Landlocked Prague -- unlike, say, Venice -- has never experienced an influx of Far East cultural influence. So that the world's first Buddha-Bar Hotel is debuting in this most medieval of cities seems a curious incongruity (a second will open soon in Dubai, a more obvious marriage of flash and cash). But the Buddha Bar aesthetic has always been nothing if not shamelessly baroque, so perhaps it will actually fit quite comfortably within the Czech capital’s ornate cityscape.

To wit, the 39 rooms are done up in sexy, romantic Chinoiserie, the cozy Siddartha Café is a sensual bombardment of extravagant Asian-gothic, and the cavernous, bi-level eponymous restaurant and bar should provide Prague with a significant dose of glitter and glam -- something the staunchly boho city seems to be finally comfortable embracing. If you’ve any doubt, by the way, Gucci has just opened on Parizska Street.