Observatory and Planetarium, Brno

When was the last time you took your kids to a planetarium? In fact, when was the last time YOU went to one? Probably in your primary school days...With the new Star Trek movie running in cinemas and the increasing popularity of The Bing Bang Theory sitcom, perhaps now is the right time to brush up on your astronomy knowledge. And what better place to hide from the uncertain European summer weather than under the roof of a planetarium!

The Brno observatory is certainly proof that planetariums can be cool. This particular observatory was extensively renovated in 2010 and boasts of beautiful modern interiors and captivating video projection shows. Below a few images to serve as teasers, for more don't hesitate to head down to Brno to see it for yourself.

Photos courtesy of the Observatory and Planetarium, Brno

Tower Park Prague / Žižkov TV Tower, Prague

The Prague TV tower (also know as the Žižkov tower - located in Prague's Žižkov district) is a dominant feature of the city skyline. Built between 1985 and 1992, the 216 meter high tower has been a target of criticism much too often. It has even made the list of the ugliest buildings in the world on several occasions, both at home and internationally. If you try to compare the tower to some of Prague's iconic buildings you may perhaps agree with the building's critics. But if you view it as a stand alone structure, you might just discover its unique nature and beauty.

Photos courtesy of Tower Park Prague

Since the year 2000 the tower has been decorated with fiberglass sculptures in the shape of babies; the work of art of David Černý. The installation was originally temporary but with the babies' increasing popularity, the sculptures became a permanent feature of the tower.

Photo courtesy of Tower Park Prague

As much as the exterior of the tower has been the center of many debates, it is on the interior that we will focus today. Over the past year, the tower underwent construction and opened its doors to the public only yesterday. The result is a more modern and practical interior. Apart from dazzling views of Prague, the tower's observatory now also offers comfortable seating in original bubble chairs.

Photos courtesy of Tower Park Prague

The tower also houses three restaurants with just as unique interiors. The visitor has a choice between the luxurious Oblaca (a play on the Czech word for skies - oblaka) restaurant, a bistro and a bar, which recently won an award for its interior design.

Photos courtesy of Tower Park Prague

Finally, perhaps the most unique feature of the tower is its newly opened One Room Hotel. As the name indicates, it consists only of one room with undoubtedly the most beautiful and holistic view of Prague. The price for a nights stay is yet to be announced but is expected to be around 1,000 EUR per night.

Photo courtesy of Tower Park Prague

So whether you're looking for the best view of Prague, a romantic dinner, a fab night out or a unique nights stay, the Prague TV tower (now branded as Tower Park Prague) is the place to be. A visit to the observatory will cost you 150 CZK, dinner ranges between 200 and 300 CZK, a drink is around 150 CZK and a sleepover will come to 25,000 CZK. 

Fusion Hotel, Prague

Lovers of great design, lend me your ears...

... and eyes!

Hotel Fusion opened in Prague and  it is here to attack your senses. The hotel opened on 16th March and it has already received all the media attention it deserves. So what is so special about this place, you ask...

The man behind the concept, the Dutch Chinese designer Nah-dja Tien, says: "It's like a social network but in real life." With rooms equipped with Apple TV and iTunes, a Skype booth, a variety of restaurants and bars, one cannot but agree. This is hospitality at its best.

As the website claims: "Hotels have traditionally been a place to sleep, some great, some indifferent and some we’d rather forget.But traditions get old, it’s time to evolve. We think hotels are a place to BE."

 

Photos courtesy of Fusion Hotel

Chateau Napajedla

Napajedla is a small town of 8,000 inhabitants, located in Moravia in the Zlín region. While there is a lot to be seen in Zlín, after all it was here that Tomáš Baťa founded his famous shoe factory, Napajedla is not exactly a renowned tourist destination. In fact, few Czechs would be able to locate the town on a map... and yet I feel obliged to write about Napajedla. Why? Well, the reason is simple. Few places in Europe offer luxurious accommodation for affordable prices. So if you've never slept in a chateau before, this is certainly the place to go. You will fall in love with the delicate design of the rooms, combining traditional elements with modern touches.   

     

Photos courtesy of Chateau Napajedla

Metro, Prague

When in Prague, do not forget to include a ride in the local metro into your program. Not only is it the most efficient way of getting around the city but it is also a visually appealing experience. 

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Miura Hotel, Čeladná

In the immediate vicinity of the Čeladná golf club in the heart of the Beskydy mountains lays a spaceship from the Miura constellation. This designer four star hotel, architecturally resembling a spaceship, landed on the meadows of Čeladná with a family of Cuboids - human-like sculptures designed by the famous Czech artist David Černý.

The hotel was designed by the architectural studio LABOR13 and attracts not only visitors coming to Čeladná for the annual European PGA Golf Tour - Czech Open but also those looking to explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Photos courtesy of Miura Hotel.

Mjölk sauna, Liberec dam

If you would take a walk along the Liberec dam a few days ago you probably wouldn't pay much attention to the derelict cement platform found off the shore. If you walked by today, a small cube structure may grab your attention. Overnight and without a construction permit the Liberec architecture studio Mjölk transformed the concrete base into a public sauna.

The sauna is available to the general public free of charge, so all you need to do is pick up the key from the nearby cafe Kavárna bez konceptu.

Photo courtesy of Mjölk.

Café Fara, Klentnice

The village of Klentnice lies at the foot of the mountain "Stolová hora" in Southern Moravia, about 5km outside of Mikulov. Although the area is renowned for its vineyards, the village can now pride itself for brewing Czech Republic's finest coffee. Indeed, Café Fara offers a unique blend of experience and design.

A rustic house from the outside, Café Fara seduces visitors with its cozy & homely interior.

Though its history only dates back to April 2009, the café can already boast of making the top 10 cafés in the Czech Republic list, compiled by the daily MF Dnes. What is particularly pleasing for town visitors - Café Fara will soon offer accommodation services.

Photos courtesy of Štěpán Vrzala and Café Fara

Hostel Fléda, Brno

Given that the summer holiday season is in full swing, it's time we revisited the designer hostel concept and satisfied the taste buds of all you hip travellers out there. Take a look at Hostel Fléda in Brno, Czech Republic's second largest city.  

 

The hostel is opened all year round and will grab your attention with its colorful interior.

If the characteristic atmosphere of the rooms didn't lure you in, its original cafe design will.

Photos courtesy of Hostel Fléda.

Hotel Sax, Prague

The Sax Hotel in Prague will grab your attention with its retro furnishings. Every room has an original appearance, mirroring the design of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Architects: Jaromír Pizinger and Naďa Sádovská.

The hotel's name dates back to the 14th century, when the building was owned by a blacksmith named Sax. In the 16th century the house served as an orphanage and later in the 18th century as a hospital for the poor.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Sax.

Comsa Brno Palace Hotel, Brno

In June 2009 Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, saw the opening of the four star hotel Comsa Brno Palace Hotel.

The building of the hotel dates back to the 19th century, its design attributed to the architect Franz Fröhlich. The original concept of the house was designed for residential living. In 2006 the derelict building was sold by the Brno municipality to the Spanish investor Comsa International.

Comsa International renovated the building into a four star superior luxury hotel, giving it its current look & feel.

Photos courtesy of Comsa Brno Palace Hotel.

Mosaic House, Prague

For the eco-friendly traveler, the boutique hotel Mosaic House offers natural and clean design, as well as sophisticated green technology. The hotel is another ambitious project of the Bohemian Hostels group.

Designed by Czech architects Tereza Koucká and Olga Novotná.

Czech Inn Hostel, Prague

A perfect symbiosis of design and comfort, the Czech Inn Hostel in Prague serves as evidence that budget travelling can be done in style. Although part of the same group as Miss Sophie's, Czech Inn has a different flair - see for yourself.

"Modern design in a beautifully restored 19th Century building."

Hotel Omnia, Jánské Lázně

Located on the Southern slopes of the Krkonoš mountains, the spa town of Jánské Lázně is often sought after for rehabilitation therapies. With the opening of the designer hotel Omnia, the location has become gratifying for the taste buds of even the most demanding traveler.  

Buddha-Bar Hotel, Prague

For the first time in its history, the world famous Parisian bar/restaurant/lounge concept Buddha-Bar opens a new boutique hotel in Prague. The images best reveal the atmosphere of the hotel rooms and suites.

As every Buddha-Bar concept, the Prague hotel includes the infamous bar and Siddharta Café.