A member of the Design Hotels group, the Hotel Josef boasts the distinction of being the first truly designer hotel in the Czech Republic. Even more impressive is the fact that it is still today regarded as one of the best. Created by well-known Czech architect Eva Jiřičná, the space is the epitome of cool – a fine example of elegantly executed conceptual minimalism.

To enter the glass-fronted reception is to set foot in a brave new world, comprising pristine white spaces, aluminium and chrome and spectacular touches such as glass-walled bathrooms and racy staircases. Located on a calm street close to Old Town Square, Hotel Josef also boasts a rooftop gym, grassy courtyard with patio seating for the summer, and a large modern bar and cafe; (no restaurant), the latter of which makes a stylish location for a mid-morning coffee or early evening cocktail.

The rooms, despite their inevitably funky touches, are surprisingly comfortable, and kitted out with all mod-cons (free internet connection, DVD player, etc). It comes as no surprise that Hotel Josef has become the hotel of choice for rock stars, celebrities and – since it sponsors the Prague Writers’ Festival – the literati too.

Room no. 801, a penthouse with a magnificent vista of the Prague skyline, is highly sought after by those who want to absorb the golden city in its full glory.