Boccaccio Ballroom

In the afternoon, ladies arrived with their daughters to introduce them to the high society and search for a possible husband. Later in the night, the place turned into the most luxury nightclub in Prague – strictly men only. Friendships were sealed, business was discussed and politics was made in a company of beautiful girls, sparkling wines and Cuban cigars. A couple of Czech movies remembering these times were made. Boccaccio was very often, even in times of the communist rule, used as a movie interior. It was so opulent, that it excellently fit the communist image of “a capitalist place of vices and filth”.  Just check some of the movies´ names “Devil with an Angel Face” , “Angel Seducing Devil” or ”The Sinful People of Prague”.

Nevertheless, when the communists took over the hotel, they did not only shoot the movies about     “ bad old times”, but they also organized wild parties for the party officials, foreign visitors and just for their fun too. It is said  that some of the parties were so wild  that even gunshots holes were found in the ceiling during the reconstruction in 1993. 

The Boccaccio shone bright with its name throughout the times – reminding us of Giovanni Boccaccio and his Decameron . The parties and a lack of  care for 40 years meant the same for the Boccaccio as for the rest of the hotel. Fading of gold decorations, broken mirrors and light fixtures, dirty walls and furniture.

The central chandelier also escaped the damage, was carefully taken down and each of its 4000 hand- made pieces was cleaned and hung back so you can admire its glittering beauty.

Today, the Boccaccio still remains one of the most interesting ballrooms in Prague. It is often used for celebrations, parties and weddings as well as seminars and conferences. It does not serve its initial purpose anymore – as a dancing ballroom or a nightclub, but it is definitely as  beautiful as it was when Mr. Steiner introduced it to public.