Kempinski Augustine Hotel, Prague

Set within the 13th-century Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas in Prague's historic Malá Strana district, the hotel occupies seven historic buildings shaped by more than 800 years of history. Following its acquisition by Kempinski earlier this year, the property is undergoing an extensive repositioning and transformation designed to build a bridge between the identity of Augustine and the evolving Kempinski brand. The result will be a hotel centred on "lived duality" — a dialogue between the civic and the secular, contemplation and celebration, heritage and reinvention — designed not as an escape from the city, but as a place for life to be fully inhabited.

The Living Room of the City

At the heart of the hotel's new identity is the idea of "the living room of the city": a community-led social setting that feels residential and welcoming, belonging as much to its community as to its guests.

Drawing inspiration from the unique neighbourhood of Malá Strana, where culture, texture and social exuberance both collide and collude, public spaces will be reimagined as a series of interconnected social environments. A key element will be a residential-style bar surrounded by cosy nooks and gathering spaces where guests and locals can connect, linger and immerse more deeply into the city.

The living room also incorporates a unique Collector's Table showcasing the work of Czech artisans and craftspeople that the hotel's most discerning guests can learn from and take away as special memories of their experience in Prague. A distinctive "Living City Ceiling," created in collaboration with an emerging local artist, will extend the destination-led narrative into the hotel's social spaces.

The hotel's historic architecture will remain central to the experience, with original monastic elements thoughtfully integrated alongside contemporary interventions. Rather than treating the past as something static, the design brings the monastery's layered history into conversation with the present.

Led by LDS Design Studio, the transformation draws inspiration from St. Augustine, Prague's artistic heritage and the city's distinctive dialogue between Gothic, Baroque and Bohemian influences. The result is intentionally expressive rather than austere. Symbolic details drawn from the life and philosophy of St. Augustine — including references to pears, grace and mischief, alongside Garden of Eden-inspired tapestries — introduce moments of discovery and whimsy throughout the hotel.

Rooms That Celebrate the Good Life

The hotel features 101 guestrooms including 20 suites, many of which feature original vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, retaining the authentic structure of the monks' former living quarters. Following an extensive renovation, the guestrooms and suites will extend the concept of lived duality into the private experience, combining the intimacy and restraint of the monastery with generous, joyful, unexpected details.

Bespoke canopy beds featuring historical tapestries, eclectic furnishings, sculptural lighting and residential-style bathrooms will create spaces designed for both comfort and introspection. Across the accommodations, a considered palette of terracotta, muted indigo, olive and aged brass draws inspiration from Prague's rooftops, façades and gardens.

The hotel's signature suites will offer particularly immersive expressions of Prague's cultural history. The Presidential Suite celebrates President Václav Havel through richly layered materials and refined residential detailing. The Monastery Suite, Philosopher's Stone Suite, Charles Suite and Fresco Suite each introduce their own narratives through bespoke craftsmanship, artistic references and historic details. To be unveiled in phase two, the three-level Tower Suite will pay homage to astronomer Johannes Kepler through dramatic circular architectural forms and panoramic city views.

A New Chapter for Dining and Social Ritual

Food and beverage will form a central part of the hotel's new identity, with concepts developed in partnership with Gorgeous Group and Russell Sage Studio.

At the heart of the experience will be a grand salon-style neighbourhood dining room balancing approachable hospitality with modern culinary theatre and a lively social energy. Built around the principles of "Rebellious Generosity" and "Cosmopolitan Classics Reimagined," The Salon will bring global culinary standards together with local touches across all dayparts. Simple yet elevated classics will be complemented by tableside theatre, interactive finishes and an evolving, discovery-focused wine list. The intimate restaurant unfolds across distinct zones — a bright brasserie, relaxed dining areas, semi-private spaces and a courtyard — each with its own character, yet contained within a cohesive footprint that guides the guest through a natural rhythm from breakfast to evening service, accompanied by live piano music.

Within the monastery's historic Refectory, inspired by the Twelve Gates, the bar will offer a more sensual expression of Prague's drinking culture. Inspired by George Ripley's 12 alchemical steps, the bar will explore the transformation of natural botanicals through a signature 12-gate cocktail programme, seasonal infusions and local craft absinthes. St. Thomas dark lager and polished bar plates designed for sharing will complement the drinks experience, while specialised Bohemian glassware, curated music and DJs and a daily "Transformation Hour" at sundown will create a distinct ritual as the space shifts from day to night.

Together, the dining room and bar will extend the idea of the hotel as a living social environment — places designed not simply for dining and drinking, but for gathering, discovery and the rituals that give a neighbourhood its character.

Experience Prague Through Insiders

The hotel's physical transformation will be complemented by The E.R.A.s — Experience Real Access — Kempinski's programme designed to connect guests with the people, places and experiences that reveal a more personal side of a destination, as designed by Resident Curators.

At Augustine, the programme will draw directly on the hotel's unique position within a living monastery and its wider network of cultural connections across Prague. Guests will be invited to discover the city through insiders, creatives, craftspeople and local figures who can offer perspectives beyond the traditional tourist experience.

This approach reflects Kempinski's broader vision for the guest journey, which places renewed emphasis on the spirit of the locale, heritage reimagined, and moments of discovery and joy. At Augustine, these principles come together through a property where the heritage is not simply preserved, but actively lived.

With its opening in early 2027, Augustine Hotel, Prague will offer a new perspective on luxury in the Czech capital — one rooted in living monastic heritage, shaped by contemporary creativity and designed around the pleasures of discovering a city from the inside.