Rising twenty-one stories above us Hotel Opatov stands tall. This yellow facade is a landmark in Prague 11. Hotel Opatov is near the Opatov metro station. It offers quick access to Prague’s center. We are only about 15 minutes from the heart of the city using public transport.
Let’s step back to the 1980s. The Hotel Opatov was built then. It was finished around 1988. This building is one of two unique high-rise structures. The other is the adjacent Sandra dormitory. Both buildings share a similar design. You can also find an identical building called Hotel Dum in Prague’s Modřany district.
Originally Hotel Opatov offered 190 apartments. These were bargain-priced accommodations. The apartments had two or three beds. Guests enjoyed a TV with satellite reception. They also had a telephone and refrigerator. A cafeteria breakfast was included. The hotel restaurant served other meals upon request.
Hotel Opatov provided many services. There was an exchange office and a hair salon. The reception offered ticket reservations and car rentals. Social events took place in the hotel’s hall and saloons. Guests enjoyed a range of dishes and drinks. The hotel also had a guarded parking place.
The Hotel Opatov’s restaurant had 216 seats. It served breakfast and group meals. It also hosted events for private parties. The snack bar offered dinners and suppers. It had a wide selection of drinks. The lobby bar provided a quiet place for coffee and drinks.
The conference room was on the top floor. It offered panoramic views of Prague. It was ideal for meetings and parties. The conference room could host 80 people for meetings. It could accommodate 120 people for receptions.
In 2018 the City of Prague decided to renovate Hotel Opatov. The plan was to create 342 small apartments. Prague 11 opposed this due to potential social issues. The city revised the project. The new plan included 291 apartments. This would ensure a diverse community.
The reconstruction began in May 2021. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The renovated building will provide 275 municipal apartments. These will be for teachers and healthcare workers. It will also house seniors and people in need. The building will include a public laundry. There will also be a dining hall and a social room. Cellar storage and sports facilities will be available too.
The renovated Hotel Opatov will have commercial spaces on the lower floors. These spaces could house medical services. They could also provide other community amenities. The building will become more accessible. It will feature a modern design with a new roof. New windows and a renovated facade are also planned. The interiors will be updated.
The renovation of Hotel Opatov represents a significant investment. It demonstrates Prague’s commitment to providing affordable housing. The revitalized building will enhance the surrounding area. It will offer a better quality of life for its residents. Hotel Opatov’s transformation is a testament to urban renewal.