Wenceslas Square Welcomes Reopening of Art Nouveau Hotel Evropa

After nearly a decade of closure, the historic Hotel Evropa on Wenceslas Square reopens today as W Prague, joining the global W Hotels luxury network managed by Marriott.

The iconic Art Nouveau hotel, which closed its doors in 2013, has undergone extensive renovations, bringing new life to one of Prague’s architectural gems.

The reopening marks an important milestone for the local hospitality sector, which has recently seen other major hotel projects, including Penta’s Cloud One and the highly anticipated reopening of the former Intercontinental Hotel as the Fairmont Golden Prague next year.

Ferid Nasr, the hotel’s current owner and founder of Exim Tours, acquired the historic property from previous owner Julius Meinl in 2019. At the time, Nasr expressed a desire to restore Hotel Evropa’s original First Republic luxury character. Today, the building stands as a protected landmark after its meticulous transformation.

Following the extensive reconstruction, W Prague boasts 161 rooms, including an exclusive presidential suite, along with a range of amenities: multiple restaurants and cafes, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, an indoor pool, fitness and wellness centers—all open to both hotel guests and the public.

Prague’s hotel landscape continues to evolve, with further luxury brands expected to enter the market. The Sir Hotels chain is slated to open in Prague next year, while Puro Hotels plans its debut for 2026.

Other recent entries include Zleep Hotel and Alcron Hotel, now rebranded as Almanac X. Cushman & Wakefield also reported the recent openings of Andaz Prague and The Julius, which follows an apartment-style concept, while the extensive reconstruction of Falkensteiner Hotel was completed in 2022.

A Storied Past

Originally built in 1872 by architect Josef Schulz in the Neo-Renaissance style, Hotel Evropa underwent a transformation in the early 20th century to adopt the Art Nouveau design, making it one of Prague’s most notable architectural landmarks.

Restaurateur Karel Šroubek purchased the hotel in 1924, renaming it after himself and setting a new standard in luxury and fine dining that attracted the city’s elite.

Among its notable guests was British businessman Nicholas Winton, who operated from the hotel as he organized the rescue of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe before World War II.

In 1951, the hotel was nationalized and rebranded as the Grand Hotel Evropa. Under government ownership, it began to deteriorate and lost much of its former splendor. Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the hotel returned to private ownership but experienced several changes in management.

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