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Kempinski Augustine Hotel, Prague is set to open in early 2027 following an extensive transformation of the historic property in the Czech capital’s Malá Strana district.
Set within the 13th-century Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas, the hotel occupies seven historic buildings shaped by more than 800 years of history.
Kempinski acquired Augustine Hotel earlier in 2026 and is now repositioning the property to combine its existing identity and monastic heritage with the hotel group’s evolving approach to luxury hospitality.
The project has been developed around the concept of ‘lived duality’, bringing together the property’s historic and contemporary elements.
“Kempinski Augustine Hotel, Prague will embody what we believe is the future of experiential travel: deeply individual and intentional – always connected to the place and its people; rich with history, but always evolving,” said Rasha Lababidi, Chief Product, Experience and Communications Officer, Kempinski Group. “Most soft collections are united primarily by distribution and lack a common product design and guest experience philosophy developed around local character of the asset, of the brand and the destination. Kempinski’s diverse collection of iconic and individual properties occupies an uncrowded sweetspot between the two. As we evolve, we are building an intentional collection that takes us into a more experiential space, revitalising our heritage in authentic, meaningful, story-rich ways that leave even the most well-travelled and discerning guests feeling both enlightened and nostalgic.
Public areas will be developed around what Kempinski describes as the ‘living room of the city’, intended to create social spaces for both hotel guests and the local community.
These will include a residential-style bar, seating and gathering areas and a Collector’s Table showcasing work from Czech artisans and craftspeople.
A ‘Living City Ceiling’, created in collaboration with a local artist, will also form part of the redesigned social spaces.
The hotel’s original monastic architecture will remain integral to the property, with historic features incorporated alongside contemporary additions.
LDS Design Studio is leading the transformation, drawing on St. Augustine and Prague’s Gothic, Baroque and Bohemian influences.
“Augustine is a place of extraordinary contrasts,” said Massimo Severo Barbera, Creative Director, LDS. “We wanted to preserve that sense of duality — the quiet and the joyful, the historic and the contemporary — and create spaces that encourage both contemplation and connection. Every room and public space has been conceived as part of a larger story of Prague.”
The hotel will comprise 101 guest rooms, including 20 suites, with many retaining original vaulted ceilings and wooden beams from the monks’ former living quarters.
Redesigned accommodation will include bespoke canopy beds, tapestries, residential-style bathrooms and a colour palette drawing on Prague’s architecture and gardens.
A collection of signature suites will reference elements of the city’s cultural history.
The Presidential Suite will take inspiration from former Czech president Václav Havel, while the Monastery Suite, Philosopher’s Stone Suite, Charles Suite and Fresco Suite will each have individual designs and narratives.
A three-level Tower Suite is planned for a second phase of the project and will take inspiration from astronomer Johannes Kepler.
Food and beverage concepts are being developed in partnership with Gorgeous Group and Russell Sage Studio.
A salon-style neighbourhood dining room will operate throughout the day, combining a brasserie, relaxed dining areas, semi-private spaces and a courtyard.
The restaurant will serve established dishes with local influences alongside tableside service and a changing wine list.
The hotel’s historic Refectory will house a bar inspired by George Ripley’s 12 alchemical steps.
A 12-gate cocktail menu will use seasonal infusions and botanicals alongside local craft absinthes and St. Thomas dark lager.
The bar will also introduce a daily ‘Transformation Hour’ at sunset as the venue moves from daytime into its evening programme.
“Augustine gives us an extraordinary canvas because its history is still alive,” said Robbie Bargh, Founder and Partner, Gorgeous Group. “Our ambition is to create desirable hospitality experiences that respect history, whilst giving people new reasons to gather, return and make their own memories here.”
Russell Sage adds, “It’s so thrilling to be working with a legendary brand like Kempinski on bringing their truly unique and original approach to hospitality to life in such an iconic and beautiful venue as St. Augustine, Prague – I am driven by a love of materials and a passion for storytelling. I want to create spaces of joyful surprise that make people feel something.”
The hotel will also introduce Kempinski’s E.R.A.s – Experience Real Access programme, which connects guests with local people and destination-led experiences selected by resident curators.
At Augustine, experiences will draw on its position within a working monastery alongside connections with Prague’s artists, craftspeople and cultural community.
“Augustine allows us to unlock something that is increasingly rare in luxury hospitality: genuine access to a living piece of history,” said Rasha Lababidi, Chief Product, Experience and Communications Officer, Kempinski Group. “The monks, the artists, the makers, the spaces and the stories all contribute to a sense of place that is uniquely Prague. Our role is to curate that access in a way that feels natural, meaningful and deeply personal.”
Kempinski Augustine Hotel, Prague is scheduled to open in early 2027 following completion of the repositioning programme.
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