What it is

A 13th century Augustine monastery transformed into a plush 101 room hotel with an earthy restaurant, two spirited bars, and a spa with a sauna and steam room.

What it isn't

Lacking in reverence. There are still four monks reportedly living on the premises, and the hotel is attached to the Baroque-era St. Thomas church and its original 13th century library, all available for insider tours.

What we think

If you’re looking for a religious experience—quite literally—Augustine is it. Most guest rooms retain their original bones from simpler years as monastery domiciles, but they’ve been remade for today’s glitterati with luxuries the monks of centuries past could never have dreamt of, including underfloor heating beneath the en suite bathroom’s marble floors. Even the simplest room category here, the 344 square foot “Classic, Guest Room, 1 King,” is extraordinary, with its parquet wood flooring, sumptuous window treatments and perks like a curated minibar, a coffee and tea setup and free zippy WiFi. For a “pinch me, I’m in Prague!” experience, you can’t go wrong with the aptly named Fresco Suite, which has hand-painted scenes and ornate details on its walls as well as a private terrace.

You're here because

The hotel has a double height, stone-walled bar called The Refectory that’s as Instagrammable as the Sistine Chapel thanks to its Baroque-era frescoes.

The Moment

There is arguably no more empowering breakfast in Europe than what’s set before you in the garden at Augustine Restaurant, including a platter of local charcuterie and a protein-rich barley porridge topped with egg, comte cheese, silver onions and guanciale.

Restaurants & Bars

Augustine Restaurant - Sophisticated European cuisine

Refectory Bar 1887 - Serves ingenious cocktails

Location

Steps from the banks of the Vltava river in central Prague, and an 11 minute walk from Prague Castle, originally built circa 870 and layered onto for generations thereafter.