Hotel Le Palais Prague
Building
Constructed in 1841, the original residential building was completely redesigned in the Belle Époque architectural style between 1888 and 1897 by Mr. Antonín Chmel. Mr. Chmel, the best-known producer of Prague ham, was a very successful businessman at that time. The project architect was Josef Martin, who changed the plans many times during the construction, added the east wing to the building, changed it from two to three floors and also added its very famous tower. The original character of the Belle Époque has found extraordinary expression here and has been preserved in a consistent and harmonious way.
Luděk Marold
The splendid frescoes of Luděk Marold on their own convey to the observer that exuberant joie de vivre of the “beautiful epoch” and its love of creativity to the smallest detail. Luděk Marold (1865 - 1898) is one of the best-known Bohemian painters. He was not only responsible for the artistic design of the building; he also lived on the top floor until 1898. His most famous work, the remarkable panorama “The Battle of Lipany”, can also be seen in Prague in its original. Luděk Marold was born in 1865 in Prague. He began to study at the Art Academy in Prague in 1881, when he was 16 years old. He did not stay there for long and headed for the Munich Academy. Marold spent 5 years there and gained many painting skills to develop a perfect painting technique, and the courage for painting exteriors, and he also acquainted himself with the new directions that art was taking.
In 1887 Luděk Marold returned to Prague to continue with his studies in the Academy. There, under the guidance of new schoolmasters, Marold focused on the newest art directions. In the Academy Marold was given a hearty welcome and worked with real joy. Although he continued to paint illustrations he also created two great paintings. Of those the most important is The Egg Market in Prague, truly a masterpiece. This picture shows the authentic atmosphere and is exceptional for its vivid colors. The Egg Market was displayed in Prague in 1888 and met with a very positive response. Thanks to this picture, Marold was offered a scholarship in France.
But the young artist did not take up this chance, as he decided to become independent. He was interested in contemporary life, its volatility and charm, and for this Paris was the best place to go. He wanted to paint in his own way but the same situation repeated itself – Marold had financial problems so he had to paint to earn money for a living.
For a short time he had his own unique style and he became an illustrator of Paul Margueritts, Alphonse Daudets, and the French versions of Goethe pieces. He became a well known author of posters as well. Marold, who never lost contact with his motherland, returned in 1897. Prague could not overlook Marold’s success in Paris and awaited him with respect. At that time, Prague was a big European city living a thunderous life of society and art. Here Marold married Zdena Mochovská and later on his only son Ludvík was born.
At this time the Czech Fair of Architecture and Engineering was being organized and Marold was invited to create a panoramic painting – The Battle at Lipany, the bloody war between the Hussites and the distinguished Catholics in 1434. The project was approved in 1897 and Marold had just 127 days for its completion. It was a very short time in comparison to what was given for The Panorama of Sedan, displayed in 1883 in Berlin after a long 7 years of work.
Marold and his colleagues again created a masterpiece, which was much admired. Marold handed over the piece on time but had exhausted all his energy and his weak body could not resist sickness any more. In December 1898 Marold died at the age of 33. Marold’s death meant a big loss for Czech art of the 19th century.
Location
Today the most exclusive residential area of the city, for hundreds of years this place was called “Královské Vinohrady” (The King’s Vineyard) and its name dates from the 14th century, when King Charles IV founded a large vineyard here.
Královské Vinohrady was established in 1848 and in 1866, when the pulling down of the city walls started, and just a year later the Emperor awarded Vinohrady an official name: Královská Vinohradská obec (The King’s Vineyards Municipality). In 1875 the Municipality split into two parts and two years later one of these parts became Žižkov. Královské Vinohrady reached the height of its fame in 1879 when, with 9000 inhabitants, it was given the status of a city. Its area was much more considerable than it is today and the Emperor granted the right to use a town coat of arms. In 1922 Královské Vinohrady was connected to the main city of Prague.
The original vineyard was placed behind the city walls and prospered for several centuries. The vineyard started to decline in 1848, when many homesteads and summerhouses were developed. Now there is just one original vineyard about 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel, operating as it did in its original years and selling wines once more.
Hotel Le Palais Prague today
Hotel Le Palais Prague is one of the newest luxury hotels opened on the Prague market. This private palace, dating from 1897 and built in the distinctive Belle Époque architectural style, became one of the finest hotels in Prague in 2002. The Le Palais is located in an exclusive residential area of Prague, only a 15-minute walk from the famed Wenceslas Square and the National Museum.
The interior design and the architecture is a masterpiece of Ms. Veronika Jurkowitsch, who with a great sense of detail created an excellent combination of elegance and modern technology. With only 72 rooms, this is a real boutique hotel with the most beautiful suites. The Royal Suite, with up to five bedrooms, offers the utmost in luxury ever experienced in a hotel.
Moving outside of the center always gives a new perspective to the city. The neighborhood of Vinohrady sits atop a hill, and the Restaurant Le Papillon at the Hotel Le Palais has taken full advantage of its height. Even though it is in the city, it is a very quiet place with a beautiful view and delicious food. The restaurant Le Papillon serves modern seasonal cuisine, which is based on first class quality fresh products from around the world. The excellent tasting menus of Chef Radek Šubrt offer a culinary experience beyond compare for all gourmets.
The classic, wood-lined library with its inviting fireplace and the elegant English-style Lobby Bar with comfortable leather armchairs are at your disposal 24 hours a day. Le Papillon’s summer terrace sits to the side of the hotel, overlooking the Nusle Valley – verdant green hilltops off to the left and colorful rooftops spread out in front of you – this is a uniquely peaceful setting. And at night, the city lights look heavenly!
The lavish Health Club offers pampering body treatments and a complete personal health and fitness service in a luxurious, contemporary environment.
Hotel Le Palais Prague is part of Vienna International Hotels & Resorts, the largest Austrian hotel management company, representing 32 individual hotels and resorts.
Since its opening the Hotel Le Palais has been a member of The Leading Hotels of The World, a distinctive collection of nearly 430 luxury hotels, resorts and spas in over 74 countries, and since 2005 it has also been part of Virtuoso – specialists in the art of travel.
As the holder of the Leaders Club Gold Award 2005 and Leaders Club Guest Recognition Award 2004, the Hotel Le Palais Prague represents an outstanding commitment to individual service and personal customer care.
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