The Emblem Hotel

Mrs Smith and I decided that for our anniversary we would pack the thermals and take a winter trip to Prague to spend a few days wandering its cobbled streets and soaking up the stunning array of architecture.

Tucked quietly just behind the hustle and bustle of the Old Town Square, and near the people-packed Charles Bridge, is the Emblem Hotel. From the moment you step into its entrance, there’s an air of calm and tranquillity that washes over you – more than enough to make those vibrant streets that are just yards behind you feel like miles away.

The Emblem is a hotel that manages to marry comfort and eloquence harmoniously – minimalist decor, art-filled walls (the hotel champions Czech artists, offering them free nights in exchange for on-loan pieces), clean, minimal rooms… Waking up in the morning on a perfectly sprung mattress with the blackout curtains not letting in a single creep of light is the perfect start to any day.

Over breakfast the eggs are served as fluffy as the American pancakes, and washed down with steaming hot coffee, fresh juices and a whole buffet of tempting options. It’s the perfect preparation for city exploring.

Location-wise, the Emblem couldn’t be better suited. A few steps out the front door and the whole city feels within easy reach. Prague’s galleries, museums, churches, shops, restaurants and bars are plentiful and one could fill days without straying too far from your front door.

However, exploring further afield is made much easier thanks to the thoughtfulness of the hotel. In your room you’ll find a guest smartphone to take out with you (free of charge) helping to avoid costly data-roaming charges and doubling up as a personal navigation device. Exploring the winding paths of Pet?ín park becomes a breeze, as we found when we wandered to the top to climb its Eiffel Tower-like observation tower and look out over the spectacular views of the city before retreating for trdelník (a local, and delicious, sugary pastry).

After a day walking the streets and climbing the steep steps up towards the towering Prague Castle, a little relaxation was needed. The Emblem most certainly knows how to help. The guests-only basement operates as the M Lounge, a classy series of rooms aimed for ultimate relaxation. You can help yourself to juices, teas and coffees and there are countless chairs and sofas to unwind in.

The rooms are loaded with an eye-catching collection of books, spanning art, photography, culture and history. There is even a games room, where you can relax (or argue) over a game of Scrabble or sit back in front of the giant TV and play a little Xbox. It’s a giant living room, essentially, offering somewhere to put your feet up and relax after a long day – a home from home.

However, should you wish to plunge even deeper into relaxation mode then make your way to the top floor M Spa. Here you’ll find a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and relaxation room. Given it was our anniversary, we decided to hire the rooftop Jacuzzi for an hour. We drank the bottle of prosecco that came as part of the package and soaked in steamy hot bubbles looking out over the Prague sunset; the sky dissolving into to a warm orange glow. A special moment.

Feeling as relaxed as can be, we dined in the in-house George Prime Steak restaurant. The steaks were sizzling and succulent and the side of sautéed wild mushrooms were the perfect accompaniment. We ended our stay by retiring to the cosy bar, where the gentle flicker of candles proved as soothing as the music.

Sucked in by the allure of their excellent cocktail menu, we couldn’t resist a nightcap. Their smoky old fashioned – the glass gently filled with apple wood smoke – remains one of the finest, most perfectly mixed and sippably smooth cocktails I’ve ever had. This ended our stay just as we’d begun it: in total comfort and in a blissful state of complete calm and tranquillity.