Hotel in 110 00 Prague 1, Prague, Prague
Hotel Josef
Hotel Josef is one of Prague's premier design hotels, created by the renowned architect Eva Jiřičná. The hotel consists of two buildings - a glass-and-steel new building with a striking glass-walled courtyard, and a restored Art Nouveau building. The minimalist design rooms are bright and stylish. The hotel is extremely well located in the Old Town, within walking distance of all major sights.
Hotel Josef is one of Prague's most celebrated design hotels, created by the Czech-British architect Eva Jiřičná and opened in 2002. The hotel comprises two buildings on Rybná Street in Staré Město (Old Town): a purpose-built contemporary structure characterised by Jiřičná's signature use of glass, steel, and natural light, and an adjoining restored early 20th-century Art Nouveau building. The contrast between the two wings is a central element of the hotel's identity.
The 110 rooms and suites are distributed across both buildings. Contemporary wing rooms feature clean minimalist interiors with white and neutral tones, large windows, and high-quality materials. The glass-walled courtyard garden, visible from rooms in the new wing, adds a sense of calm light that sets Hotel Josef apart from Prague's more historically decorated properties. Art Nouveau wing rooms retain some period architectural detail while meeting the same modern standard of furnishing and amenity.
The lobby and glass staircase of the contemporary wing are frequently cited in architectural publications as among the finest examples of late 20th-century Czech interior design. The dramatic helical glass staircase in particular draws architects and design enthusiasts who stay specifically to experience the building. Staff are accustomed to guests wishing to photograph and explore the architectural spaces.
Hotel Josef does not operate a full-service restaurant, but a bar and 24-hour room service cover guest needs. The hotel's Old Town location compensates generously, with a wide range of restaurants — from traditional Czech taverns to Michelin-recognised fine dining — within a 5–10 minute walk.
The hotel is approximately 5 minutes' walk from náměstí Republiky metro station (Line B) and within easy walking distance of Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov).
Amenities
- Glass courtyard garden
- Fitness center
- Concierge
- Bar
- 24-hour room service
- Wifi
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Rybná 20, 110 00 Prague 1
50.0895, 14.4233 — View on map
Highlights
- Award-winning design by Czech-British architect Eva Jiřičná — the glass helical staircase is an architectural landmark
- Striking contemporary glass-and-steel building with light-filled glass courtyard garden
- Restored Art Nouveau wing provides an architectural counterpoint within the same property
- Minimalist, light-filled rooms with premium contemporary furnishings
- Central Old Town location within walking distance of all major Prague sights
Tips
- Rooms overlooking the glass courtyard garden are particularly serene — bright but sheltered from Rybná Street noise
- The glass helical staircase in the modern wing is worth photographing — ask at reception if architectural access is possible
- Náměstí Republiky metro (Line B) is 5 minutes' walk; Old Town Square is 8 minutes; the Jewish Quarter is 7 minutes
- Hotel Josef offers strong value relative to the five-star neighbours nearby — a similar Old Town location at a lower price point
- The courtyard-facing rooms have good natural ventilation in summer — worth specifying when booking during June through August
FAQ
Who designed Hotel Josef and what is notable about the architecture?
Hotel Josef was designed by Eva Jiřičná, a Czech-British architect celebrated for her use of glass, steel, and natural light. The hotel comprises a contemporary purpose-built wing with a dramatic glass-walled courtyard and a restored early 20th-century Art Nouveau building. The glass helical staircase in the modern wing is the most discussed individual architectural element.
Is Hotel Josef suitable for design or architecture enthusiasts?
Yes, the hotel has become a reference point for design-oriented travellers. The Eva Jiřičná-designed interiors of the modern wing are well-documented in architectural publications. Staff are familiar with guests who come specifically to experience the building and are usually accommodating of architectural photography.
What is the nearest metro station?
Náměstí Republiky metro station (Line B, yellow line) is approximately 5 minutes' walk from the hotel. From there, a single stop reaches Wenceslas Square, and connections to the red and green metro lines are available at Florenc and Muzeum respectively.
Does Hotel Josef have a restaurant?
Hotel Josef does not operate a full-service restaurant. A bar and 24-hour room service are available on-site. The Old Town location provides easy access to a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Czech pubs to internationally recognised fine dining establishments, all within a 5–10 minute walk.
Accessibility
The contemporary wing of Hotel Josef was built in the early 2000s with better accessibility than older Prague properties. Lift access is available and adapted rooms with roll-in showers are offered in the modern building. The restored Art Nouveau wing has some minor level changes at corridor junctions consistent with its period construction. The hotel's location on Rybná Street is on relatively flat ground; cobblestone areas begin a short distance from the entrance. Guests with specific accessibility requirements should contact the hotel to confirm room suitability before booking.