Karlovy Vary, Czechia
Grandhotel Pupp
Bohemian spa palace
Bohemian spa palace
This riverside palace still runs on nineteenth-century ritual, with Bohemian pastries beneath crystal chandeliers and late evenings at the casino.
“The stately Grandhotel Pupp hosts the stars during summer's international film festival.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A Neo-Baroque landmark designed by Fellner and Helmer, rooted in eighteenth-century spa halls.
Remarkable
The Festive Hall welcomes summer film festival galas and century-old Bohemian spa society.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The top lodging in town is among the most storied in Europe, the 300-year-old Grandhotel Pupp.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Teplá River promenade stretches out from the entrance, leading downstream toward Karlovy Vary's historic mineral colonnades.
The rooms
Rooms come in traditional or contemporary styles, trading modern gadgetry for pure period atmosphere.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Air massage beds line the 15-meter indoor pool, and a separate meditation pool plays music underwater.
Sauna and steam
Tiered blonde wood lines the Finnish sauna, and soft under-bench lighting illuminates the tiled steam bath.
The spa and gym
Therapists offer restorative bodywork and Ayurvedic massages, and the mirrored fitness room is equipped with Technogym cardio machines.
Restaurant
Grandrestaurant
Crystal chandeliers illuminate the formal dining room, where dinner focuses on seasonal Czech and Central European cuisine.
At the table
Café Pupp serves traditional pastries beneath painted ceiling panels, and Becher's Bar pours cocktails in a wood-paneled basement lounge.
How it began
Confectioner Johann Georg Pupp bought the grounds in the 1770s, building a dynasty that united two rival ballrooms into this landmark palace.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.