These were but one facet of poverty visible. Trabants, Ladas and old Skodas smokily puffed their way along the road behind equally decrepit leaning lorries. The fields were unkempt without European farm subsidy to massage production, litter bins overflowed at service stations and the contrast with the order and tidiness in Germany was very marked.

Driving into Prague the flats so familiar from films of the Eastbloc during the cold war lined the roads and marched across the skyline. They gave a thoroughly misleading impression of Prague, presenting a sinister and slightly threatening appearance.

It was a great relief to arrive at the Four Seasons hotel. Despite almost invisible signposting, the architecture proclaimed a quality of building that could only be a five star hotel. Four Seasons stands solidly as a haven, after the drive from the north and the poverty.



The case for predictability of product as a way of reassuring guests was never more strongly put than through the solidly pleasant smiling service supplied by Four Seasons.

Connecting styles
The interior too was, largely, solidly pleasant. The Four Seasons Prague brings together old and new where prominent Czech architectural practice Dum a Mesto have married three buildings each varying in period and style, and the addition of a new structure. These four buildings are now interconnected by a shared basement which provides the foundation for a 21st century infrastructure to support modern technology.

The three year project was in consultation with Prague's Department of city Development and the Ancient Monuments Department.

	The hotel has all three of Mr Hilton's requirements for success: location, location and location. On the Vlatava riverbank adjacent to the Charles Bridge the suites and many bedrooms enjoy marvellous views of Hradcany Castle, whilst most of the 162 rooms have views across the old city. The quality of view determines the price of the room as does the size and facilities.

The fit out of the bedrooms is predictable but high quality. The colour schemes harmonise well, unlike some we have covered recently (why do designers think that a red chair sits easily on a green carpet?) Here the green and gold colour scheme creates a restful harmony, and attention to detail reinforces the quality so that, for example, curtains are blackout lined to ensure the city lights don't intrude on guest peace.

Cool interior
The triple glazed windows ensure quiet in the bedroom whilst the air-conditioning is strong enough to blow a cold breeze across the room, if you want it to. How is it that North American hotel groups can get their room temperatures right whilst European hotels insist on overheating their rooms?

Whilst it is a good commercial design, it lacks a certain flair. Corridors have very flat lighting creating anonymous spaces. American designers are usually good at differentiating floors by individual set pieces in the lift lobby. Not so in this hotel where all set pieces are so similar the guest relies on the lift indicators for the floor number, and the signage, as with the exterior signage, is so discreet as to be almost invisible.

River view
Whilst integrating a new building with three older preserved buildings has presented the architects with problems the internal planning has resolved the contradiction very effectively maintaining the efficient working of the hotel. Seen from across the river the new building can be spotted, but the controlled height and the use of the old buildings blends it very neatly into the Prague cityscape.

A successful design then, but the predictable operation that is so comforting and secure does carry some penalties. One of the delights of Eastern Europe is the wealth of breads and local dishes on the traditional breakfast buffet table. Here Four Seasons opt largely for US-style breakfasts. Some of the delicious breads can be had, and the restaurant staff show great pleasure when asked for them, but in this respect the operation insulates guests just a little too well from the environment outside.

Tourism is important to Prague, one estimate saying about 80% of the local economy depends on the tourists. With 5,000 Czechs interviewed for about 260 jobs the hotel will play its part in the local economy. With classes for the staff in English and how to smile, the service levels are very good. This is the 50th Four Seasons hotel and the overall result is an efficient, effective addition to the chain.

 
Development Team:

Architects:
Dum a Mesto

Interior Designers:
Nicholson Inc

Main Contractor:
Campenon Bernard SGE