Aria Hotel Prague

The Aria Hotel may have been, as it claims, Prague's first five-star luxury boutique hotel; it is certainly the most unique hotel in town. The location is excellent, on a quiet side street in the picturesque Malá Strana, and the hotel itself is charming, decorated by architect Rocco Magnoli, of Versace fame. But the real story here is, oddly enough, the music.

Each of the hotel's four floors is dedicated to a different style of music: Jazz, Opera, Classical, and Contemporary. And within these categories, each (soundproofed) room is dedicated to the work of a particular composer or performer, each with a CD library of the artist's work, along with books, prints, and a computer with a complete discography of audio files for your listening pleasure — from locals and semi-locals like Dvořák, Janáček, and Martinů to international and popular figures like Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Bob Marley — oddly, no Velvet Underground.

This is the only hotel we know of with a staff musicologist — Dr. Ivana Stehlikova is on hand to guide you through your composer's oeuvre, or to recommend concerts and events in the city during your stay. And should the entire collected works of, say, Mozart prove beyond the span of your attention (and that would be a long stay in a rather expensive suite), then you are free to take advantage of the hotel's extensive CD and DVD library.

Of course Aria's appeal extends beyond the musical focus, which, admittedly, some may find a bit precious — there is plenty to recommend this hotel even to the music-hater (is there such a person?). The rooftop café, for one, is breathtaking, with its panoramic view of this architecturally rich quarter, including Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Church of St. Nicholas. The rooms are sumptuous and modern in décor, the staff is warm and efficient, and the hotel's services are top-notch, with wireless internet access, underground parking, and extensive business and fitness facilities. Try the Coda restaurant for fine dining, or take a walk in this most inviting and friendly of cities.