noplasticshowers

As unbelievable as it may seem, NPS has never been to Prague?! What a gorgeous city.

Art in room 25: Golden Well Hotel Prague

The Golden Well Hotel is situated just across the Karlûv Most (that is, the Charles bridge) from the old part of town, under the looming castle nestled in the gardens. The property is charming in many ways and is trying very hard not to be too uptight in an old money way. Really. Not. Going. To. Be. Uptight.

Some quick advice for arrival at the airport. Bring some cash to change into czech currency, the ATM machines have been blacklisted by many US card issuers. Having a bunch of euros turned out to be essential.

Contrary to travel book myth, taxis are not even remotely an issue from the airport. NPS believes google maps has solved the problem. The drive in to the Golden Well is quick and interesting.

Checkin was very warm, with a bellman coming down the cobblestone road to help (too skinny for the taxi), lots of data, and a glass of champagne. Room 25 has beautiful windows, though floor two is set too low to have really interesting views. For that you can look into the painting.

View over the rooftops

Looking left

Fresh fruit, a cheese plate, a bottle of red wine, this is just like hotels at home! LOL.

Civilized in room 25

Greeting amenity

A comfortable bed with plenty of power (at least on the right side)

Room 25 as seen from th Castle Gardens

About the only thing that could use some fixing is the bathroom. It is very nicely laid out with a Japanese toilet that turns on when you sit on it. However, the Euro-shower not so much.

Euro shower not quite up to standards

Keep the heads and ditch the tub

Golden Well Courtyard

A little czech dinner of sausage and veal cheek with beer was just what the doctor ordered at Malostranská beseda.

Charles Bridge: Prague

And then it was off to find the Black Angels across the bridge. Fantastic cocktails served with flair by Pavel. The B.A.O.F.
30 cl saffron gin
20 cl beefeater 24
10 cl simple syrup
3 dashes peychauds
2 dashes rhubarb
Shake. Strain. Serve over large crystal clear Savoy style ice.

This cocktail as it stands is a bit sweet and needs adjustment. An “auto-correct” by throwing in Peychauds did not work in the least. Maybe grapefruit bitters and less simple syrup.

The Tavern is a truly fantastic place for a light dinner. Best burgers in Prague and real cocktails. But bring cash, because not only do they not take credit cards, they are also well off the beaten path.

Lunch at the castle was outstanding. Czech food is delicious.

And shopping can be fun too. Local designers with quirky sensibility making interesting garments.

A drink at Hemmingway bar before dinner was just as good as any to be had in Prague. Old school, engaging, and fun. Of course a margerita was in order in honor of Ernest. Then Tom Melzer made us a Picon Highball
20 cl cognac VS
30 cl amer picon
2 dashes of aged fee brothers orange bitters
top with ginger ale in a highball with ice
express orange peel

Hemmingway Bar Picon

Dinner at the Terrace restaurant above Golden Well was expensive but outstanding. Highly recommended.

Then it was back to Black Angels for a nightcap. Closed the loop with Honza Foukal for Jacques. Honza made a Praga-Torino as follows:
3 cl bulldog gin
3 cl conzano 1757 rosso
1.5 cl becherovka
1.5 cl becherovka cordial
egg white
2 dashes fee brothers chocolate bitters
dry shake. wet shake. serve over huge cube. grate coco bean over foam as garnish.

We also went to see the Slav Epic and the Communist Museum, about which this posting Modern Art and Communist Headaches in Prague.

Five showerheads and good wishes to the Golden Well. We’ll be back for sure.