Chateau Mcely

While the spires and bridges of Prague might be the unofficial mascots of the Czech Republic, there’s a lot more to the country than its capital. The Central Bohemian countryside may not evoke the same absinthe-soaked visions, but places like the St. George Forest — home to several coveted species of wild mushrooms — have a magic all their own. Situated at the edge of that forest, about an hour northeast of Prague, Chateau Mcely is the modern five-star incarnation of a 17th-century hunting lodge.

Of course, European nobility in the Baroque period weren’t about to retreat to the countryside in anything less than princely accommodations, so the “lodge” is decidedly palatial. A stroll through the carefully manicured gardens surrounding the main house gives you a pretty good indication of what’s to come: a tribute to rural opulence that’s both detailed and dreamy — a fairy tale with attentive service. The 23 high-ceilinged rooms go heavy on the old-world charm, with chandeliers sparkling above wrought iron beds, and writing desks that hearken back to the days when Rilke came to visit.

If the hotel had simply stopped at the guest rooms, it would still be worth a visit. But the meticulous renovation extends to the facilities as well, and a high level of outside-the-box thinking for this sort of classically beautiful building. The library, for example, houses 18th-century scientific instruments, and the basement Alchemist Club melds high-tech wine preservation, a well-stocked humidor, and a vintage 1950s jukebox. Not bad for a 300-year-old hunting lodge.

How to get there:
Chateau Mcely is located 70 km from Václav Havel Airport in Prague. The closest railway station is Nymburk (approximately 16 km from the hotel).