Kempinski Hotels has announced its acquisition of Augustine Hotel, Prague, the first acquisition for the group in over 50 years, since the investment in Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich in 1970.
Under Kempinski’s ownership, Augustine Hotel, Prague will operate as a white label, luxury hotel until late 2026. Kempinski says it will refurbish all rooms and public spaces “whilst remaining focused on preserving the buildings’ architectural integrity and historic character.”
The hotel will be reflagged as Kempinski in late 2026. Rocco Forte managed the hotel until 2012. Privately owned, it was most recently part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection.
Augustine Hotel, Prague is a bit of a grand dame property for the city. It’s housed in a 13th-century monastery in the Lesser Town, Prague’s city center. It’s close to the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and other iconic destinations. Acclaimed as a five-star hotel, it’s been a steady host international clientele, including heads of state, cultural figures and global business leaders.
Kempinski is shifting its strategy toward direct investment and ownership of landmark properties to control the guest experience from beginning to end, says the company. Barbara Muckermann, CEO, Kempinski Group said in a prepared statement that “opportunities to acquire hotels like Augustine Hotel, Prague are exceptionally rare. This investment offered a unique and compelling opportunity to secure a heritage asset in a top-tier European luxury destination while also creating a grand showcase for “The Good Life “as the future of Kempinski as an ultra-luxury brand.” Note: “The Good Life" is part of Kempinski’s branding strategy to demonstrate its goal of providing an ultra-luxury experience in Europe.
“Prague ranks among Europe's top five most visited capital cities, with growing demand for luxury hospitality,” said Rasha Lababidi, chief product & experience officer, Kempinski Group.
Augustine Hotel, Prague has 101 guest rooms including 20 suites, many of with original vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, specialty restaurants including The Refectory Bar (previously the monastery’s former dining hall); a spa and fitness center and notably, The Monastic Library, a library hall housing a collection that spans centuries of theological and scientific thought. It also has more than 4,310 square feet of meeting space; and 7,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and gardens.
Muckermann, previously the president and CEO of Silversea, joined Kempinski in May 2024. She says that rather than pursuing uniformity, “Kempinski’s brand strength lies in its collection of highly individual properties, many of which are historic, architectural landmarks and are deeply resonant of the destinations’ culture and community.”
Augustine Hotel, Prague is “set to become the first truly physical and experiential representation of the Kempinski of the Future,” she added.
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