Prague, Czech Republic: Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa
Reviewer: No Place Like Roam
January, 2008

Sometime around the second week of January, 2008, after reading mostly favorable reviews of the Alchymist on this site, I visited the hotel's website to learn more about the hotel and its rates and amenities. One of the things I learned from its site was, that during dates that included the travel times I was interested in (mid-February, 2008), the hotel was offering something like 20% off its regular quoted room rates. I quickly emailed the Alchymist to confirm that this information was correct and also asked some other questions about accomodations, breakfast, etc.

As of the date of this posting, March 25, 2008, I have yet to hear a word back from the Alchymist, either via email, my home address or phone number. Naturally, after a couple of weeks had passed and I hadn't heard back from the Alchymist, I decided I wouldn't go there. But to think that almost two and a half months have gone by with no reply whatsoever is incredible. I don't see how the Alchymist can possibly offer even sub-par service if its staff can't be bothered to reply to a simple email requesting basic information.

Needless to say, I wouldn't consider staying at the Alchymist even if they offered me free accomodations. I have travelled the world and stayed at hotels both excellent and hideous. I would at the very least recommend to anyone considering staying at the Alchymist that s/he feel fairly confident her/his questions, requests and the like were responded to upfront and in a timely fashion.

I had no expectations of this hotel as it was booked for me as a surprise by my boyfriend, however when we arrived I was absolutely stunned to find a real life fairytale folding out in front of my eyes. From check-in to check-out the service was excellent(including a tour of the hotel by the porter to familiarise ourselves with the spa, gym, internet room, cocktail lounges, restaurant and dining room).

We're not generally into the whole "gilted, antique" kind of look but in this romantic setting this hotel (est. in the 1600's) stark minimalism would've looked out of place.

Definitely recommended for a romantic weekend away as you can choose to see the general tourist sights (Charles Bridge 10min walk, Castle 25min walk) or simply to recline on a chaise in the bar and enjoy the decadence that is the Alchymist.

The Spa is also something else. I'm a bit of a spa-lover and my boyfriend knew that so he'd hit the jackpot with the Alchymist. The Spa is down a narrow flight of stairs to the left (with the gym to the left (which has a couple of treadmills, a gym ball and some free weights, not much but enough to sustain fitness for a couple of days - oh and the gym has a chandelier in it!!)). Anyway back to the Spa... once through to the left you pass the Grecian pool and go over a small wooden bridge with goldfish passing under your feet, to a reception area where you are given a warm welcome and asked a few questions.

From there I was taken through to one of the spa rooms where I received a massage from a lovely Asian woman. It was bliss and she was very good. My only small criticism is that when the allocated time had elapsed she simply stopped and said "time up", which slightly ruined the calm atmosphere.

The buffet breakfast is fantastic - loads to choose from (croissants, eggs, bacon, cereal, cheese, coffee etc.) and very relaxed.

Not much more to add other than I would visit Prague again just to stay in the Alchymist - it is an attraction in and of itself.

My friend and I have just spent 3 nights at the Alchymist and it was everything we expected - and more! Yes, it is a fest of brocade and gilt but it was not out of character! The bedrooms were comfortable, warm (I was worried about that in February!) and we were convinced there were ladies under the bed who appeared and tidied the room every time we left! All the staff were polite and very helpful - even if we couldn't quite understand
them sometimes! We were B & B and breakfast was a lavish affair, including proper bread / toast! Brilliant!

We spent some time in the spa - again, very tastefully done. The massages are not for the faint-hearted - and neither are the facials! Nevertheless, a soothing 2 hours. And lots of free fruit tea!

The location was superb: 5 mins brisk walk to Charles Bridge, 5-10 up to the Castle. (Oh! it is all cobbled so leave stilletos at home!) We also felt very safe with the US Embassy next door and constant police guard! We managed everything on foot and found some brilliant places.

We'll go back to Prague and wouldn't even think about going to another hotel!

This is a hotel that is full of Venetian character and charm. We had chosen a junior suite and the room itself was stunning to the eye, from the 7 foot plus gilt mirrors, to the huge chandelier in the ceiling, beautifully painted ceiling to the dramatic bed! The hotel is full of wonders like the pool and spa area under the hotel. At the entrance there is the Barocco Vaneziano Café, where you will be overwhelmed with the choice of homemade chocolate pralines and wonderful cakes. The staff are pleasant but slightly reserved in their manner. It is almost a great hotel apart from the service being slightly cool and un-enthusiastic from some areas. This may be unfair as we found this was common in every restaurant and cafe we frequented.

Superb location very near the Charles Bridge, and a short walk to the castle.

We are so accustomed to having tea and coffee facilities in our room, this is not provided here although there is the option of room service. You only get 1 bottle of water free and must pay for any additions for the duration of your stay. The suite was so well insulated we had to turn off the heating for our stay, as apparently the air conditioning is controlled by the front desk and they do not use it at this time of year. The pillows were also dissappointing, and we asked for extras but to be honest they weren't great! The breakfast provided a decent selection, however the hot breakfast items were not hot!