Back in February, you may remember that my boyfriend and I jetted off for a wintery city-break in the beautiful Czech capital, Prague. Having booked our flights and accommodation through British Airways and getting a ridiculously good value deal as per usual, we were looking forward to our Valentines weekend away – and especially excited about staying at the beautiful Mark Luxury Hotel, which we later found out to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World group.
Getting There
We started our journey early in the morning, with a 7.20am flight out of Heathrow – just what you want after a long week at work! However, at least it meant that we were on our way and could make the most of the day once we arrived in the city. Arriving into Prague’s International airport after a one hour and forty minute flight, we successful managed to navigate our way through the airport concourse and find the airport express bus into the city centre. The AE bus line operates seven days a week, every thirty minutes and takes roughly half an hour to deliver you into the city centre. The service is great value with a ticket only costing CZ 60 each way (about £1.75!) and stops at a number of locations in the city (one is just around the corner from the hotel – so convenient!)
There are also a number of other bus routes that you could consider but in my opinion, none are as convenient as the AE. Of course, you could also hop in a taxi – the trip would take you approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs about CZ 650 (roughly £20).
Location
The Mark Luxury Hotel was in the perfect location, just on the edge of the Old Town and at most, a ten minute walk to the Central Square, and in the opposite direction, the main station. The metro and tram lines were also close by, meaning that it was incredibly easy to travel to all of the city’s sights if we didn’t feel like walking.
Just up the road from the hotel was a large open area with the Obecní dům (Municipal House) and Prašná brána (Powder Tower) to one side and a large shopping centre on the other. Inside the Obecní dům you will also find the Kavárna Obecní dům, supposedly one of Prague’s most beautiful cafes. Unfortunately I didn’t find this out until after my trip – probably for the best, as otherwise you wouldn’t have been able to prise me away from this Art-Deco masterpiece!
On Arrival
Having been dropped off just up the street from the hotel by the AE bus, we trundled towards the hotel with our suitcases. On arrival we were greeted by grand marble entrance way where a friendly doorman welcomed us and pointed us to the right and into the reception and concierge area.
We were a few hours early for check-in (3pm) but managed to leave our bags safely with the concierge and then headed out, camera in hand, bound for the Old Town.
Following a good few hours out in the city, we returned to the hotel and enjoyed a complimentary welcome drink in the comfortable lounge area. We were then able to check in and make our way up to the room, located on the 3rd floor, to refresh ourselves and unpack.
The ground floor of the hotel is comprised of the reception, a spacious lounge with adjoining bar (Two Steps Bar), the Le Grill restaurant (which doubles as the breakfast space) and to the back of the hotel there is a large courtyard which I’m sure in the summer is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink the late evening sunshine.
The Room: Grand Deluxe Suite
Upon entering our room, we were immediately impressed at how much space we had. As with most hotels homed in historical buildings, each room appears to have a different layout and quirky shape. In this case, our room was an elongated rectangle divided into two separate zones.
At the far end, after entering through a small ‘cloakroom’ area, we had the living space with kitchenette, dining area and a comfortable sofa positioned in front of a flat-screen TV. The room was very light and airy with high ceilings and windows looking out over the hotel’s courtyard.
Through some sliding doors, from the lounge, was the compact bedroom which featured a small writing desk, another flat-screen TV and of course the king-sized bed. To the right of the bed we had a small walk-in closet with safe deposit box and through a separate door, the beautiful marble bathroom fitted out with a bath and a beautiful rain shower.
In addition there were fluffy robes, slippers, upmarket toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as an excellent (and complimentary) Wi-Fi connection.
Food – Breakfast and Dinner
As one would expect, the breakfast buffet was a very pleasant experience. Not only was there a good selection of different pastries and an assortment of continental cold meats/ cheeses etc, there was also the hot breakfast option (sausages, baked beans, eggs, etc). There was also a good choice of drinks – hot and cold – including juices, mineral water and that all important morning fizz.
Our evening dining experience at the hotel was also truly memorable and I would definitely recommend it, not only to guests of the hotel but also to visitors to Prague in general. You can read more about our evening and the menu in my separate review on the hotel’s restaurant – Le Grill – here.
Other Facilities
The hotel has a small gym room on site but as a guest of The Grand Mark Prague, you can also gain access to the World Class Health Academy located not far from the hotel. Offering state-of-the-art fitness equipment and training rooms, as well as a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room or indoor swimming pool.. you are truly spoilt for choice!
If you are interested in spa treatments, the hotel also offers a full range of massage and wellness treatments in collaboration with the external and nearby Mystic Temple. Treatments can either be carried out in your room or at the Spa, not far from the Hotel.
The Verdict
All in all, we had a wonderful stay at the Mark and were made to feel very welcome by all members of staff. The location of the hotel was great for reaching the majority of the city’s main sights and we were well connected by public transport for reaching those slightly further afield.
We were impressed with the hotel’s décor and at how spacious it was considering its central location – a good sized dining room, large lounge and bar area, as well as the garden courtyard which, although we did not make use of it, looked lovely and I can imagine it being a great place to relax on a summers evening.
Perfect for: romantic and luxury city breaks
What did you think of my The Mark Luxury Hotel review? Have you recently enjoyed a stay there yourself, or would you consider it for an upcoming trip to Prague? If you want to know anything else about the hotel or if you enjoyed this post, please leave me a comment in the box below and let me know!
Want to read more about Prague? Check out my post on the Must-See Sights of Prague – there will also be a city guide coming soon!
* cover image from nicemagazine.cz
