A Journey to Prague

Many picturesque and enchanting areas of Prague look like they came right out of a Grimm fairy tale.

It was with great anticipation that I undertook a business trip a number of years ago to the enchanting city of Prague, the Central European Capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is a special place due to its remarkably preserved, historic city center, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At over 1,100 years old, the city originated as a settlement with a castle dating back to the Ninth Century. As such, it’s a cultural hub with a rich history, a lively arts scene, and a number of special landmarks which contribute to a unique and captivating atmosphere. Prague’s compact, cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, and status as an important economic and cultural center also make it a major European destination and one which I was very anxious to visit.

With its wonderful views and very chic design, the bar area at the Galleries Lounge was noteworthy.

As there were no direct flights from the Washington Dulles International Airport to Prague, I elected to fly on an April Monday with British Airways through London Heathrow, I’ve always enjoyed my flights with BA and was not disappointed on this occasion. After arrival at the Dulles Airport and completing the necessary check-in procedures, I went directly to the British Airways Galleries Lounge in Concourse B near Gate B50. When compared with other airport lounges, this one is on the smaller side at around 10,00 square feet, providing space for about 200 passengers. But, as the carrier was only operating two daily flights to the UK at the time, it proved to be more than adequate. I was impressive with its elegant design, gorgeous tarmac views, its full bar, and quality food selection, although I did not partake as I elected to wait and enjoy dinner on board. 

The Temperly London amenity kit came in both his and her versions with Elemis Skincare Products.

Passengers began queueing early near the departure gate and at 8:00 PM, boarding commenced. The carrier was flying a Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the route that evening with eight seats in the First Class cabin in a 1-2-1 configuration with two rows. These were private suites which converted into fully flat beds, featuring a spacious seat, a personal 15.4-inch HD screen, and power outlets for multiple devices. After being welcomed aboard by the purser, I was directed to Seat 2A, a single seat on the port side of the aircraft. Soon, I was presented with several luxury comforts, including pajamas and a seasonal amenity kit with high-end products. One of my favorite First Class airlines, the BA suite was roomy and comfortable and I love the electronic double blinds. The suites also had secure storage for belongings, including shoes. I settled into my surroundings while enjoying a pre-departure beverage of  Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires Champagne along with some snacks, including Nuts, Olives and Cheese Crackers.

I was a bit apprehensive, but found the Spiced Grilled Lamb Rack was an excellent entrée choice.

After takeoff, cocktail orders were taken and served with an amuse bouche consisting of Heritage Marinated Beetroot and Horseradish Cream with a Cider and Maple Dressing. The large tray table was then set with linens, flatware and glasses. One thing British Airways doesn’t skimp on in long-haul First Class is the food. Not only are there multiple courses, but the portion sizes are more than adequate and normally very good. This flight was no exception. There were four choices for the Starter Course and I went with the Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup. Of the four Entrées on the menu, I went out on a limb and selected the Spiced Grilled Lamb Rack. It came with a Pakistani Onion Dish called Okra do Pyaza, and Papadum, a thin and brittle Indian Flatbread. The dish was braised with a thick, rich, aromatic Rogun Josh Curry Sauce. The flavors worked exceptionally well together and I also liked the side dish of Potato Au Gratin, Roasted Broccolini and Roasted Heritage Carrots. The Chateau Barde-Haut, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from France complemented the meal perfectly. Somehow, I managed to squeeze in a nice selection of Artisan Cheeses that came with Biscuits, Apricot and Ginger Chutney, Grapes and Apricots and finished the meal with a decadent Ice Cream Sundae! Once our flight attendant made up my lie-flat bed with a mattress and crisp white duvet, I had no trouble catching several hours of uninterrupted sleep while flying across the Atlantic. 

The Václav Havel Airport Prague has been cited for its high quality service and passenger satisfaction.

There were no mid-flight snacks for me after a dinner like that and, with the exception of some juice and coffee, I passed on the breakfast service as well. We touched down at Heathrow Airport on time at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday morning. Since I traveled in First Class on my incoming flight, I had access to the Concorde Room in Terminal 5 even though my onward connection was in Club Europe, the airline’s designation for short-haul Business Class flights within the UK and Europe. After showering and catching up on some work during my stay in the lounge, boarding took place mid-afternoon and I took my place in aisle Seat 2C on this Airbus A319-100. Like most European airlines, BA uses the same seats in a 3-3 configuration for both Economy and Business, the only difference being the middle seats in Club Europe are blocked out giving passengers a roomier experience. Since I grabbed a bite in the Concorde Room, I passed on the lunch service but the chicken caesar salad did look pretty good. In any case, we touched down at the Václav Havel Airport in Prague after two hours in the air. Immigration and passport control procedures were quick and efficient and I was in a taxi en route to the hotel within a half hour after landing.

The Four Seasons Hotel is a harmonious blend of historic architecture located on the Vltava River.

My conference was being held at the Four Season Hotel Prague, one of the city’s top, 5-Star hotels. The property was only about ten miles from the airport, but it took us a good 40 minutes to reach the city center, as we were in the midst of Prague’s afternoon rush hour. What a spectacular and historic property! I couldn’t have been happier that the Four Seasons was chosen as the conference venue. The hotel was built in the late 1990’s and opened in 2001after a ten-year search for the right location. Its history was defined by the careful integration of its present-day structure with three historic buildings: an 18th Century Baroque building, a Neo-Classical factory and a Renaissance apartment building, both from the 19th Century. A contemporary sandstone building was then constructed to link the three structures together in a design which respects the surrounding Old Town architecture with a unique blend of historical styles unified by the new construction. It all worked beautifully and  I soon found out the hotel offered every modern comfort within its historically rich setting. 

My room featured a light-blue color scheme along with a beautiful Bohemian Crystal Chandelier.

Check-in was effortless and front desk personnel gave me a warm welcome at the same time. The Four Seasons consists of 138 rooms and 19 suites over seven floors, all very well appointed and complete with complimentary Wi-Fi. I was booked into a 503-square foot, king-bedded Grand Renaissance Room on the fourth floor, complete with marble bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower as well as Diptyque bath amenities. I had a wonderful view of the historic city center and found the room to be both spacious and luxurious, with its down duvet, plush robe and slippers and fully-stocked minibar. CottoCrudo was the name of the the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. It offered a classic Italian menu with a modern twist. The Gallery was the then newly-refurbished lounge bar, located just off the foyer. It was the place for our conference participants to gather at the end of the sessions before heading out to dinner. Exceptional and personalized service is a hallmark of the Four Seasons brand and this hotel was no exception. It was a pleasure to call it home for the few days of my stay.

There was so much to see and do in this Czech city. I'll tell you all about my visit in a future post.

Until next time...safe travels.