Prague’s Landmark Riverside Brutalist Hotel Reopens As Fairmont, Combining History and Upscale Design

The reopening of one of Prague’s ultimate luxury hotels marks one of the most significant moments in the city’s recent hospitality history. Formerly the InterContinental Prague, the landmark brutalist building has reopened as the Fairmont Golden Prague after a five-year, $200 million restoration. It is the first Fairmont property in both the Czech Republic and Central Europe.

“It’s one of the largest hotel transformations Central Europe has seen in years,” said Karolina Jovanovic, marketing communication manager at Fairmont Golden Prague. “The architect wanted to show respect for the building’s legacy while giving it a new life that meets today’s expectations for luxury.”

Once a symbol of modern luxury in Czechoslovakia, the hotel now returns with preserved 1970s Czech artworks, newly commissioned pieces from leading contemporary artists, and world-class amenities designed to reestablish its place as a cultural and architectural touchstone in the nation’s capital.

First Western Hotel Investment in the Eastern Bloc

The hotel’s significance began long before its 2025 reopening. According to a June 12, 2025, information release from Fairmont Golden Prague, the original property was the first international five-star hotel in Czechoslovakia and the first Western investment in an Eastern Bloc country. 

Funded by PanAm, the project broke political and economic barriers, drawing global attention. Upon its completion in 1974, it was covered by outlets including The New York Times, which underscored its rarity as a luxury presence behind the Iron Curtain.

Restored Czech Art and New Design Define the Interiors

Today, the Fairmont Golden Prague preserves much of its artistic heritage. Originally designed by architect Karel Filsak, it has been reimagined by TaK Architects under lead architect Marek Tichý, who retained original stained glass windows, chandeliers, and sculptures while adding works from leading contemporary Czech artists.

Behind the hotel, a glass cube will house a contemporary art gallery managed by the Kodl family.

The property offers 320 rooms and suites, including the 1,614-square-foot Presidential Suite, and six dining venues. Most of the rooms feature glass walls by Lasvit, a collection of 150 original Czechoslovak film posters, and some also have lighting from Bomma.

Sustainability is a priority, with 97.7% of the cooling system powered by sustainable sources. Guests booking the Fairmont Gold experience have access to an executive lounge, offering priority check-in, all-day refreshments, and tailored guest assistance. “We’re the only luxury hotel in Prague with a true executive lounge,” Jovanovic said. “It’s designed for guests who want both privacy and personalized service.”

Six Dining Venues Span Fine Dining to Comfort Food

The hotel’s six dining venues range from riverside casual to rooftop fine dining. Its signature restaurant, Zlatá Praha, is led by executive chef de cuisine Maroš Jambor, formerly of New York’s three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. “By reviving the hotel’s historic restaurant name, we aim to make Zlatá Praha a destination for fine dining in Prague,” Jovanovic said.

At street level, Tilia Garden serves healthy, café-style dishes, including vegan options, as part of the spa zone. Across a new pedestrian bridge from Dvořák Embankment, Greenhouse offers grilled meats, fish, and Pilsner beer. Kafka Brasserie serves breakfast and plans to add weekend brunches in the fall.

The Coocoo’s Nest lobby bar serves classic cocktails and light bites. On the ninth floor, Golden Eye offers Pan-Asian dishes, including nikkei sushi and ceviche, with panoramic views.

From Soft Opening to Full Operations, with More to Come

Fairmont Golden Prague opened in April 2025 with 40 rooms and two restaurants. By August, all 297 rooms and six dining venues were in operation. An additional 23 residences, scheduled for completion in fall 2025, will bring the total to 320 accommodations.

Miloš Forman Square in front of the hotel is being cleared of construction equipment, with a public tender for its revitalization set for October. On Sept. 11, the Kodl Contemporary Gallery behind the hotel will hold its opening ceremony.

A History of High-Profile Guests

Over the decades, the hotel has hosted actors Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise, music legend Elton John, and political leaders including former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Richard Nixon, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Location in Prague’s Historic Josefov District

Located in Prague’s Josefov district, the Fairmont Golden Prague stands at the edge of the Old Town, where the city’s Jewish heritage meets its medieval heart. At the end of Pařížská Street, home to luxury boutiques, the hotel overlooks the Vltava River. Directly opposite is the Law Faculty of Charles University.

For American travelers seeking the pinnacle of comfort in Prague, Fairmont Golden Prague offers more than luxury accommodations—it immerses guests in a living gallery of Czech artistry, from preserved 1970s masterpieces to striking contemporary works.