Accor, a world leading hospitality group, and Courbet, chaired by Jean-François Ott, today announced an agreement that will see Accor assume management of The Mozart Prague hotel. Following an extensive renovation, the renowned hotel will join the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand, a collection of historic luxury hotels combining exceptional heritage and authentic service. This decision is supportive of Courbet’s strategy to forge partnerships with leaders in the global hotel industry for the management of its hotel portfolio, and also aligns with Accor’s global development strategy, which includes targeted expansion for Sofitel Legend as well as continued growth of its other luxury and lifestyle brands.
The Mozart Prague is owned by the Courbet group and has been part of the Ott family heritage since 1999. The iconic hotel sits in the Old Town district in the heart of the Czech capital and is well-located at the base of the Charles Bridge with picturesque views of Prague Castle. The Hotel dates back to the 17th century and has a rich history, having hosted numerous celebrities such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wagner, and more recently Vaclav Havel.
Sofitel Legend: a high-value luxury hotel brand
Drawing on its rich historical and cultural heritage, The Mozart Prague hotel perfectly embodies Sofitel Legend’s spirit and DNA. The exclusive portfolio of unparalleled Sofitel Legend destinations is part of Sofitel, the only luxury hotel brand of French origin to have expanded internationally, which advocates hospitality that blends heartfelt, genuine, and committed luxury with a French zest.
The addition of The Mozart Prague hotel to Sofitel Legend will make it the seventh jewel in the brand’s unique and exclusive portfolio of luxury establishments. The Sofitel Legend brand comprises iconic hotels appreciated for their timeless elegance, bearing witness to historical moments that have created unique atmospheres that tell stories of the past. From the writing of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece “Death on the Nile” to Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Godard’s honeymoon, and even the birth of James Bond, The Mozart Prague joins this select network to share the story of where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote six German dances.
The hotel will be the second Sofitel Legend in Europe, joining the ranks of Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Worldwide, other hotels in the brand’s portfolio include Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, Egypt; Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama; Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia; Sofitel Legend The Metropole in Hanoi, Vietnam; and Sofitel Legend People’s Grand in Xi’an, China.
The hotel will offer another perspective of the city of Prague: an elegant city, steeped in its past and culture.
Official opening expected 2027
The hotel will undergo an ambitious renovation program with Ivo Nahalka, a renowned Prague architect, to meet the standards of the Sofitel Legend brand. Further enhancing the luxury experience at the hotel will be a new restaurant featuring a globally recognized brand. Throughout the entire revitalization process, an exacting and careful approach will be taken with the famed hotel’s majestic exteriors, which will be honored and respected. Indeed, The Mozart Prague hotel is an emblematic building with a unique history and connection to the city of Prague and its heritage.
Until the start of the refurbishment works, The Mozart Prague will be managed by Accor under a white label and will retain its existing signage. Once the renovation activity is complete, expected in 2027, the hotel will reopen as the Sofitel Legend The Mozart Prague.
Two companies sharing common values
The Accor group and Sofitel Legend emerged as the clear choice for management of The Mozart Prague hotel. More specifically, the Sofitel Legend brand perfectly aligns with the authenticity of the location, steeped in history and refinement, and has the experience and global standing to help preserve the original soul of this incredible building.
Jean-François Ott, President of Courbet, explains: “Prague is my heart’s city. I bought my first building there in 1990 with all my savings. I settled there, built my life, and started a family. I love this city, respect it, and cherish it. I have owned The Mozart Prague for 25 years, and it was important for me to choose the best partner to entrust the management of this hotel. Accor fought for it and genuinely wanted it. Our common values of seeking authenticity, preserving history, and promoting local culture confirmed our desire to move forward with the Sofitel Legend brand.”
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems adds: “The Mozart Prague perfectly complements our mosaic of carefully selected unique destinations and allows us to add a hotel in this European city with an incredibly rich architectural and artistic heritage. More than just hotels, these living legends resonate with whispered secrets, authentic encounters, and extraordinary stories that are written every day. We will be able to offer our clientele committed luxury, with a hotel rooted in its local culture that celebrates its destination.”
Courbet was advised by Wingate in Paris and by J&T Bank in Prague, the historic bank of The Mozart Prague.
