W Hotels has given a first look at the design of W Prague, set to land in the city’s heart in Autumn 2024. 

The property’s design is courtesy of architects Benoy, Avroko’s London studio and local designer Chapman Taylor, who have blended the city’s history with contemporary touches. The new W Hotels outpost will reside within the former Grand Hotel Evropa, an Art Nouveau-style building that originally opened in 1905. 161 guestrooms and suites will feature alongside a signature W Lounge and a rooftop bar with sweeping city views. 

A main design motif centres around the concept of ‘elixir’, nodding to the magical concoctions that promise eternal life. Golden elixir detailing is infused into many facets of the hotel’s design, adding a touch of enchantment – from the façade, through to the communal areas and guestrooms. Also woven in through whimsical elements are allusions to a ‘fantastical garden’.

The entrance of the hotel seamlessly transcends into the reception area, where modern brass metal mesh desks are juxtaposed with elegant Art Nouveau light fixtures. The adjacent restored atrium, with stucco detailing dating back to 1905 and restored illustrations from 1925, now features a radiant glass installation.

W Lounge, the social hub of the hotel, features a central bar framed by fluted columns, while furnishings in soft blues, greens and terracotta invite guests to relax and socialise. The Above Rooftop will showcase bold tile accents and bespoke joinery alongside bold colours and custom-made furniture pieces. Once the epicentre for Prague socialites in the 1920s, W Prague will also see the revival of the Grand Café, featuring an outpost of Le Petit Beefbar by Monaco-based restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.

Minus One, nestled in the basement, offers a range of venues – from a cocktail bar, to a performance and lounge venue. Tucked away, a hidden speakeasy enveloped in floor-to-ceiling drapery offers a more intimate setting. Finally, a room adorned with lacquered shelves in a deep forest green and the soft shimmer of the golden ceiling provides an enclave for private tastings and dinners.

The hotel’s suites feature striking colours and reflective textures. The E-Wow Suite, the brand’s modern interpretation of a traditional presidential suite, echoes the architecture of the new building whilst embracing Art Nouveau styles. Key features include a pendant designed by Avroko hanging above the kitchen counter under a grandiose ribbon, as well as a custom-designed rug in the living room. The Wow Bohemia Duplex in the Heritage Building meanwhile features restored beams and feature arch windows, finished in a deep grenache colour palette.

“The opening of W Prague promises travellers an unexpected and engaging hotel experience in the heart of one of Europe’s most cultured and lively cities,” says Helen Leighton, Vice President of Luxury Brands & Communications, EMEA. “The juxtaposition of the hotel’s unique design, deeply rooted in Prague’s rich heritage with the addition of new contemporary concepts, beautifully showcases the brand’s emphasise on creating luxury lifestyle destinations with a playful, yet refined ambiance that provide new perspectives in key global destinations.”