Set in a lush 5-hectare park less than an hour from Prague, Chateau Mcely combines historic charm with modern amenities and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Czech Republic. It features an on-site restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.
Chateau Mcely is located in the heart of the legendary St. George's Forest, atop a hill, and offers superb views. It was formerly the manor house of the Thurn-Taxis aristocracy. The individually decorated rooms and suites are in keeping with the style and history of the Chateau.
Guests can relax in the on-site Mcely Bouquet Spa, available by reservation.
The property, which features an astronomical observatory, also offers other activities, including a horse-drawn carriage ride or croquet.
Chateau Mcely History
This baroque castle was built in the 17th century. Originally intended for hunting, the castle became the country residence of a number of aristocratic families. The house hosted grand ballets and dances until the Communists took power in the 1940s, interrupting the festive days. The castle fell into disrepair for the rest of the century until it was reopened and transformed into a hotel that combines luxury and ecological values.
It has a zero carbon footprint and won the "Leading Eco Hotel" award at the 2011 World Travel Awards. There is a "healing well" that commemorates the place where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1849. As good postmodernists, the hotel now uses the vague notion of "healing energy" to describe the place; which can be loosely translated as "make no mistake about it." There is an incredible amount to see and do, from croquet to an artificial beach and swimming lake. You can spark your imagination in the "Princess Cottage," the "Witch's Lair" and the "Alchemists' Club." The spa is first-rate and offers unique honey and pearl therapies.
The castle's doors were opened to visitorsin 2006, with interior spaces that include a collection of individually styled rooms and suites. On the second floor, guests will find the World Floor, with a staircase leading to a second floor designed around the theme of time. All rooms offer views of the castle's English park and St. George's Forest. Meals are provided by the Piano Nobile restaurant, which regularly receives national recognition. Under the direction of chef Jan Štěrba, menus focus heavily on local ingredients and food traditions, such as venison with shallot and pear jam prepared with saffron, maple syrup, and peanut ice cream. The chateau's culinary team creates signature jams and draws from an on-site herb garden, as well as fish and meats smoked in the chateau's own smokehouse.