Augustine: 5th Award in a Year

Prague´s luxury five-star hotel The Augustine, part of the Rocco Forte Collection, is adding another prestigious title to its growing list of awards since opening in May 2009. Located in the heart of Prague, the hotel has been awarded the Hotel Interior Design of the Year award as part of the European Hospitality Awards 2010, a prestigious competition that seeks to honour the best in hotel service, innovation and guest experiences in the European hotel industry today.

The Augustine reflects Prague´s history, character and beauty, combined with a modern, contemporary design by Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection´s Director of Design.  The style reflects the hotel´s wonderful location and its rich monastic history, using a simple design with a distinctly ecclesiastical feel.  The rooms feature two colour schemes; green with purple accents and grey with orange accents, featuring heavy linens and velvets in papal-inspired shades of purple, red and orange.  All bedrooms feature a range of decorative accessories inspired by 1930´s Czech cubism, many of which are reproductions from Czech design specialist Modernista, including timber chairs by Pavel Janak and chaise-lounges by Adolf Loos in some of the larger rooms.

The Augustine hotel is conveniently located in Prague´s picturesque Malá Strana district, close to the majestic Prague Castle, the Wallenstein Garden, the famous Charles Bridge and within easy reach of the city´s many colourful tourist attractions, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers. The design of the interiors was executed by the London-based design company RDD, together with Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection´s Director of Design. The hotel is also in close proximity to Prague´s commercial district and Prague´s Ruzyne International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

The 101-bedroom property including 16 suites has been created from seven buildings, many with historical significance, including the 13th century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery, after which the hotel is named. Several practicing friars still live in a separate part of the monastery, adjacent to the hotel grounds. The guests may benefit from the direct access to the neighbouring St. Thomas Church and exclusive rental of adjacent gardens for the ultimate summer events and wedding receptions.

The hotel´s elegantly designed bedrooms all boast stunning views over the courtyards, the monastery chapel or Prague Castle. The suites include an impressive 150sqm Charles Suite and Tower Suite, located in the monastery´s astronomical tower. All rooms feature a range of decorative accessories inspired by early 20th century Czech cubism, many of which are reproductions from Czech design specialist Modernista, including timber chairs by Pavel Janak and chaise-lounges by Adolf Loos.

Housed in a glass-covered courtyard, The Monastery offers a modern European Brasserie menu in a bright, refreshing space in the heart of historic Prague. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a spacious terrace that is popular for summer dining, and ancient trees have been carefully incorporated into the restaurant´s design. Highlights of The Monastery´s menu include dishes created with fresh, seasonal ingredients in addition to the hotel´s own St Thomas Beer. The menu is complimented by an international wine list featuring wines from old and new world regions.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

Located moments away from The Charles Bridge and close to Prague Castle, The Monastery Restaurant is situated in the vibrant Lesser Town (the Mala Strana quarter of Prague).

The Brewery is a cornerstone of Mala Strana´s historic heritage, now restored by Rocco Forte as a place for residents and people working locally to feel at home. Its atmospheric underground location features original 17th century stalactites and stalagmites, a floating terracotta floor especially laid to protect and highlight the unique surroundings and an authentic underground water source that has been glazed over and incorporated into the bar´s design. In addition, the design of the furniture captures the cubism style of the 1920s and is one of The Augustine´s three luxurious food and beverage outlets, alongside The Monastery restaurant and Tom´s cocktail bar.

Located in a beautiful barrel-vaulted hall, Tom´s Bar features high ceilings and outside seating on comfortable lounges in the cloister terrace during summer. Once the monastery refectory, Tom´s Bar now offers live music on selected evenings and a variety of teas and cocktails – including the bar´s signature ‘Angel cocktails´ which are inspired by the carefully restored 19th century baroque frescoes.