History

An old bank in the heart of Prague, a gem of hospitality by Boscolo Hotels.

Designed by the Austrian architect Wölf in the neoclassical style, the building, which now houses the Boscolo luxury Hotel Carlo IV, was built at the end of the 19th century as a bank, eloquently testified by the inscription still in place over the main entrance - HYPOTECNI BANCA CESKA - Czech Mortgage Bank, whose exquisitely neoclassical portal brings to mind both the National Theatre and the National Museum.
The bank continued to exist until the advent of the Communist regime. Czechoslovakia entered the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union and the building became the headquarters of the Czech Post Office. Now, after years of negligence, it has been carefully refurbished and restored by the Boscolo Group, becoming one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Prague.
The austere and functional interior, which reflects the modernist tastes of the architect, formally inspired by classical ideals, coexists with architectural volumes and decorative features clearly harking back to the Renaissance, and typically Art Nouveau materials.
The large hall, its walls, ceilings and friezes, feature a colour scheme based on the use of beige, grey-white and olive green. Alabaster columns, gilded stuccowork, cupids and coats of arms are the dominant features in this part of the building. A magnificent staircase, with a late 19th century wrought iron balustrade, leads to the upper stories. Each floor is characterized by a pair of slender alabaster columns surmounted by Corinthian capitals. The original elegant Art Deco brass lamps complete this suggestive atmosphere.
The bank's strong room, which is definitely an unusual and very characteristic feature, has been transformed into a fascinating cigar bar, with the original sheet-steel ceiling and ten armoured security cabinets, now used to contain prestigious brands of whisky, cognac, port and other liqueurs and beverages, for the pleasure of the guests of the Boscolo luxury Hotel Carlo IV.
Maurizio Papiri and Adam D. Tihany have collaborated in transforming the old bank premises into a luxury 5 star Boscolo Hotel. The bank building has been preserved to set off the new shiny metal and transparent glass features, which blend perfectly with the historic and solemn premises.
The past has been preserved in the rooms too: the bed headboards, in fact, are made with original furnishings dating back to the first half of the 19th century, and there are also several panels decorated with original and beautifully restored fresco paintings.