THE GARNI HOTEL ASTORIA
Introduction
Following the establishment of the spa in Jáchymov, numerous hotels and guesthouses were built in the lower part of the town. Near St Barbara’s Chapel, which at that time stood opposite the Spa Building (today Agricola), a block of representative buildings for spa guests was constructed.
In 1917, during the First World War, the chapel was dismantled and relocated above today’s Cultural House, as it obstructed the expansion of the spa and increasing traffic. Over time, the individual buildings were interconnected to form the present hotel complex. A comprehensive renovation and internal reconstruction took place in 2002.
Rosenhof
The first building was the Rosenhof guesthouse, constructed in 1912–1913 by the Jáchymov builder and entrepreneur Franz Rehn. The three-storey building features numerous Art Nouveau motifs on its façade.
Villa Seidl
To the left of Rosenhof, the builder Hugo Schöberl erected a four-storey building in the style of late Art Nouveau in 1913–1914. It was built for the local merchant Johann Seidl, who was also the mayor of Jáchymov at that time. The building was therefore named Villa Seidl.
Kurhaus Astoria
To the right of Rosenhof, Franz Rehn constructed the Kurhaus Astoria in 1914 for Josef Wahl. Further development was halted by the outbreak of the First World War.
Interwar Period
After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, Franz Rehn built another guesthouse in this row of buildings called Marienheim.
In 1926, a spa institute was added to Astoria. In 1927, in honour of spa physician Dr Max Heiner, the building was named Villa Heiner. After the Second World War, the name was changed to Astoria II.
Spa Park and Surroundings
At the same time, the open space on the opposite side of the road from Ostrov was transformed into a spa park. Small commercial buildings were constructed along the road, architecturally decorated with corner turrets, half-timbered elements and carved details. A music pavilion with a helmet-shaped roof was placed in the park.
Present
The present Garni Hotel Astoria was created by linking the originally separate buildings. As a garni hotel, it specialises primarily in accommodation, with limited catering services. The reception is located in the Agricola Spa Centre, meals are served in buffet style, and guests with comprehensive spa treatment dine at the Hotel Praha.
