The Hilton Prague Old Town today welcomed its first guests, becoming Hilton’s second hotel to open in Prague and further reinforce the brand’s continued expansion in Eastern Europe.

Formerly the Prague Renaissance, the 305-room property has undergone a multi million dollar transformation, overseen by celebrated interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, recognised for her work at The Boca Raton Resort & Club and New York’s Carlyle Hotel.  Influenced by traditional Prague architecture and modern Czech design, the hotel has seen the complete renovation of the ground floor area, including a revitalized reception and lobby area, an expanded ballroom and introduction of Gordon Ramsay’s maze restaurant and cocktail bar. The project also included a complete refit of all guest rooms, including the addition of 15 new suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite.

Commenting on the opening Wolfgang M. Neumann, president Hilton Hotels - Europe said: “The Hilton Prague Old Town marks a significant step in our commitment to enhancing and developing Hilton’s presence in Eastern Europe. With two properties now located in the historic Czech capital - just a 10-minute walk apart - we anticipate this new hotel will help us create new business opportunities in the city. Together both hotels will be able to accommodate larger groups particularly as Hilton Prague is scheduled to expand its meeting facilities in 2008.”

Neumann added: “I am confident that the expansion of our accommodation offering in the Czech Republic will be well received by the business and leisure market alike. Prague is one of Europe’s most popular destinations and contains some of its most pristine architecture. Its strategic location, combined with excellent air transport links connecting many European cities, make the Hilton Prague Old Town an exciting addition to our international portfolio.”

Renowned Scottish chef Gordon Ramsay makes his Prague debut with the opening of maze Prague at the hotel. The restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience for guests, with seating for 138, alongside a cocktail bar that will serve as a destination in its own right. Modelled on the concept of Gordon’s acclaimed British restaurant, maze Prague offers an á la carte menu of signature dishes alongside a more extensive seven-course classic menu of small plates. Guests at the hotel will also be able to choose from a special in-room dinning menu created by Ramsay and his team. maze London’s Jason Atherton will oversee standards of service and the creations of menus, whilst Philip Carmichael, also of maze London, has been appointed head chef.  The restaurant has been designed by David Collins, who has been recognised for his innovative and visionary work on The London NYC, Nobu Berkeley Street, the Blue Bar at the Berkeley, Claridge’s Hotel and the National Gallery.

“We believe that the dining experience is one of the most important parts of a guest’s journey, whether it’s realized through a relaxing in-room meal or at a bustling restaurant,” stated Jeffrey Diskin, senior vice president of brand management - Hilton Hotels. “The addition of maze and its contemporary twist on classic dishes demonstrates Hilton’s commitment to providing unique experiences for visitors to our hotels - whether they’re staying with us or just looking for a good meal.”

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Prague, the Hilton Prague Old Town is less than 30 minutes from the airport and is located within walking distance from the Old Town Square and historical landmarks, including the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square.

Spread over nine floors, the hotel’s 305 rooms, including 33 executive rooms and 20 suites, offer guests the very best in upscale facilities and are equipped with high-speed internet access and wireless connectivity, also available throughout the hotel. Guests will also be able to enjoy extensive leisure facilities including a state-of-the art health club and gym, sauna and indoor swimming pool.

Twelve fully equipped meeting rooms and expanded ballroom facility make the Hilton Prague Old Town an ideal venue for meetings, banquets and important social events. 

Hilton now operates two hotels in Prague, including the Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town. In 2007 the company has opened ten hotels in Europe, including properties in Iceland, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Poland and France, and is set for further expansion over the coming months with scheduled openings in the cities of Matera, Bari, Palermo, Palma, Moscow and Madrid.
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