Smart new hotels update three classic destinations.

One of Europe’s most popular destinations, the Czech Republic’s magnificent capital, Prague, has been plagued with a shortage of well-appointed rooms. Helping ease the situation is the brand-new 110-bedroom Hotel Josef, which opened last June in the heart of the city’s medieval quarter. Rather than trying to re-create the past, Czech-born London architect Eva Jiricna has given the Josef a bold glass-and-steel façade, which fits in surprisingly well with the historic surroundings. The interior of the hotel is even more dramatic – starting with a grand suspended glass-and-steel cable staircase in the lobby. In the guest rooms, Jiricna has steered away from what she calls the “unnecessary luxuries that clutter so many contemporary hotel rooms”. Instead, she has carefully filled the space with sleek Italian chairs, her own glass-and-stainless-steel tables and stools, and custom-made lacquered beds with built-in lighting, storage, and electronic entertainment. The result is some of Prague’s most modern and comfortable accommodations.

Richard Alleman www.vogue.com