Welcome: This newly opened hotel was once an insurance company with one distinguished employee: Franz Kafka. In honour of the famous writer there's a statue in the lobby, and a hotel bar with his books. A dreary job is partly what drove him to write his depressing stories, but now the building itself is a beautiful example of romantic Art Nouveau interiors and facade.

Location: Mercure has a convenient central location. Most sites, such as Old Town Square are only moments away on foot. It's near metro and tram stops as well.

Rooms: Each of the 174 rooms has a minibar, hairdryer, massage shower, safe, satellite TV and Internet access. There's one suite and two rooms are wheelchair accessible. Non-smoking rooms are on a separate floor.

Restaurants: The hotel restaurant, "Felice", specializes in French cuisine and wine, but also serves traditional Czech meals. The bar is a library, where you can find works by Czech authors such as Kafka and Havel. Books are available in four languages.

Services: The 24-hour reception provides all the standard services, including currency exchange.