A new side of hospitality

One night, one month, or more: The Julius Prague combines the freedom of living in an apartment with hotel services in the Czech capital. The first of a series, it was designed by Matteo Thun & Partners Julien Meinl VI, the co-founder and CEO of Julius Meinl Living, declared his intention from the start to create a new future by drawing on his family’s skill, experience, and enthusiasm. After six generations producing and distributing foodstuffs, now its attention is turned to this new realm of hospitality, with a new audience and new purposes. These are the founding intentions for The Julius Praque, a luxurious accommodation that merges the advantages of living in an apartment with those of a hotel. The brand plans to expand internationally to new locations. The first Julius is located in Prague, a few steps from the gates of the old city in a neoRenaissance building, restored, expanded and

designed by Matteo Thun & Partners. The partnership between the client and the designer began over 15 years ago. Now it aims to “establish the highest possible standard setting in the hospitality sector.” “The House of Julius Meinl is one of the most well-known Austrian brands with its origins dating back to 1862. I have been working with the Meinl family on various projects for over 15 years. The in-depth knowledge of the history and the strong connection with the family were invaluable in the design and branding concept for The Julius Prague – bringing together tradition and a contemporary lifestyle. With The Julius we wanted the historic palace in the center of Prague to become a temporary home,” says Matteo Thun. This aparthotel is a homey nest made of freedom, technology, and flexible services. Set up for a variety of customized needs – such as having an individual address for long stays – with generously sized spaces, a comfortable atmosphere, and common areas where guests can network or simply

Owner: Julius Meinl Living Hotel operator: Julius Prague Interior design: Matteo Thun & Partners Furnishings: custom made Coatings, tiles and surfaces: AGC Glass, Florim, Kaufmann Keramik, Matteo Brioni, Mutina, Sikkens, Steel Colour, Vescom, Vogue Ceramics Fabrics: Abitex, Dedar, Kvadrat, Rubelli Carpets: Hammer

Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Gionata Xerra

unplug. There are 168 residences in all, many of which are complete with a living room, a bedroom, and an open-plan kitchen. For the interiors, the team carefully chose a palette of colors inspired by the Czech Republic’s deep artistic heritage, celebrating artists like Alphonse Mucha and František Kupka. Sober colors mix with natural materials and inviting, elegant features, such as handcrafted rugs, oakwood floors, and soft linen sheets. The result is a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Custommade, specially designed furnishings abound both in the private areas and the common ones and restaurants, such as benches running along the walls and the beds with upholstered headboards paired with nightstands in the bedrooms. The Emporium bistro and bar are in the middle of the property, making them a central gathering space, featuring elegant metallic finishes, modern tiles and colorful chairs, immersing guests in a warm, homey feel.