Since opening in 2006, the Alchymist Grand has made a sizeable and sustained impression on the Prague hotel scene. Located within a baroque landmark (formerly U Jesizek Palace), the hotel was never going to be accused of understatement, although few perhaps realised how ambitious management’s plans were. As soon as you step past the small, stuccoed café and into the royal foyer, with its vaulted ceilings, sumptuous furnishings and exquisitely restored hallways, you know you’re in special territory.

The great news is that the Alchymist Grand maintains the opulent theme throughout; rooms feature regal red and gold chairs and desks, wooden marble bathrooms and period paintings, as well as modern concessions such as air-conditioning, plasma TVs, DVD/CD players and high-speed internet. They’re a good size, too – particularly the suites, which are palatial.

Add to this a decent restaurant, extremely good service and a heavenly spa in the basement and you have one seriously classy – not to mention romantic – hotel.