Hotel Praha opened its doors; you’ll find it on Dr Edvard Beneš Square, right in the city center. From the hotel windows, you can enjoy lovely views of Liberec Town Hall and the bustling square.
Art Nouveau villas and guesthouses
If you appreciate Art Nouveau but prefer staying in less extravagant places compared to large hotels, we at Kudy z nudy have an original solution for you: consider visiting the Habermannova vila guesthouse on the outskirts of Bludov. This location and its fascinating history inspired the book and film “Habermann’s Mill” – immerse yourself in the story with our series ‘Czech Republic Between the Lines’ in a genuine Art Nouveau setting.
The Nebespán boutique hotel in Kašperské Hory comes with a spacious garden and serves authentic French cuisine, and is also decorated in the style of the original Art Nouveau structure from 1907. You can experience the Art Nouveau charm in other places as well – for instance, explore our selection of unique First Republic-era hotels and guesthouses, try romantic getaways in castles and châteaux, or stay at hotels designed by renowned architects like Jurkovič, Bauer, or Kotěra.
