The Vibe: Quietly contemporary.

The Area: Opposite the Haštal church in the quiet, yet central Jewish quarter, within easy reach of the Old Town Square.

The DNA: Fans of Prague’s Hotel Maximilian have long prized both its central location and its fusion of a decorative pile built in 1903 (originally designed by Czech architectural historian and critic Karel Teige) and a newer block in 1995 when the hotel first opened. With the last refurbishment taking place in 2005 (by celebrated Czech architect Eva Jiřičná), it was time, though, for a spruce up, and for that, Conran and Partners were tapped for the task. The biggest changes have taken place in the ground floor with the insertion of a new café and bar, brasserie, library and courtyard. In particular, the new mood channels light pastels that shift hues from room to room, the colours overlaid with local art, handsome bespoke lights and, of course, handmade Czech glass. The basement spa, meanwhile, is a soigné cocoon amped up with treatments derived from Indian and South-East Asian traditions.

Suite-Me-Up: The guestrooms have all been similarly overhauled, with the best views of the Old Town to be had from the upper floo but we remain a little distracted by the brasserie.

Seen: Wallpaper*

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 71 rooms & suites (23-50m2) (248-538 sq ft) • hotel opened: 1995 • interior design: Conran and Partners, Ian Bryan Architects • on-site parking (charged) ✅ pet friendly, no charges • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible