Prague & the Czech Republic

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Hotel Hastal Prague Old Town***
Why: I was travelling around central Europe with my family and we chose the Hotel Hastal because we had already been there when we were on holiday in Europe in 2002 and I could see that it had been reconstructed. The first surprise came when I could book the room online on the hotel website www.hotelhastalprague.com. The booking was very fast and putting an extra bed to our room was no problem. All I had to do was to email the manager ( office@hastal.com ) and he helped me with everything. When we arrived, we could see that eventhough the hotel was reconstructed it still keeps its nice family atmosphere. It´s a good value for price. Located right in the center of Old Town and still reasonable price for rooms and service. The rooms are nice and clean, with a view of the city. All the rooms have new furniture but they are designed in the style of 30s so that the design matches the histotrical building. The staff is helpful and service generally good. Over all, I can say that there are many improvements in terms of room equipment and services but the unique atmosphere remained.

Thomas McClound in New York, NY USA 08/11/2008

Best: green garland pension in prague
Why: Staff seemed happy to have us there, were helpful, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great stay. Assisted with trip planning and transportation around the area. We needed to leave at 5am in the morning and the staff member waited with us for the cab and handed us a packed breakfast for the long train ride. Unexpected and very appreciated!

Leslie in Mankato, MN USA 07/27/2008

Best: Old Prague Hostel
Why: This is the only place we stayed that you recommended. I stayed the weekend with my penpal in another town.

Kris Berger in Whitewater, KS USA 07/17/2008

Best: Hotel Julian in Prague
Why: Very professional staff, easy going and speak English. Also very patient about helping you with pronouncing Czech words which was fun to attempt. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable and while not in the center of the town's action that was a good thing. The area was nice and quiet and a very quick tram ride (maybe 3-5 minutes) into the parts of Prague you came to see. Highly recomemend the Hotel Julian.

Shonn in HdG, MD USA 06/28/2008

Best: Sieber Hotel
Why: Major discount in June. Very comfortable, quiet and well designed with in-room safe. Very generous breakfast. Staff was very pleasant and helpful. Lobby computer available for online check-in, etc.

Brad Oswald in Waterford, NY USA 06/28/2008

Best: Hotel Julian
Why: We loved the "suite" arrangement in which a small foyer revealed two bedrooms. Our family had five adults traveling together and this arrangement made it possible to lock the foyer door and keep the two bedroom doors open so that we could visit with each other. Additionally, the staff was excellent, friendly, helpful, and had good information. The emails I sent to them before arriving were always answered clearly and promptly. The breakfast was outstanding, with so many hot and cold selections. It was probably one of the best I have experienced in traveling anywhere. The hotel is in the process of adding an outdoor patio which will be very enjoyable. One evening we decided to stay at the hotel for dinner. Although the dinner menu is small the food was enjoyable and the resturant atmosphere was charming. Even though the hotel is a bit off the main tourist area, the trams are very close and getting anywhere is not a problem. There is a grocery store just a block or so from the hotel if you want to pick up a few items for a picnic. I would go back to Prague just to stay at the Hotel Julian!

Mary Ann Christensen in Walkerton, IN USA 06/26/2008

Best: Castle View Apartments
Why: I was looking for an "WOW" moment to end our trip and Castle View provided it. The apartment was beautiful, wonderfully located and the view of the castle well worth extra money. The breakfast chit was for a good breakfast at a hotel across the lane.

Steve in Overland Park, KS USA 06/26/2008

Worst: Prague - Jilska Apartment
Why: Lida was charming and friendly, just as Rick said, but her apartment at 3 Jilska in Prague was mis-represented in the on-line ad she sent. It says "double bed and 1 extra bed, cooker." There were no beds. There was a couch with no bedding and a pathetic futon on the floor of a sleeping platform accessible by a narrow, steep ladder that looked more like a shelving unit. The cooker was an ancient one burner hot plate. Payment is demanded up front so we couldn't afford to find another place. You can do better. Always ask if an "apartment" includes a real bed!

Sharon & Jim Turner in Vancouver, BC Canada 06/17/2008

Best: Pension Vetrnik in Prague
Why: It's a beautiful property, away from the bustle of the city, yet just a short tram #18 ride away from the center of Prague. Milos takes excellent care of his patrons from a great breakfast to ensuring you know how the trams work.

Worst: Little Pension Teddy in Cesky Krumlov
Why: We didn't actually get to stay here. Due to late connections and a full early bus, we had to take the last train to Cesky Krumlov. As soon as I knew the time we would arrive, I called Pension Teddy to let them know I wouldn't arrive until 11pm. The response was, "We close at 10pm, sorry". Even after pleading that it would be difficult to find something that late, they didn't budge. I understand that people must go to bed at some point, but there is some responsibility to care enough to not leave travelers stranded, sleeping at the train station. Hostel 99 did rescue us.

Tim in Bay City, TX USA 06/15/2008

Best: Hotel Salvator
Why: Great location, great breakfast: scrambled eggs, sausages, cold cereal, etc. That's what would bring me back and also recommend to friends

Stella in Littleton, Co USA 04/27/2008

Best: Hotel Salvator
Why: This is about 1 block off of the square where Nam Republiky is located, which made walking to everything very easy. Rooms were very good (though one was a little small), help was very courteous, and the breakfasts were bountiful to say the least. Definitely a recommended location.

Alan & Shelley Davis in Thornton, CO USA 01/23/2008

Best: Hotel Julian in Prague
Why: We had a fabulous time in Prague and it was made even better by the Hotel Julian. Traveling with a 2 and 4 year old can be hard. But we were set up with a clean, spacious suite. There was even a rubber duck waiting by the tub. Because we traveled the week after New Year the rate was unbeatable - less than the cost of a single during high season. The woman who worked the breakfast room was wonderful with our kids. The front desk staff were helpful and patient with us. It is only a couple blocks to the tram stop and easy walking distance to the major tourist sights.

Julie Hielen in APO, AE USA 01/14/2008

Best: Hotel Julien and Mike's Chauffeur
Why: Our accomodations were very spacious and comfortable. The hotel left us gifts of chocolates and a special local liqueur in Christmas Eve which was a very nice touch. The hotel was beautfully decorated and had a nice fire going when we returned each night. The hotel restaurant was very convenient and breakfast each morning was excellent. WE had an early flight to catch on the day we departed and a huge cold breakfast was provided for us. Arranged for a chauffeuit to pick us up at airport and it was great not to have to worry about how to get to hotel , ect... Hotel was a little out of town, but it was easy to get around on tram or walking.

JOhn USA 01/05/2008

Worst: Hotel Paris Prague
Why: Timothy Buchman called this hotel a splurge! $340/ nite is not smart travel like Rick Steves recommends. The rooms were nice but come on. Let's be reasonable and not blow our whole bankroll on one hotel.

Sam in Benicia, Ca USA 12/11/2007

Best: Hotel 16
Why: It's on a neighbohood street near a tram stop, a metro stop and a neighborhood restaurant. The hotel has been beautifully rehabed since the family reclaimed it after the revolution.

Linda Shuler in Indialantic, FL USA 10/10/2007

Best: Guest House Lida
Why: Super clean, large rooms. Transportation to/from the tourist areas was simple and quick. Jan was most accomodating-he sold us Metro tickets at face value (just tacked them on our bill), exchanged a small amount of money at no charge, and offered his garage for our car at just 10euro/day. Caution-I would add a note on this location that there can be many steps to climb to your room. He recommended a restaurant in his area called Josephina's which was very good. I cannot find an address or phone number for it. It was 12 minute walk. Cash only.

Doug Stansbury in Saint Cloud, FL USA 09/29/2007

Best: Guesthouse Lida
Why: Anyone who travels to Prague should make it a point to stay at Guesthouse Lida. Wonderful breakfasts, comfortable rooms with huge bathrooms, convenient location and, best of all, accommodating hosts -- everything it takes to make a perfect visit. We three travelers had an absolutely splendid time. Jan was full of all sorts of great ideas of how to spend our time in Prague. Additionally, they provided a car to drive us from the airport to the guesthouse AND a driver/car to take us to the front door of our pension in Berlin -- at extremely reasonable rates I might add. Only SUPERLATIVES will do to describe our Guesthouse Lida experience. Can't recommend this guesthouse any more enthusiastically. You will definitely enjoy!

Trish Heckhaus in Huntington Beach, CA USA 09/19/2007

Best: Arcadia Residence
Why: When I booked at the Arcadia Residence I had expected a great experience based on the reviews from Trip Advisor (they are rated #1 in Prague). In my entire life I have never stayed at a place as unbelievable as this one.

The residence is run by an Italian family - Pasquale and his mother Anna.

Pasquale arranged for me to be picked up at the airport. When I arrived, Pasquale was standing out on the sidewalk waiting to greet me.

He took me inside, gave me a tram/metro ticket and then personally walked with me to show me where the tram stop was, showed me where there were two markets, and pointed out a few good restaurants. He also gave me some basic info and a map of Prague.

Breakfast is incredible (homemade by mama). It was enough food for two days of meals and always included some homemade treat like tiramisu or coffee cake. It changed daily but included eggs, cereal, yogurt, fruit, bread, cookies, nuts, meats/cheese, treats, OJ, tea & coffee.

Since I was staying for a month, Pasquale had told me that I could use the onsite washer and dryer. I asked to use the laundry machines one day and Anna insisted that I just leave the laundry and she would do it. I tried to object but she insisted. She ironed everything and even sewed the hole in one of my socks! She even asked if I wanted my clothes dried outside or in the dryer.

The hotel is located outside of the town center about two blocks away from the river. You can catch a tram at the river and it is 3 stops to the Charles Bridge. I walked to the Bridge a few times and it took about 15 minutes it was a really nice walk (note that this tram has been temporarily rerouted due to construction through October 2007 - this adds about 5 extra minutes to get to the Charles Bridge and the tram no longer travels along the river).

The residence is close to the tourist area but far enough away that it's quiet. It is next to Vysehrad, a beautiful park and historic site.

My room (number 11) had a fridge, hot plate, sink and utensils (flatware, plates, pots/pans, wine opener, etc). The water pressure in the shower is great and the room is pretty big for Europe (and I had the smallest room in the hotel).

All rooms have an internet connection at no additional charge. I forgot my cable and Pasquale lent me one. He also lent me power converters (he has a whole box full of different ones) and has a few Prague guide books in the office that you can use. There is no A/C but my room had a very large fan. In the 30 days that I was there it was only hot for about 3 days and the fan easily cooled down my room. They also have an elevator (rare in Prague).

The customer service was just wonderful. Either Pasquale or his mother were there to great me on most days when I left or arrived home. Pasquale was always asking if the construction noise bothered me (I could barely hear anything from my room) or if there was anything that he could do to make my stay better. It was very nice to chat with them both each day. Mama taught me a bunch of Italian words, she was really sweet and caring. Also, Pasquale speaks perfect English.

I was there taking a photo class and wanted to do a photo story on a marionette factory. I mentioned this to Pasquale and he immediately called the factory and asked in Czech if I could come take photos. He then walked me over to the workshop to make sure that I wouldn't have any problems.

Another day I had to print out a document and fax it to the US. He let me use his printer and fax machine (much easier than trying to find an Internet cafe). Pasquale has stamps, tram passes can help you with day trips and event tickets. He is very honest. I asked him about the Black Light Theater and he told me that about 70% of his guests are disappointed. He really works hard to make sure everything is perfect.

Pasquale is really unbelievable. He also owns two apartments in town (one near the Old Town and one near the Castle). There were days that he got up at 4:30 AM and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning so that he could meet all the needs of his guests at all three locations. Almost every night Pasquale took the time to chat for 5 or 10 minutes before I headed up to bed. He tries to make a habit of staying up until all the guests are safely home. If he’s not there his mother runs out of her first floor apartment to welcome you home when she hears the door shut (she stays up until midnight).

Linda in North Andover, MA USA 08/08/2007

Best: Hotel Garni in Kutna Hora
Why: Gracoious about providing a fan in my room, lovely view of the cobblestone street and old buildings from my room, and allowed me to arrive a bit late for my breakfast, which was included in the room charge.

Lee Ann Bourcier in Yachats, OR USA 06/30/2007

Best: Castle View apartment...cesky krumlov
Why: beautiful, clean and helpful. ready to go back and spend more time exploring that area. Jiri wa so helpful.

robin bradley in ft lauderdale, FL USA 06/08/2007

Best: hotel salvador
Why: It was close to all but quiet for sleep. We were the only Americans there the week we stayed and had fun talking to the guests and the helpful friendly staff. The breakfast was vast and very good as was the resturant. They make a great grilled salmon coucous salad and steak tapas. Even though our flight was delayed and we had to fill out lost luggage forms the hotel transportation person Pavel was still there waiting for us. Considering our needs for twin beds as we are large and an elevator and in Old Town this was very good and cost less than other accomodations mentioned in the book. Prague is high we thought compared to Munich where we also stayed a week at the Hilton for the same price. It is not air conditioned but it did get to 80 degrees while we were there but our attic top floor rooms with big windows we could open made the room never too warm.

Linda Ostapinski in San Diego, CA USA 05/26/2007

Best: Penzion Patricia
Why: Great place to stay. Clean and comfortable. Patricia was extremely helpful and a wonderful hostess. The pansion is right at the entrance to the Town Square, the main attraction. Definitely a great pick.

Chris Paterson in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/25/2007

Best: Guesthouse Lida
Why: Another thumbs up to Guesthouse Lida. We stayed three nights last month. Jiri picked us up at the train station when we arrived from Budapest.

He and his brother really make you feel welcomed and at home and are ready to help you in any way possible. Although a bit out in the suburbs, it is only about a ten minute walk to the metro and then two stops to Wenceslaus Square.

Steve in Richmond, Vi USA 05/10/2007

Best: Guest House Lida
Why: It was everything your readers had said it was. Clean, quiet, spacious room with a modern bathroom in a quiet neighborhood. The Prouza brothers were very helpful with information on site seeing and transportation. It is a bit of a walk from the metro but Much cheaper and quieter than staying in the center and the neighborhood restaurants were good and also reasonably priced. A great value.

Nina in Onaga, Ks USA 04/11/2007

Worst: Hotel King George, Old Town, Praha
Why: We received an email room confirmation from the staff. In addition, our son, who was living in Prague at the time, confirmed the reservation in person. But when we arrived, the desk staff said they had no reservation for us. They did give us a room, but the shower had no hot water. I don't mean too little -- I mean NONE. The staff called a plumber, but he said nothing could be done. So be careful of this room (the suite with one double bed and two singles) if you like to shower in the morning. The location of this hotel is wonderful, but these other issues make me wonder why the hotel was in a Rick Steves guidebook.

Diane Tucker in Washington , DC USA 03/10/2007

Best: Hotel Julian in Prague
Why: The rooms were wonderful and the staff extremely helpful. The convenient location allowed us to walk to most of the city's sites. We chose this hotel because of the secured parking, but would stay there again even without a car! Umbrellas were available for the frequent downpours.

Shirley Rooks in Atlanta, GA USA 11/05/2006

Best: Stay outside of the center in summer
Why: I stayed at Hotel Akcent at the Andel metro stop. It was decently nice hotel with breakfast and English speaking desk attendents. I could be in the city center within 15 minutes of leaving my room via the subway. Also convinient to a mall where the locals shop, a movie theatre, and a huge grocery store.

Ken in Chandler, AZ USA 10/20/2006

Best: Guesthouse Lida
Why: Jan bends over backwards to ensure guests are comfortable and have the resources needed. He recommended a walk near the Guesthouse to Sts. Peter and Paul Church and St. Martin's Church in Vysehrad. It was spectacular. And the two restaurants he recommended in the neighborhood were great too (Slenicks and Josephina)

Colleen Naughton in Mpls, MN USA 10/08/2006

Worst: Hotel King George (Kral Jiri)
Why: I am writing this in Prague. This hotel was extremely noisy. Construction is being done on the building next to the hotel and begins promptly at 8 AM every morning 7 days a week. A band in the bar downstairs plays until at least midnight. The room is extremely hot and since you can't open the windows due to the noise from the brisk traffic on the busy cobble stone street out front, you swelter most of the night. The front desk staff was indifferent to our issues. For $150/night we expected more, this listing should be removed.

Holland Hernandez in Dallas, TX USA 10/01/2006

Best: Hotel Archibald on Zitna
Why: Booked through Cheap Hotels, Czech Rep. on internet. Late July, 4 nights for the price of 3. Newly renovated 3 star located 10 mins from Wenceslas and 15 from Old Town Sq.

COLIN CRAVEN in OAKVILLE, ON CANADA 09/08/2006

Best: Guest House Lida, Prague
Why: George (that's his American name) was so helpful. He helped us get subway tickets, and sat down and helped us with our itinerary once he knew how much time we had to visit Prague. I highly recommend Guest House Lida; Prague is not that easy to get around in, and not many people speak English compared to other countries we visited this summer in Europe.

Susan in Des Moines, IA USA 08/14/2006

Best: Little Pension Teddy in Cesky Krumlov
Why: Lovely room with balcomy overlooking the river. Friendly owner.

Robert Bell in Victoria, BC Canada 07/13/2006

Best: Hotel Julian
Why: I was travelling alone, and the hotel staff could not have been more helpful. They looked up bus and train schedules for me, provided me with maps, showing me how to get to the nearest metro stop, as well as selling the tram pass, stamps etc. The breakfasts are great, and they serve what is undoubtedly the best club sandwich in the world in the pub restaurant downstairs. I loved this hotel for its charm, and quiet elegance.

Barbara Sauve in Montreal, Canada 07/08/2006

Best: Guesthouse Lida
Why: As a single traveller I had some apprehension about travelling alone and staying alone. But I received the most amazing hospitality from Jan at the Guesthouse Lida.

Upon arrival at Ruzyne Airport, I would receive an immediate dose of Czech hospitality as I was met cheerfully by Jan, owner of the Guesthouse Lida for the drive into Prague. Jan was great as he gave me a quick history lesson and noted the sights and historical points of interest during our drive into town. After our arrival (the B&B is named after his mother) he sat me down and made sure I was ready to tour Prague the next morning. He provided me with a transport pass, The Prague Card for entry card to most of the key sights, arranged for a morning bus tour and highlighted all the key tourist areas on a map of Prague. What great hospitality and service! You certainly wouldn’t get this most hotels.

K Barker in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/02/2006

Best: Senator Haz - Eger, Hungary
Why: Wonderful staff!!! Wonderful FOOD!!

Mary Ann Bray in Alton, Il USA 06/24/2006

Best: Guest House Lida - Prague
Why: We had a wonderful stay at Guest House Lida in Prague. The service is warm, welcoming and personal. Juri provides lots of practical tips about getting around in Prague. The rooms are comfortable, the breakfasts are good and there is free internet. Lida House is just outside the center - about a 10 minute ride on the tram to the heart of the old city. The neighborhood is quiet and so you get a good nights sleep. The restaurants in the neighborhood are 30% cheaper than in the city center. Lida House was overall the best place we stayed during our 3 weeks in Eastern Europe (May 2006).

Ray Lafayette, California

Ray McFalone in Lafayette, CA USA 05/29/2006

Best: Guest House Lida
Why: I'll just second everything that everyone else has said. This place is a must-stay if you're coming to Prague. Plus, if you have problems navigating public transportation (which can be trickier than usual here), they can have a car pick you up at the airport or the train station for around $8 per car. We took the metro, which was easy even though we had to walk a little bit, but if you think you'll be tired and you don't want to lug suitcases up hills, this will be the best $8 you've ever spent.

Amy in Paris, France 05/26/2006

Best: Hotel Julian
Why: Excellent attentive but not intrusive staff. Room is a good value; great shower. Wireless internet access provided.

Edward in Chicago, IL USA 05/17/2006

Best: Lida Guesthouse
Why: Our family prefers to stay outside the center of large cities because it typically is a bit cheaper, quieter, and is easier to find a place to park the rental car. Lida Guesthouse was a great place to stay in Prague! Jan and his wife were not only warm and inviting, but extremely helpful in orienting us to Prague. Jan gave us recommendations for wonderful neighborhood restaurants, provided a secure parking arrangement for our car, local currency so we didn't have to find an ATM our first night, suggestions and directions for activities, and offered to book tours and shows. The Guesthouse is only a few blocks from the Metro station to use public transportation to Prague Castle, St. Wenceslas Square, and even to Terezin. The family room on the top floor provided ample room for our family of 4 with our 17 and 21-year old sons, although we didn't take advantage of the small kitchen. Other features: clean, good breakfast, and opportunity to use high-speed internet to send quick messages to family back in the US. Wonderful place to stay and filled with Rick-Steve-Guide-toting tourists. Thanks, Jan!

Kathy Glass in Verona, WI USA 04/29/2006

Worst: Hotel Central
Why: I wouldn't say "worst". We stayed there based on your recommendation. There were many small deficits: running out of kleenex and toilet paper in the room, water-downed orange juice and minimally helpful staff throughout.

Catherine Eichel in Albuquerque, NM USA 03/17/2006

Best: Cesky Krumluv - Hotel u Malého Vitak! Great!
Why: Janna runs the place, and she treated us like Czech royalty. Even provided a 5 am meal for us when we had to leave in the early morning darkness via taxi (which she also arranged for us) to Cesky Budéjovice for a train. We ate the meal all the way to Pilzen.

John and JoAnn Womack in Franklin, NC USA 01/21/2006