Fairmont Golden Prague: A New Era of Luxury in the Heart of Prague
After four years of meticulous reconstruction,the iconic former Prague InterContinental Hotel is set to reopen as the Fairmont Golden Prague, marking a historic milestone in the city’s hospitality landscape. Slated to welcome its first guests in spring 2025, this transformation represents the most expensive hotel investment in Prague’s history, wiht a staggering price tag of four billion crowns for the renovation alone.
The project, spearheaded by the R2G investment group—backed by prominent figures Oldřich Šlemr, Pavel Baudiš, and Eduard kučera—aims to redefine luxury in the heart of Prague. The group acquired the property in 2018 for nearly six billion crowns,signaling their commitment to creating a world-class destination.
A Monumental Transformation
Table of Contents
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- A Monumental Transformation
- A hub for Luxury and Culture
- Key Highlights of the Fairmont Golden Prague
- A New Chapter for Prague’s Hospitality
- A Visionary Leader at the Helm
- Cutting-Edge Facilities and Unmatched Service
- Strategic Location in the Heart of Prague
- Key Highlights at a Glance
- A New Era for Prague’s Hospitality Scene
- The Prague InterContinental: A Brutalist Icon Reborn
“At the moment, around 700 people are moving around the construction site every day,” says Marek tichý, the architect behind the project from TaK Architects.“Everything is aimed at ensuring the approval could take place within a month, and the hotel could open during the spring, maybe already at the end of March.”
The final touches are now underway, with the furnishing of rooms and the installation of bespoke art pieces, including Demartini’s lamps for the Zlatá Praha hotel restaurant. The Czech glass company Lasvit has also contributed stunning glass elements, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to the hotel’s interior.
A hub for Luxury and Culture
The reopening of the Fairmont Golden Prague is not just a win for travelers but also for luxury retail. The hotel’s retail spaces will host high-end brands such as the Latvian goldsmith Grenardi, the Italian jewelry group Damiani, and the renowned Pasquale Bruni jewelry store.This integration of luxury shopping within the hotel underscores its ambition to become a global benchmark for opulence.
Key Highlights of the Fairmont Golden Prague
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Investment | Four billion crowns for renovation; six billion crowns for acquisition |
| Opening Date | Spring 2025 (possibly late March) |
| Architect | Marek Tichý, TaK Architects |
| Luxury Retailers | Grenardi, Damiani, Pasquale Bruni |
| Art Installations | Demartini’s lamps, Lasvit glass elements |
A New Chapter for Prague’s Hospitality
The Fairmont Golden Prague is more than just a hotel; it’s a symbol of Prague’s evolution as a global luxury destination. located in the historic Old Town, the hotel is poised to attract discerning travelers seeking unparalleled service, exquisite design, and a connection to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
As the countdown to its grand opening begins, the Fairmont Golden Prague stands as a testament to the vision and ambition of its creators. whether you’re a luxury traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about this monumental project, the hotel promises to be a must-visit destination in 2025.
For more details,visit the official Fairmont Golden Prague website.Prague’s Largest Hotel Prepares for Grand Opening Under new Leadership
Prague is set to welcome a new landmark in luxury hospitality as one of the city’s largest hotels gears up for its grand opening. Spearheading this ambitious project is Gerhard struger, an Austrian hospitality veteran who was appointed CEO two years ago. Struger’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the hotel’s operations, ensuring it becomes a premier destination for travelers and locals alike.
The hotel, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a prime location, has been in development for several years. Its opening marks a notable milestone for Prague’s tourism industry,which continues to attract millions of visitors annually. The property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a blend of modern amenities and timeless elegance.
A Visionary Leader at the Helm
Gerhard Struger, the newly appointed CEO, brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a career spanning decades in the hospitality industry, Struger has a proven track record of managing high-profile properties across Europe. His appointment underscores the hotel’s commitment to excellence and its goal of setting new standards in luxury hospitality.
“The new head of one of Prague’s largest hotels has a clear vision for the property,” said a spokesperson close to the project. “Gerhard Struger’s leadership is expected to elevate the guest experience, ensuring the hotel becomes a cornerstone of Prague’s hospitality scene.”
Cutting-Edge Facilities and Unmatched Service
The hotel’s design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics, with spacious rooms, world-class dining options, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Guests can expect personalized service, with a dedicated team trained to meet the needs of even the most discerning travelers.
The property also features a range of wellness amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center, a spa offering bespoke treatments, and an indoor pool. These facilities are designed to provide guests with a sanctuary of relaxation amidst the bustling city.
Strategic Location in the Heart of Prague
Situated in a prime location, the hotel offers easy access to Prague’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Old Town, Charles Bridge, and Prague castle. Its proximity to major transportation hubs also makes it an ideal choice for international travelers.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| CEO | Gerhard Struger, a seasoned hospitality expert with decades of experience. |
| Location | Central Prague, near major tourist attractions and transport hubs.|
| Facilities | Luxury rooms, fine dining, wellness spa, fitness center, and conference spaces. |
| Target Audience | business and leisure travelers seeking a premium experience. |
A New Era for Prague’s Hospitality Scene
The opening of this hotel is more than just the launch of a new property; it represents a new chapter in Prague’s hospitality industry. With Gerhard Struger at the helm, the hotel is poised to become a benchmark for luxury and service in the region.As the countdown to the grand opening begins, anticipation is building among travelers and industry insiders alike. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a leisurely getaway, this hotel promises an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
For more data about Prague’s top attractions, check out this guide to Prague’s must-see landmarks.
Stay tuned for updates on the hotel’s official opening date and exclusive offers for early bookings.
The Prague InterContinental: A Brutalist Icon Reborn
The Prague InterContinental, a landmark of brutalist architecture, has undergone a transformative journey since its inception in the late 1960s. Originally funded by the American company PanAm, the hotel was designed to accommodate airline guests in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. Today, after a meticulous and costly renovation, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of 20th-century architecture.
A Past Collaboration
The story of the InterContinental begins in 1968, when PanAm, the owner of the InterContinental hotel chain, partnered with the Czechoslovak government to create a luxury hotel. the project was entrusted to the Epsilon studio, with architects Karel Filsak, Karel Bubeníček, and Jaroslav Švec at the helm. The building site, partially a bomb-damaged area from World War II, was expanded by demolishing several houses along Paris Street.
The hotel was intended to host panam airline guests in approximately 400 rooms. Though, after the political changes of 1968, American companies were forced out of the project, and the hotel was taken over by Čedok, a Czechoslovak state-owned travel agency.
Architectural Brilliance
The InterContinental is a striking example of brutalist architecture, characterized by its use of bare concrete and glass strips with ceramic cladding. The facade, designed by renowned Czech artist Zbyněk Sekal, was meticulously restored during the recent renovation. The building’s vertical segmentation was a intentional choice to harmonize with the historic surroundings of Prague’s Old Town.
Inside, the hotel boasts unique artistic elements, including a monumental wooden sculpture installation by Miloslav Hejný titled “The enchanted Forest.” This piece, featuring a central fireplace, remains a highlight of the hotel’s restaurant.
A Challenging Renovation
The hotel’s renovation, which began in 2021 and concluded in 2025, proved to be more demanding than anticipated. Originally slated to reopen two years earlier,the project faced significant challenges due to the building’s 1970s construction.
“The biggest construction problems were that the house was built in the 1970s, when quality was not taken seriously. So when construction experts uncovered the building, they found major static problems, so proposals for demolition were dropped. Though, my co-shareholders and I strongly rejected this, as we felt it was right to preserve the house.It is proof that even in the 1970s architecture could be created that is of high quality and can be considered cultural heritage,” said Oldřich Šlemr, one of the project’s investors.
The renovation included the restoration of the hotel’s unique facade, with the new cladding created as a digital copy of sekal’s original design.
The Future of the Old Town Gate
The InterContinental’s revival is part of a broader urban development project called the Old Town Gate, conceived by architect Marek Tichý. This initiative aims to revitalize the area around the hotel, including the construction of a new glass pavilion on Dvořák Embankment and the creation of a garden leading to the Vltava floodplain.
The transformation of Miloš Forman Square, adjacent to the hotel, is also underway. After multiple revisions, a new architectural competition will determine the final design, with participation from the Prague municipality and the Prague 1 district.
Key Milestones of the Prague InterContinental
| Year | Event |
|—————–|—————————————————————————|
| 1968–1974 | Construction of the InterContinental by Epsilon studio |
| 1968 | PanAm invests in the project, later forced out during normalization |
| 1992–1995 | First major renovation led by architect Roman Koucký |
| 2002 | Complete restoration of interiors |
| 2021–2025 | Total reconstruction, including facade and structural repairs |
A Legacy Preserved
The Prague InterContinental is more than just a hotel; it is a cultural landmark that bridges the past and present. Its restoration underscores the importance of preserving architectural heritage, even when faced with significant challenges. As the hotel reopens its doors,it invites visitors to experience a piece of Prague’s history,reimagined for the modern era.
for more insights into Prague’s architectural marvels, explore our guide to the city’s historic landmarks.
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What are your thoughts on the preservation of brutalist architecture? Share your views in the comments below!
In 2023, was a monumental undertaking. The goal was to preserve the building’s brutalist heritage while modernizing its facilities to meet contemporary luxury standards.The project involved restoring the original concrete facade, upgrading the interiors, adn enhancing the hotel’s amenities to cater to today’s discerning travelers.
The renovation also focused on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. This commitment to preserving the past while embracing the future has earned the hotel accolades from both architectural enthusiasts and hospitality experts.
A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark
The Prague InterContinental’s rebirth is more than just a renovation; it’s a festivity of its storied history and architectural importance.The hotel now offers a seamless blend of brutalist aesthetics and modern luxury, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking both culture and comfort.
With its prime location in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, the InterContinental continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its rich history, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities, ensures that it remains a cornerstone of prague’s hospitality scene.
Key Highlights of the Renovated InterContinental
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Architectural Style | Brutalist design with restored concrete facade and glass strips. |
| Artistic Elements | Monumental wooden sculpture by Miloslav Hejný, ceramic cladding by Zbyněk Sekal. |
| Renovation focus | Preservation of brutalist heritage, modernization of facilities, sustainability upgrades.|
| Location | Prague’s Old Town, near iconic landmarks like Charles bridge and Prague Castle. |
| Target Audience | Travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and modern luxury. |
Conclusion
The Prague InterContinental’s conversion is a testament to the enduring appeal of brutalist architecture and the importance of preserving cultural landmarks. As it reopens its doors, the hotel invites guests to experience a unique blend of history, art, and modern luxury in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
For more data about the Prague InterContinental and its offerings, visit the official website or explore Prague’s rich cultural heritage through the city’s many attractions.
Stay tuned for updates on exclusive packages and special events at the newly renovated InterContinental.
