Our first visit to the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa was in 2006. We returned last August and one word describes our stay…FABULOUS! The hotel beautifully combines luxury, comfort, unique decor, a great staff, superb restaurant, and history. The first written information about the building dates back to the mid 16th century.

The hotel is adjacent to the U.S. Embassy which is located in the 17th century Schoenborn Palace. The first United States Minister to Czechoslovakia was Richard Crane, the grandson of a Chicago plumbing millionaire. Crane (1882 – 1938), who had acquired the palace at the end of the First World War, then sold the building in 1925 to the United States Government for $125,000.

The atrium entrance to the reception and the hotel common rooms.

We are both excited to return to Prague and the hotel.

We relax with a coffee until our room is ready. The architecture and decor is opulent with Baroque elements.

As a lover of antiques and decorative art I was drawn to this cabinet.

A closer look revealed a wonderful cabinet of curiosities.

I was intriqued by all the 17 century books, carvings, shells, and fossils.

The rock crystal obelisks were fantastic!

The design team must have had a fabulous time working on the interiors!

This is one of the public areas.

Angels point the way toward a back staircase.

Beautiful embellishments.

Marla waits for the elevator.

Murano glass chandelier and an Art Deco bronze.

There are many room options.

We booked an inside table in their Aquarius Restaurant for dinner this evening.

A compact but delicious looking menu.

I booked a 90 minute massage in the “Ecsotica Spa” in the basement. The decor combines exotic Balinese and Indian elements.

The spa reception area.

I follow my masseuse toward a treatment suite.

The wooden bridge is above a pond with koi goldfish.

The interior of the Aquarius Restaurant.

Fabulous wallcoverings from the French company, Zuber.

Delicious exoticism.

We loved our dinner so much we booked the next night at a table in the outdoor area.

Our cocktails are being prepared.

My very lovely dinner companion!

A collage of our dinner selections.

The hotel’s excellent receptionist made a nearby hairdresser reservation for Marla.

She loved this place and her hair turned out beautiful!

Breakfast before our departure to Passau, Germany, by a car service.

The Alchymist Grand Hotel is just wonderful and I would return in a heartbeat along with fascinating Prague.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.