Ten hotels fit for an oligarch

Where do Eastern Europe's rich and powerful stay when they holiday close to home? Danielle Demetriou reveals the most luxurious addresses ...

Sunday, 1 October 2006

1. A touch of glass for the literati

Amid Prague's historic spires sits stark, modern Hotel Josef. Set in the Jewish Quarter, it eschews the surrounding architectural opulence for bold, contemporary design and white, minimalist decor. A staircase consists of a sculptural swirl of glass and metal; a circle of clear glass set against a stone wall is your bathroom sink. Be warned, the bathroom sits in an exposed glass cubicle in the corner of the room.

Bling factor: One for the cultural oligarch. The Hotel Josef is a favourite with the literati, with visitors ranging from Irvine Welsh to Howard Brenton - the hotel has close ties with the annual Prague Writers' Festival. Check them out debating poetry while sipping Becherovka at the hotel bar.