Kempinski Hotels today announces that Augustine Hotel, Prague will open in early 2027, marking a new chapter for one of the Czech capital’s most distinctive historic properties and the latest expression of Kempinski’s evolving approach to luxury hospitality.
Set within the 13th-century Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas in Prague’s historic Malá Strana district, the hotel occupies seven historic buildings shaped by more than 800 years of history. Following its acquisition by Kempinski earlier this year, the property is undergoing an extensive repositioning and transformation designed to build a bridge between the identity of Augustine and the evolving Kempinski brand. The result will be a hotel centered on “lived duality” — a dialogue between the civic and the secular, contemplation and celebration, heritage and reinvention — designed not as an escape from the city, but as a place for life to be fully inhabited.
“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.
At the heart of the hotel’s new identity is the idea of “the living room of the city”, a community-led social setting that feels residential and welcoming, places that belong as much to their community as to their guests.
Drawing inspiration from the unique neighbourhood of Mala Strana where culture, texture and social exuberance both collide and collude, public spaces will be reimagined as a series of interconnected social environments. A key element will be a residential-style bar surrounded by cosy nooks and gathering spaces where guests and locals can connect, linger and immerse more deeply into the city.
The living room also incorporates a unique Collector’s Table showcasing the work of Czech artisans and craftspeople that the hotel’s most discerning guests can learn from and take away as special memories of their transformative experience in Prague. A distinctive “Living City Ceiling,” created in collaboration with an emerging local artist who will create an extension of our destination-led narrative into the hotel’s social spaces.
The hotel’s historic architecture will remain central to the experience, with original monastic elements thoughtfully integrated alongside contemporary interventions. Rather than treating the past as something static, the design brings the monastery’s layered history into conversation with the present.
Led by LDS Design Studio, the transformation draws inspiration from St. Augustine, Prague’s artistic heritage and the city’s distinctive dialogue between Gothic, Baroque and Bohemian influences. The result is intentionally expressive rather than austere. Symbolic details drawn from the life and philosophy of St. Augustine — including references to pears, grace and mischief, alongside Garden of Eden-inspired tapestries — introduce moments of discovery and whimsy throughout the hotel.
“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 features 101 guest rooms including 20 suites, many of which feature original vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, retaining the authentic structure of the monks’ former living quarters. Following an extensive renovation, the guestrooms and suites will extend the concept of lived duality into the private experience, combining the intimacy and restraint of the monastery with generous, joyful, unexpected details.
Bespoke canopy beds featuring historical tapestries, eclectic furnishings, sculptural lighting and residential-style bathrooms will create spaces designed for both comfort and introspection. Across the accommodations, a considered palette of terracotta, muted indigo, olive and aged brass draws inspiration from Prague’s rooftops, façades and gardens.
The hotel’s signature suites will offer particularly immersive expressions of Prague’s cultural history. The Presidential Suite celebrates President Václav Havel through richly layered materials and refined residential detailing. The Monastery Suite, Philosopher’s Stone Suite, Charles Suite and Fresco Suite each introduce their own narratives through bespoke craftsmanship, artistic references and historic details. To be unveiled in phase two the three-level Tower Suite will pay homage to astronomer Johannes Kepler through dramatic circular architectural forms and panoramic city views.
Food and beverage will form a central part of the hotel’s new identity, with concepts developed in partnership with Gorgeous Group and Russell Sage Studio.
At the heart of the experience will be a grand salon-style neighborhood dining room balancing approachable hospitality with modern culinary theater and a lively social energy. Built around the principles of “Rebellious Generosity” and “Cosmopolitan Classics Reimagined,” The Salon will bring global culinary standards together with local touches across all dayparts. Simple yet elevated classics will be complemented by a tableside theatre, interactive finishes and an evolving, discovery-focused wine list. The intimate restaurant unfolds distinct zones — a bright, Brasserie, relaxed dining areas, semi-private spaces, and a courtyard - each with its own character, yet contained within a cohesive footprint that guides the guest through a natural rhythm from breakfast to evening service, accompanied by live piano music.
Within the monastery’s historic Refectory inspired by the Twelve Gates, the bar will offer a more sensual expression of Prague’s drinking culture. Inspired by George Ripley’s 12 alchemical steps, the bar will explore the transformation of natural botanicals through a signature 12-gate cocktail program, seasonal infusions and local craft absinthes. St. Thomas dark lager and polished bar plates designed for sharing will complement the drinks experience, while specialized Bohemian glassware, curated music and DJs and a daily “Transformation Hour” at sundown will create a distinct ritual as the space shifts from day to night.
Together, dining room and bar areas will extend the idea of the hotel as a living social environment — places designed not simply for dining and drinking, but for gathering, discovery and the rituals that give a neighborhood its character.
“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’s physical transformation will be complemented by The E.R.A.s – Experience Real Access, Kempinski’s program designed to connect guests with the people, places and experiences that reveal a more personal side of a destination, as designed by Resident Curators.
At Augustine, the program will draw directly on the hotel’s unique position within a living monastery and its wider network of cultural connections across Prague. Guests will be invited to discover the city through insiders, creatives, craftspeople and local figures who can offer perspectives beyond the traditional tourist experience.
This approach reflects Kempinski’s broader vision for the guest journey, which places renewed emphasis on the spirit of the locale, heritage reimagined, moments of discovery and joy. At Augustine, these principles come together through a property where the heritage is not simply preserved, but actively lived.
“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.”
With its opening in early 2027, Augustine Hotel, Prague will offer a new perspective on luxury in the Czech capital, one rooted in living monastic heritage, shaped by contemporary creativity and designed around the pleasures of discovering a city from the inside.
