Prague & the Czech Republic

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Hotel Maximillian
Why: Absolutely wonderful breakfast, beautifully presented, fresh baked goods, lots of fresh fruit and yogourt, as well as eggs etc. Excellent coffee. Very convenient location 5 minutes approx. walk from the Old Town Square, in a quiet neighbourhood. Friendly helpful staff. One of the receptionists sat down with us on arrival for a "briefing" on the hotel and area.

Judy in Peterborough, ON Canada 11/04/2009

Worst: Pension LOBO in Cesky Krumlov
Why: Dirty shower ... shopworn towels and bedsheets. Cancelled our shuttle to Linz without any notice and other than telling us to go see the tourist bureau, refused to provide any assistance in finding alternative arrangements to help us out of the emergency transportation situation they had created.

Richard Canada 10/28/2009

Best: Penzion Steidler in Telc
Why: It is right on the main square in Telc. It is quiet, clean and well-decorated. We had the room next to the dining room and it was still very quiet. Great breakfast, nice hosts.

Julie in Provo, Ut USA 10/07/2009

Best: Hotel u Semika, Prague
Why: Aug 99. Beautiful huge room with view, kitchenette, sofa, table, chairs. I paid only 935 Czk for it, which was cheaper due to the unusually low tourist season this year. Very helpful, friendly staff. Excellent buffet breakfast. In fact, they even offered to provide me with a breakfast-to-go, since I was leaving for the airport @ 5:30 am. Good restaurant. One of the best places I've stayed in years.

Worst: Pension Lobo, Cesky Krumlov
Why: Ugly room with badly stained carpet, paint on wall that rubs off on clothes. Very poor service. No service (closed office) after about 6:30 pm. I couldn't wait to leave.

Nova Fraser in San Diego, CA USA 08/14/2009

Best: Maximillian Hotel
Why: We paid only 100 Euros a night to stay here, so it was a great deal for a really nice hotel. We got a web-rate that was a lot cheaper than the normal rates (and the rates published in the book).

Pam Notar in Rochester, NY USA 08/03/2009

Best: Residences Thurokova
Why: Forgive the spelling. Lida found it. For the price of a hotel (gosh the price of a holiday inn in jersey!) i stayed in a gorgeous apartment overlooking the city, steps from the castle, iron gate. I loved it.

Jennie in Washington DC, DC USA 07/10/2009

Best: Guest House Lida
Why: It was really nice to get out of the madhouse of the Old Town and to be in a real neighborhood. Jiri gave us an extensive orientation on how to get around using trams and metro. And it was a really great room at a really great price. Great breakfast, also.

Tracy Taylor in Copenhagen, Denmark 04/13/2009

Best: Hotel Anna
Why: Great hotel in a good location. The staff was very helpful, breakfast was tasty and generous, and the neighborhood full of little, local restaurants and bars.

Deb Flannigan in Cazenovia, NY USA 03/22/2009

Best: Residence Retezova in Old Town
Why: Very roomy and clean apartments in an excellent location. The desk staff were friendly and helpful.

Vicky Ramuta in Naperville, IL USA 11/30/2008

Best: Hotel Julian
Why: What a beautiful hotel! Terrific restaurant and breakfast. Staff was great and helped us out of a real pickle when we left passports, etc at the hotel and headed for the airport. (Mike of Mike's Chauffeur Service was in on that little rescue caper as well! They were all a Godsend.)

Cindy in Beavercreek, OH USA 11/12/2008

Best: Hotel Anna in Prague
Why: Actually costs less than price quoted in the book. The rooms were very clean. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.The breakfast was the best we had in Prague, Salzburg or Munich

Worst: Hotel Atlanta in Munich
Why: The rooms were clean but tired. We reserved the room with a credit card but when we arrived they tried to force us to pay using cash.

Tim Hopkins in Norwell, MA USA 11/08/2008

Worst: Pension Vternik
Why: Not "worst," but we don't agree with the recommendation for food in the guidebook. Dinner was OK, but certainly not gourmet, priced about what it would cost in town, and breakfast was basically ordinary as well.

Also there was no shampoo in the shower, and the rooms were collecting cob-webs, the seat in the shower dusty.

We paid full price, were the only people in the pension, had a lot (too much) luggage, yet the room we were given was up the most steps (no elevator). Overall, we wouldn't recommend it.

Keith Bennett in Palo Alto, CA USA 10/31/2008

Best: Hotel Metamorphis
Why: Location, accomodations, breakfast, staff, all wonderful.

Worst: Hotel Anna
Why: Hotel staff thought I wanted a cab to meet me at the airport instead of take me to the airport after my stay. They insisted I pay double for my taxi to cover the misunderstanding. When taxi showed up to take me to the airport, it was a woman with a car, not a taxi at all. she did not know which was the international departure terminal at the airport. I felt ripped off. Room was large but bed was lumpy, sheets were flannel on a warm night for early September. A horrible experience all in all.

Cathy Minicucci in Carmichael, CA USA 09/10/2008

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