From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Just steps from Republic Square and its fabulously Art Nouveau Municipal House, the Kempinski Hybernská occupies a fifteenth-century palace, and still has the nobleman's parklike private garden as its backyard. The newly renovated building has 62 mini-kitchen-equipped suites and 13 smaller Superior rooms, although all contain plush touches: high ceilings, hardwood floors, soft carpets in decadent deep purple, heavy damask curtains, as well as works of art and decorative bowls and vases. Eight of the suites are apartment-sized duplexes, and a pair of two-bedroom suites have private terraces overlooking Prague's celebrated rooftops. Primarily recruited from the local five-star competition, the staff are remarkably helpful and self-assuredly attentive to the clientele of well-established Alpine types enjoying the city's moment on Europe's luxury stage. —2009 Hot List

When to go: Crowds can hold the city hostage in midsummer, so try spring (April-early June) or fall (Oct.-Nov.).

Which room to book: For a quiet Superior double, ask for No. 510, which overlooks the inner courtyard. An equally tranquil suite is No. 410, which has an exceptionally spacious bathroom and walk-in closet.