Aria Hotel

When the owners of Aria hired Spatium architects—who’ve worked with Gianni Versace—they made an instant statement. This would be no regular Czech hotel, but something truly extraordinary. That’s the feeling in every area of the grounds, where you’ll find a cozy red-walled Fireplace Lounge, 12-seat Screening Room (Amadeus, anyone?) and music library where Kondo-level organization of CDs, sonorous literature and DVDs would put most actual libraries to shame. We love that the floors are dedicated to particular genres, including jazz, opera, classical and contemporary; whichever you choose, you’ll have either a rain shower or soaking tub, Apple TV and loaner iPad for dancing to your playlists of choice. Book the 818-square-foot Beethoven Suite for a hi-fi system that includes a Marantz amp.

A welcoming 51 room hideaway inspired by music, from Brahms to Elvis.

Campy. The theme is subtle in the plush rooms, but there is a well-stocked music library and dedicated music concierge, not to mention an on-staff music director who holds a PhD in Musicology, no less.

When you’re in ancient citadels, you force yourself to get a bird’s eye view, and Aria has its own on-site: the Rooftop Terrace, a cocktail bar overlooking a storybook scene of red tile roofs.

You always eat well on vacation. If not, what’s the point of going? And are delighted to find CODA on the hotel’s top floor, where Executive Chef David Šašek has perfected the trending art of sous vide. On the Czech menu: crispy oven roasted duck with sauerkraut and rabbit leg with beechwood-smoked bacon. It’s not until your first bite of dessert—strawberry dumplings with creme fraiche—that you notice the artwork hanging above you is by none other than Picasso. And oh my, is that a Chagall across the room? You may never leave.

Coda Restaurant - Features a delightful menu prepared by Executive Chef David Šašek Terasa U Zlate Studne - Serves Czech and international cuisine on its three terraces