Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Prague is a dream destination for tourists and its old town district attracts millions of visitor’s yearly. One of the most beautiful and visited capital’s of Europe; this city has an incredible mix of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The Vltava River is the heartbeat of Prague and the surrounding hills and winding cobblestone streets provide a truly romantic backdrop. The Four Seasons Hotel right in the heart of the Old Town is comprised of three historic houses pains-
takingly joined together a number of years ago. The first is a neo-Renaissance building originally built for a fish merchant, the second a neoClassical former factory and the third, a Baroque building situated behind the Abbey of the Knights of the Cross, dating from 1737. The renovations employed some of the city’s most skilled craftsmen and women, and the results are impressive. The interior is pure Four Seasons – offering plush furnishings, highly polished stone floors, reproduction antiques and elaborate floral displays. Cotto Crudo which means “cooked and raw,” is the hotels stylish restaurant, bar & lounge. An
n Cotto Crodo at Four Seasons Prague.
Italian classics menu with a modern twist, a central culinary station with prime Italian delicacies, a crudo bar, variable seating options and a unique design showcases the latest in dining trends. Guests enter the restaurant through revolving doors from Veleslavínova Street and are instantly attracted by the central culinary station featuring the crudo bar – “raw” bar in Italian - a cheese cellar including the mozzarella bar, a salami and prosciutto tower, pane grissini freshly baked breads and wine displays. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an extensive wine list of more than 300 labels, of which 26 wines will be available by mezzo (Italian carafe), and an eclectic cocktail list featuring Italian and Czech twists on classic recipes. The Cotto Crudo concept was inspired by the design and architecture of Prague. The aim was to create a sense of place and history to contrast with the sleek, modern aspect of the bar and culinary stations. Of the three main areas to explore, in Prague the Stare Mesto on the east-
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com ern bank of the Vltava is the old medieval town, built around its main square which is home to the city’s amusing 15th-century astronomical clock, and the haunting Jewish quarter. To the south, by Jiraskuv bridge, you’ll find Frank Gehry’s Rasin Building, aka “Fred and Ginger” because it appears to be dancing around its n Four Seasons Prague Suite. corner Castle is the landmark attraction: and its grounds offer an ex- B r i d g e traordinary collection of pal- lined with statues of the aces, Prague, then work your saints, links the old town to way through and down to the the Mala S t r a n a , or Little Malostranska metro and the Q u a r t e r and is a must see. river. The landmark Charles The airport is 12 miles outside
n Aer Lingus Dublin to Prague Daily Service.
Prague. An express bus connects to the underground every 30 minutes. Four Seasons can make your retreat to the golden city last longer offering a three night stay for the price of two. For best rates visit www.fourseasons.com Aer Lingus fly Prague ex Dublin daily www.aerlingus.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com