The Albatros was launched in 1969, to a design by hotel architect Zdeněk Davídek. The concept of the "botel" — boat + hotel — appeared as an answer to the shortage of accommodation in Prague for the rising number of tourists, diplomats and business guests. Three botels were planned on the Vltava; Admiral followed in 1970, Racek in 1971, and the Albatros remained the first.

The hull of the Albatros was built at the Libeň shipyard and brought to the city centre in sections — the bridges upstream were too low to take the ship through whole. Final assembly was carried out right at Ludvíka Svobody Embankment.

Moored between Štefánikův Bridge and Štvanice Island, in the early years the Albatros drew the Prague elite — closed evenings for the city's "zlatá mládež", the politically connected youth of the late 1960s. Over the decades, the Albatros has become part of the Prague skyline.

After the full refit of 2025–2026, Botel Albatros opens again. The original 1969 hull is preserved; the interiors are Art Deco of the 1930s — brass, veneer, warm wood — and cabin comfort is current.
A night on the water, in central Prague.

Botel Albatros is moored at Ludvíka Svobody Embankment, in central Prague. Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are within walking distance; Prague Castle is a quarter of an hour by tram.