Fodor's Expert Review Buddha Bar Hotel

The concept here is "Chinoiserie-meets-art-nouveau," as best as we can tell, meshing the hotel's original 100-year-old structure with Asian script and Buddhas throughout. At peak times the lobby hums with a motley collection of moneyed Europeans chatting with the Czech staff wearing Chinese outfits. Guests get to use a separate entrance for the Buddha Bar, and breakfast is served in the more Continental Siddhartha Café.

room

In the rooms, the hotel's eccentric theme comes across as black-lacquer cabinetry and silky smooth linens. Beds are large and comfortable, but the decoration might be a bit much for some: gold dragons on red panels above your bed aren't for everyone, and they also don't exactly scream Czech Republic.

bathroom

Bathrooms go down a similar road, and might be a bit "love it or hate it." We must admit we aren't sure, although the freestanding bathtubs with a mosaic of a dragon on the exterior have to be seen to be believed. On the other hand, the cosmetics and appliances are luxurious, the bathrobes have been specially designed for the hotel, and the mirrors double up as TV screens. Fancy.

lobby

Because of the Buddha Bar Hotel's commitment to its Asian theme, with dark woods and rich red walls, the lobby--and indeed, a lot of the hotel--can feel a little dark.

spa

The spa is small but management compensates with in-room treatments. It still manages to offer a jacuzzi, steam room, fireplace and lounge corner. The beauty treatments or "rituals," as the hotel calls them, use La Sultane de Saba products.

gym

Guests have complimentary access to the nearby Fitness Kotva center, with state-of-the art gym equipment. Staff will escort you there.

dining

Siddhartha Café offers tasty, if pricey, Asian fusion food, including a five-course tasting menu with matched wines. The breakfast is extensive, but not always included in the room rate. The restaurant itself is bright, thanks to large windows, and colorfully decked out.

drinking

Buddha Bar is perhaps the part of the hotel where the concept works the best, for us; the red theme, the Buddha statues, the lampshade chandeliers, and the gold chairs all seem to come together into a smart venue for good cocktails.