This four-star hotel, member of the prestigious Design Hotel TM Group, was baptized in honor of the Emperor Josef II of Austria and opened in June 2002 in the heart of the medieval quarter of Prague, close to the Wencelas Square and the Opera. There is no need, however, to look for any Baroque traces in this thoroughly minimalist and high tech edifice designed by the architect Eva Jiricna and her Architects Limited Studio.

When owners Rudolf and Christian Ploberger summoned the architect already famous for her work in New York, Paris and Milan, they knew that this project would represent a real challenge in a city with such an exceptional architectural heritage.

The architecture and decoration based on the theme of glass evokes Bohemian crystal, the country’s pride and joy. Combined with steel, glass makes space dynamic, as can be observed in the three-dimensional facade of the building inspired by Czech cubism.

By optimizing transparency and light to create space, this material reinforces the visitor’s impression of being in the heart of the city.

In the middle of the lobby with its showcase that seems to prolong the activity of the street, a spiral staircase hanging on steel cables links the reception area to the meeting rooms. “Capri” armchairs designed by Hannes Wettstein for Baleri circle the glass tables and “Bombo” stools designed by Stephano Givannoni for Mathis dot the long reception counter.

The 110 rooms are split between two buildings:
“The Pink” and “The Orange” Houses, where the light passes throughout the large windows to model the white interior and illuminates the occasional touches of color in a bright orange armchair, a pink Schiaparelli throw.

Designed to meet modern hotel service needs, each air-conditioned room has a bathroom with shower, tub and hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, DVD, minibar.
The luxury categories include Philippe Starck bathtubs and terraces with beautiful city views.

The two buildings are linked by an open courtyard that provides the international guests, half tourists and half business travelers, with a garden haven. On the sixth floor the fitness room also adjoins a rooftop terrace.

The ground floor breakfast room opens onto the garden. Here the elegant canework and steel tube seats were designed by Marcel Breuer for Thonet of 1929.

For travelers with high standards who enjoy tranquility and ascetic architecture, the Hotel Josef adds an original touch of modern sophistication in a city already full of traditional charm.
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