Recommended Prague New Town Hotels
This historical luxury hotel has recently been renovated to a very high standard yet still managed to retain its original charm. The hotel is situated in the heart of Prague's new town and has the advantage of being within walking distance to many of Prague's best tourist attractions including the famous Wenceslas Square and romantic Charles Bridge.
The hotel has a cosy feel but has several luxurious touches and the added benefit of a quaint cocktail bar as well as a restaurant, café, breakfast room and reception desk.
All of the rooms are decorated tastefully and have a mini bar, satellite TV and telephone.
For more information on the Elite Hotel, click here.
The Hotel Ambassador Prague is a five stars deluxe hotel offering luxurious and stylish accommodation. Located in Prague's New Town area right on the famous and beautiful Wenceslas Square the hotel has much to offer and is the perfect choice for a romantic city break.
The area surrounding the hotel has many stylish, up market shops, department stores, restaurants and bars and it is within easy walking distance of many of Prague's best attractions such as Charles Bridge and the Old Town.
The hotel has several very good restaurants including a fish restaurant and a traditional Czech restaurant where your meal will be served with traditional Czech bear. There is also a lobby bar serving drinks and snacks throughout the day untill 11pm.
The hotel also has its own casino and nightclub providing fun evening entertainment.
Other facilities at the hotel include 24 hour reception hair dressing salon, dry cleaning service, room service and limousine service.
All rooms are very tastefully decorated and have mini bar, TV, safe, and internet access.
For more information on this hotel, click here.
Recommended Wenceslas Square Hotels
Elysee Hotel
The location of this new hotel really could not be better for site seeing. Situated in the stunning and romantic Wenceslas Square the hotel is within walking distance to many of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague and is in an area which also has many nice restaurants and bars in which you can enjoy a meal or relaxing drink in stunning historic surroundings.
The hotel comes highly recommended and is perfect for a romantic or relaxing break. There is a beauty salon for a bit of pampering and also a shop within the hotel. The rooms are stylish and elegant and room service is available allowing you to really relax and enjoy your stay at your own pace. Rooms also have a mini bar and satellite TV.
For more information on this hotel, click here.
Euroagentur Rokoko Hotel
The Euroagentur Rokoko Hotel is another recent addition to the historic Wenceslas Square. Opened in 2005 this modern hotel is stylish and sophisticated and is situated close to many shops, bars and restaurants providing the perfect base for an action packed holiday. There are many attractions with walking distance to the hotel including Charles Bridge and the New Town.
Facilities at this hotel include a 24-hour reception, cafe, breakfast room, laundry service and car parking.
Rooms are stylish and well equipped with everything you need for a great city break including satellite TV, Mini bar and internet access.
Click here for more information on this hotel.
Recommended Charles Bridge area Hotels
U Tri Pstrosu Hotel
This is a traditional hotel which oozes charm due to the beautiful setting in a Renaissance house. The hotel offers first class accommodation and is perfect for a romantic get away.
The hotel has a great central location next to the Charles Bridge. Here there are many wonderful restaurants and bars in which to enjoy a relaxing meal or drink.
There are also many popular attractions within walking distance including the Old Town and Wenceslas Square.
Facilities at the hotel include 24 hour reception, free internet access and WiFi connection, cafe, and even a bike hire service. There is also a tour desk within the hotel allowing you to book your tours and excursions easily.
The hotel is quite small which gives an intimate, exclusive feel and the rooms are attractively furnished with some luxurious touches.
All rooms have satellite TV, mini bar, safe, internet connection and telephone. Several of the rooms here have the original wooden renaissance ceilings and some have stunning views out over Charles Bridge. Suites are also available and include hydro massage baths.
Click here for more information.
Botel Albatros
The Botel Albatros offers a unique hotel experience. A popular choice for couples, the Botel is well known for its beautiful and romantic surroundings directly on the River Vltava. The Botel has a great location just a few minutes walk from the very romantic Charles Bridge and within easy walking distance to many other attractions such as Venzelslav Square and the Old Town.
Facilities on board the botel include bar, restaurant, terrace, and reception. Rooms have a quaint, romantic "cabin like" feel and feature private bathroom, radio, Sat TV and telephone.
For more information or to make a booking, click here.
Recommended Old Town Hotels
The U prince Hotel is a quaint and very charming hotel which has a fantastic central location in the old town area just outside of the old town Square and standing directly opposite the stunning Astronomical Clock. This hotel is the perfect choice for site seeing because so many tourist attractions are close by.
The hotel is very popular and has many repeat visitors. There are lots of facilities here including a rooftop cocktail bar with stunning views, conference facilities, lounge, Bar and restaurant which serves up delicious Czech specialties as well as international cuisine. Room service is also available.
This is a small and intimate hotel which consists of just 15 rooms, 7 junior suites and 2 luxurious apartments. All are furnished to a high standard and include mini bar, air conditioning and telephone.
For more information on the U Prince Hotel Click here.
The Savic Hotel
The Savic is a traditional looking gothic and renaissance building offering a high standard of accommodation with a great central location.
Located right in the centre of the old town square with the astronomical clock just a stones throw away and within easy walking distance to many other attractions this hotel is great for anyone who like to be close to all the action. There are many good places to enjoy a meal or drink near by too.
Facilities at the hotel include 24 hour reception, currency exchange, bar and restaurant serving both traditional Czech and International cuisine. Room service is also available for those lazy days.
The rooms are attractive and have a mini bar, satellite TV, telephone and internet access
To book your stay at the Savic Hotel or for more information click here.
Recommended Mala Strana area Hotels
Best Western Premier Hotel Kinsky
The Best Western Premier Hotel Kinsky is one of the most popular hotels in Prague and has recently been completely renovated to a high standard. The hotel provides an ideal base for anyone wanting to visit the historical sights of Prague and has many attractions within a few minutes walk from the hotel. The Area surrounding the hotel is Mala Strana. This is an elegant and attractive area not far from Charles Bridge.
The Hotel Kinsky Garden may have a traditional look from the outside but inside it is chic and modern and has facilities to match including a Bistro Restaurant serving up great quality food with an international flavor. There is also an American Lobby Bar which is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before a night out.
Rooms are furnished in Italian style and have mini bar, colour TV with satellite, air conditioning and telephone.
For more information or to make a booking click here.
The Roma Hotel is a stylish and modern hotel situated in the beautiful, historic Mala Strana area of Prague within walking distance to Charles Bridge and many other popular attractions.
The hotel has everything you could need for a great city break. Facilities include a gym, perfect for working off all the wonderful Czech food. There is also a sauna which is the perfect place to relax after a days site seeing. Particularly if you are visiting Prague in the winter. There is a pretty summer terrace and lobby bar which are great places to enjoy a few drinks before going out on an evening.
All of the hotels rooms have a Mini bar, telephone, satellite television, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
Click here for more information.
Recommended Hotels In Prague
If you're looking for the perfect hotel for your visit to Prague you're in the right place! We have put together our pick of the best to suit all budgets. Click here to see all Prague Hotels.
5 Star
Hilton Prague Hotel
The Hilton hotel brand is world renowned and their Prague hotel is no exception. Luxurious and elegant, the Hilton Prague Hotel is a great choice for a luxury stay, recommended for special occasions or even if you just want to treat yourself.
The Hilton Prague hotel has an enviable position on the river bank overlooking the Vltava River. The Old Town can be reached in just 15 minutes on foot.
The Hilton offers numerous facilities including 24 hour reception, shops, hairdressing salon, conference facilities, a nightclub, casino, bar and a choice of 3 restaurants.
Rooms vary from the standard Hilton guest rooms to the executive suites which come with exclusive access to an executive lounge. All of the rooms are of a superior standard and are equipped with high speed internet access.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
U Prince
This is a beautiful hotel set in one of the best locations in Prague. The 5 star U Prince hotel stands in Old Town Square directly opposite the famous Astronomical Clock Tower.
This hotel is particularly recommended for it's amazing roof terrace offering outstanding views over Prague. The roof terrace serves snacks during the day and at night becomes a cocktail bar/restaurant. There is also another restaurant within the hotel serving international dishes as well as traditional Czech cuisine.
The U Prince has 15 lovely rooms, 7 junior suites and 2 luxury apartments to choose from. An impressive glass lift takes you from floor to floor, as well as up to the roof terrace. All of the rooms have a mini bar and air con alongside numerous other facilities expected from a hotel of it's class, including room service. This hotel is recommended for special occasions.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
4 Star
Duo
The 4 star Duo hotel provides a high standard of accommodation and is excellent value for money. One of the great things about the Duo is that it has a lovely indoor pool, as well as a jacuzzi, sauna, gym and massage service. It's a fantastic base to relax after a busy day exploring the city.
Set on the outskirts of Prague, the hotel will appeal to golf lovers as it's just 4km from the nearest golf course. You can reach the centre of Prague in about 10 minutes by car. Water aerobics and billiards are available at the Duo and there is even a bowling alley which is popular with couples and families.
The guest rooms at the Duo are of a good size with bathroom, sat TV, radio and hairdryer as standard. Drinks and snacks are always at hand with a mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms for your convenience.
This is an excellent choice for a 4 star hotel, close to Prague centre and with a wide range of facilities.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
Riverside Hotel
The charming Riverside Hotel was rennovated in 2003, and the rooms are all of a superior standard. There are 45 rooms and 13 suites in total, which come equipped with luxury bathrooms, air con, mini bar, safe and internet access.
One of the best things about this hotel is the central location, set in an enviable position on the west bank of the Vltava River.
The hotel is within walking distance of many of the tourist attractions in Prague such as Charles Bridge and the National Theatre.
Hotel amenities include Wi Fi, buffet breakfast, cocktail bar, restaurant and meeting and conference facilities, making this a good choice for business as well as leisure travellers. This hotel is highly recommended as a 4 star option as offers great value for money in a fantastic location.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
Roma
The Roma hotel is another great 4 star hotel in Prague, prefect if you are looking for modern accommodation with good leisure facilities including a gym and sauna. The summer terrace is a real bonus where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail in the summer months.
There are 89 guest rooms up to 4 star standard and come equipped with mini bar, telephone, Sat TV, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
The location of the Roma is excellent for site seeing, based in the beautiful Mala Strana area beneath the Petrin Tower. Charles Bridge and other attractions are within walking distance. This is a good option for a great value 4 star hotel in Prague.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
3 Star
Botel Albatros Hotel
This lovely hotel is lucky enough to have a riverside location in the centre of Prague. This idyllic setting makes the Botel Albatros a good choice for a romantic break.
The hotel is also in a perfect location for exploring Prague as you will be just a short walk from Charles Bridge and loads of other attractions including Venzelslav Square.
Amenities at this hotel are plentiful and include a bar, restaurant, reception and pretty terrace. The rooms themselves offer Satellite TV and radio and all come with en suite bathrooms as standard.
This is a great value hotel in a romantic and central location.
Click here for more information and to check availablity.
Globus
The Globus hotel is one of the most popular 3 star hotels in Prague as well as one of the cheapest. The hotel regularly have offers at different times of year where you can save money on your stay. The location of the Globus is lovely, set in a picturesque park in Prague.
The hotel has a 24 hour reception, safe, currency exchange, an array of shops, cafe, lobby bay and an air conditioned a la carte restaurant. Business users can take advantage of the conference room.
The guest rooms are simply furnished and come with en suite bathroom with shower, sat TV, radio and central heating.
This is a 3 star hotel with numerous facilities offering great value for money, and is a popular choice with groups and couples.
Click here for more info and to check availability.
Free Prague Tours
If you are visiting Prague on a budget this doesn't mean you can't do any tours. There is a company called Free Prague Tours which is run by English Speaking licensed guides who are also history buffs.
They depend on tips at the end of the tour so if you do have any money spare please do contribute a small amount. This is a way of showing your appreciation and will help to keep this project going.
The tours run 7 days a week rain or shine and no booking is necessary. You can just turn up. The starting point is in the Old Town Square on the corner of Parizska Street.
The tours run twice a day at 10.30 am and 2.00pm. There is also a magic flashlight tour each night at 8.00pm. This one however is not free and costs 200 CZK. It is worth doing though at this good price and involves ghost stories, murders, fact and fiction, sorcery and eccentric humour.
The free tours are also very good. You can choose between the Right Bank Free Tour which includes Old Town Square, New Town, Jewish Ghetto and everything to the right of the Vltava River. The Left Benk Free Tour is a story of everything to the left of the river including Mala Strana, Prague Castle and Hradcany.
So before you spend too much money booking excursions check out these free ones first and you might just learn all you need to know about Prague.
Dinner Cruises
A dinner cruise in Prague is a great combination of an enjoyable night out and sight seeing. A number of companies run these cruises. The Prague By Night Tour is one option which leaves daily at 6pm. This is a 4 hour cruise for 1390 Kc per person.
This particular tour includes a coach tour of Prague before the cruise, where you get taken through the Old Town by air conditioned mini bus with panoramic windows. This is followed by a 3 hour cruise on the Vltava River by luxury boat with viewing deck.
You will also get a welcome drink on board inlcuded in the cost as well as a hot and cold buffet and live music entertainment. As an added bonus there is an English speaking guide during the whole excursion. The evening ends with transportation back to your hotel or Old Town Square if you want to go on somewhere else for a drink.
This is a relaxing sight seeing excurison with a lovely dinner. Recommended for all ages and great for night views of Prague including Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery, St Nicholas Chruch and Petrin Tower.
Similar tours are available without the coach tour before the cruise and do not include transport to and from your hotel. Check out the different tour companies in Prague to find a dinner cruise that suits you for a price that suits you.
Thursday 15th May 2008
Home time, but not quite yet. We had to be out of our room at 12.00 and we weren't getting picked up for airport until 7.00pm so we went out for the afternoon and managed to fit a lot into our last day including sitting in the park having a sandwich from Subway, walking over to the Charles Bridge area, shopping, a boat trip and Tom even managed a trip up to the Petrin Tower up the hill, whilst I did some more shopping for last minute gifts.
We found a lovely restaurant for food at about 4.30pm called the Pizza Coloseum, just off one of the side streets from Old Town Square. It's a chain restaurant and you can find out more about these restaurants at www.pizzacoloseum.cz. The interior was really nice and unusual with a model of the Colosseum with candles in at the front. The dishes were mainly pizza, pasta and salad and is definitlely recommended. We wished we had found this place earlier rather than on our last day!
Eventually we were back at the hotel and got a taxi to the airport. Our flight was delayed again on the way back by about 3 hours. We actually were all on the plane and then had to get back off for a few hours and then go through airport security again before we could get back on the plane a few hours later. Apparantly there was a radar fault in Germany and no flights could get through to the Uk. The problem got fixed though and by about midnight UK time and 1.00am Prague time, we were on our way. Thanks to a few air control short cuts we made it back really quickly and got home at about half two in the morning.
We had an amazing time in Prague and would recommend it to anyone for a weekend or even a week long visit. I would say that to really get to know the city and find your way around you should stay for at least 3 nights if you can. Our hotel was in a great location, called the hotel Bila Labut. Although we also passed and heard about a number of other great hotels. We were told by one of the Prague guides that the Four Seasons Hotel is the best hotel in Prague and the Hilton the second best. So if money is no object I would go for one of them. Otherwise there are loads of 3 star and 4 star hotels close to Prague centre offering a comfortable place to stay.
We are already planning to go back about the same time next year so at least that's something to look forward to as I browse wistfully through my Prague photos wishing I was still there :-)
Wednesday 14th May 2008
We made it up for breakfast this morning and have spent the day wandering around the Mala Strana area which is on the other side of Charles Bridge to the Old Town. We walked up the hill to a place called Neozobik where we stayed when we came to Prague in the winter. It looked so different in the sun and is a great spot to have a drink and fab views over Prague, probably my favourite spot in Prague.
It's only about a 10 minute walk up the hill from the city centre but you feel as though you are miles away amongst the greenary and its so quiet and peaceful. This is also a great restaurant too. Well worth making the effort of going up the hill for. You can take the cable tram up there too if you don't fancy the walk.
For the night we had booked a Dinner Boat Trip at 7.00pm with live music. When we got there we got shown to a table and offered an apperitif. The pre-dinner drink and food was all included in the price and we had to pay for wine and any other drinks. The house red wine was nice though and good value.
The buffet was really good with a wide selection of food including salad, cold meats and hot dishes including chicken, chips, pasta and vegetables. There was also a table absolutely full of cakes for dessert. You could go back to the buffet as often as you liked, and we made the most of this. During and after dinner a jazz band were playing, and you could also go up on deck to watch the scenery from there. All in all I'd say this was one of the best excursions we did.
Tuesday 13th May 2008
We woke up early after an unusual almost alcohol free night the night before and got picked up by coach to go on a tour to Karlstiejn castle which is about 40 minutes by coach outside of Prague. I really enjoyed this tour as you get to see outside the city centre and away from the hustle and bustle for a while. The drive there is through countryside and the castle is set in a picturesque green location.
The tour included an English speaking tour guide pointing out some sights of interest on the way on the coach, and then a guided tour around the castle for about an hour when you get there. Lunch was also included but not much choice, basically steak or fried mushrooms. We were the only English people amongst a group of Italians and Russians although the guide around the castle was all in English. Other nationalities were given written guides to translate.
We got back about 2.00pm and went back to the hotel for a rest after a very busy 5 days so far in Prague!
On Tuesday night we decided to do the Prague Ghost Tour for a laugh. It cost 400 CZK each and lasted about an hour. There was a group of about 10 of us and the guide told some funny ghost stories around Prague Old Town which were apparently 30% true! Her side kick also jumped out on us at various street corners and wearing an array of costumes and masks, ending with a skeleton costume. I would say the ghost tour is probably worth doing if you've got an hour spare and are not expecting too much from it. It leaves daily at 8.30pm to the left of the Astronomical Clock at Old Town Sqaure. There are a few different companies which run it and we went with the Yellow Umbrella company called Prauger.com Incidently if you book the 4 hour walking tour with Prague Experience you get free tickets for the ghost tour!
After that we went back to our favourite restaurant in Prague so far, the in Celentina. I got Bruchetta and then Quatro Framaggi - highly recommended! For desert they also do these lovely pots of melted chocolate (white, milk or dark chocolate) and then strawberries to dip in - Yummy!
The house red wine is nice too and we indulged in a litre of it :-)
After the meal we called into the Jazz bar where we went the other night for a drink and listen to the band. This place is called Metropol Music Cafe and they do food and have live music every night. They also had a jazz singer on this perticular night and after a few more drinks we bought the CD. We've decided that we must stop getting drunk and buying tourist Cds and DVDs.
Monday 12th May 2008
I went window shopping and had a wander around Old Town Square and the side streets in that area. It's full of lovely little shops round there selling Czech glass and crystal. Some of it is plain old tourist tat, but some of the shops had some gorgeous things in, although very expensive. We have discovered that Prague is not cheap like it used to be for shopping, eating or drinking.
We have spoken to some people who live here and they have said the prices have gone up loads in the last 5 years but their average earnings have not so it's difficult for locals to live in Prague centre now and expensive for them to live in Prague in general.
On the night we went to the Image Theatre which is just off Old Town Square, to see a play called Studio Clip.
I thought it was excellent, and nothing like I'd ever seen before. Basically a play with no speaking as such, about a director trying to write and direct a horror movie, and in between were shows based on different costumes and lights creating amazing imagery. 
It was on for about 1 hour 20 minutes and ant nationality would be able to watch it and enjoy it because of the lack of speaking.
The Image Theatre does not have any booked seating so get there early for a good seat.
There are other theatres in Prague, but I would recommend this one as the Theatre company and plays are so different.
Afterwards we went to a restaurant called which I would not recommend. Compared to the pasta we had a few nights ago it really wasnt very good and was overloaded with garlic. It was called Restaurace U Supa on Celetna 22, Prague 1. (one to avoid in my opinion!).
Sunday 11th May 2008
This could probably be described as the most exhausting day of the trip! We booked a 4 hour walking tour around Prague but it basically lasted for over 5 hours and then we had the long walk home! This tour was really good and definitely recommended. Our tour guide Martin, was brilliant and very knowledgeable. He was actually the same guide we had for the pub tour the night before, but was in more of a historic mode than drinking mode as he had been when we last saw him! The tour covers Prague Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and the Castle and Cathedral.
This time we did go into the Cathedral and it's an amazing building. We spent quite a lot of time in there as the various historic pictures, monuments, doors and so on were explained to us.
When we got back to our hotel we realised we only had about half an hour before we were due to be picked up for the Czech Folk Night we had booked (don't ask?!). So it was a quick shower and change then we were on our way.
We were a bit suspicious on the coach that we seemed to be the only people under the age of 50 and we we got there we realised that it's probably a night more suited to older people. But saying that we didn't stop laughing all night because the whole thing was so hilarious, and we even bought the DVD, probably to convince ourselves afterwards that the night had really happened! We were seated with a group of people from Austria, Norway and Thailand, and they didn't seem to speak much English.
The food was really disgusting and a good piece of advice is to say you are vegetarian as at least you get some mushroom soup and a cheese omlet. The standard meal was a plate of mushy looking potato with bits of ham in it to start and then a "selection of meats" with some potato dumplings and vegetables. Supposed to be Slovakian apparently.
Then the entertainment started up which was a band playing instruments dressed in traditional folk costumes, and there was also some singing and dancing by people in costume including someone dressed as a horse. But the most unusual part of the night was the way the wine was poured. Basically a man came round with red and white wine attached to him in containers and squirted it into our glasses from what looked like it was out of his fingers but was our of some special wine shooting machine. We had to admit he had a good aim as was filling glasses from across the table.
The Czech Folk night cost us 2700 CZK (about £90 for 2 people). To be honest I wouldn't say it was worth this much money but it was certainly a laugh.
Saturday 10th May 2008
On the night we had booked a pub walking tour, which we imagined would be some sort of pub crawl around the best pubs in Prague. Not quite. There were only about 8 of us and it was 3 pubs in 3 hours. The first 2 pubs were a bit strange but by the last pub everyone had had a few beers or wines and relaxed into it. It actually turned out to be a really good night. We left the group at about quarter to 10 as we had a resrevation in a restaurant at 10.00pm although if we hadn't made the booking we would have been happy to stay for a few more beers.
We hadnt realised the pub tour included food so we just had another drink while the others were eating. So after the pub crawl (if you could call it that!) we went to my favourite restaurant in Prague which has the best location I think, overlooking Charles Bridge. It's called Hergetova Cihelna and the prices are very resaonable considering it's location. The restaurant is part of the Kampa Park group which has a few different restaurants around Prague and attacts celebraties.
Other restaurants they have in Prague include Kampa Park serving world class Haute Cuisine, next to Hergetova Cihelna, Cowboys (a steakhouse and cocktails bar) and Square which does contemporary Spanish and Italian food including great tapas. This restaurant is based in the Mala Strana area and also serves breakfast everyday.
Friday 9th May 2008
On Friday morning we got picked up from our hotel at 9.30 am by coach as we had booked a tour of Prague. This tour wasn't as good as we expected mainly because of the guide we had. He mumbled and was difficult to hear and understand. We had booked the tour through Prague Experience and were a bit worried as all of the other tours we had booked were with the same company, and we thought maybe the same guide, but that was not the case! Other than the guide, the tour was useful and gave a decent insight into Prague centre, mainly the Old Town.
Part of the tour was at Prague Castle but we couldn't go into the Cathedral part that day as there was a service on. My favourite part of this particular tour of Prague was the boat trip. You get some good views of Charles Bride and Prague Castle and the Petrin Tower up on the hills.
The tour finished at about 2.00pm and ended in the Old Town somewhere. It was when we had left the guide we reaslised we were completely lost and had no map and no details of our hotel other than the name of it. That's what happens when you arrive at your hotel in darkness and then get picked up by coach early next morning. No chance to find out where you are based. A few stops at tourist centres later, and a copy of a decent map, we made it back to the Bila Labut.
On Friday night we had nothing planned so we wandered back towards the Old Town Square and found a lovely restaurant called Ambiente in a street called Celetina which lead from the Power Tower to Old Town Square. The food was lovely, we both had different types of Pasta, which was made freshly at the restaurant. It was really popular and we didn't have a reservation so we had to wait about half an hour. This was no problem though as there is a nice bar upstairs serving the best Strawberry Dakaris.
The restuarant itslf is in the cellar and has a nice romantic atmospere. We got a litre of the house red wine with our meal which was also good. The weird but good thing about Czech red wine is that it gets you drunk but doesnt give you a hangover - in moderation I guess!
Thursday 8th May 2008
Our flight finally took off and we arrived at our hotel, the Best Western Bila Labut hotel in the Old part of Prague. We got to the hotel at about half past 2 in the morning so it was a quick unpack of the essentials and straight to bed to catch up on some sleep ready for our Prague adventures.
Fine Dining in Prague
When you're in a city you've never been to before it can be hard to know the best places for eating out, especially if your idea of a nice meal is more than your standard pizza or plate of pasta. There are a few places in Prague serving gourmet cuisine and we have focused on a few of the best here,to help you decide which restaurant to try.
The Cafe Savoy is a good option for delightful Czech cuisine from the end of the 19th century served with a French twist. The fantastic interior and listed neo-renaissance ceiling makes an outstanding setting. Dishes include the Steak Tartare Parisien and Roasted Duck in Honey. A 3 course meal for one will cost around 25 euros.
La Bodega Restaurant is also a good choice. This place has an unusual interior and is set over 3 floors. The atmosphere is welcoming and the food is authentic Spanish cuisine. They also have a wide range of Spanish wines and together with the food and atmosphere this place makes a great dining experience. A complete meal for one will cost around 35 euros or 900 CZK.
For a modern Art Nouveau dining location which has appeared in many film productions including Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise, head for the Titanic Restaurant at the Grand Hotel Evropa. Their special dishes include a choice of salads with Palma ham, orange, mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes and Chunk of pork tenderloin with Palma ham, woven with mushrooms Shi-take with caramel-worcester sauce and potato puree with roast spring onion. The quality of the food and unique interior make this a popular choice for fine dining. A complete meal for one will cost from 56 euros or 1568 CZK.
Thursday 8th May 2008
The day has finally arrived! I'm all shopped out and packed and ready to go. Only our flight has been delayed by 6 hours! I'm actually in Newcastle airport now at 6.20pm, we were meant to be flying around an hour ago, and now we won't be leaving until 9.30pm tonight. We were told this grim news by Easyjet when we got here 3 hours ago, and were given a voucher for refreshments to the value of £3.00 WOW! I'm sure that will keep us going for 6 hours in the airport at airport prices :-)
But moaning aside the time is actually going quite fast and I have my trusty laptop to keep me entertained together with a trashy romantic novel I have just bought.
So we'll be arriving in Prague at about midnight tonight. I should mention that "we" includes my travel companion, and long suffering fiance Tom. I have gone a bit mad booking tours and various things to do in Prague so it looks like we're in for an action packed week! This all starts with a 4 hour tour of Prague in the morning. We're getting picked up from our hotel at 9.30am and then have a Prague tour partly by coach, partly on foot and the rest by boat. Should be fun, and a good way to get our bearings on our first day we thought.
Other things I have booked for us during the week include a pub walking tour, Prague dinner cruise, Czech folk night (bit worried about this one!) and a castle tour. Oh and a night at the Theatre too. Not sure yet if the play is in English so could be in for an interesting evening.
That's all for now, I'll update once I am in finally in Prague. I'm really looking forward to getting there and checking out our hotel :-)
Amadeus Aparthotel
The Aparthotel Amadeus is a great find. Although this lovely 3 star accommodation is a hotel as well, there are also spacious 2 bedroom apartments which are great value for money. The apartments are equipped with a kitchenette.
The benefit is that you also get the facilities associated with hotels such as a 24 hour reception. Other benefits of the Amadeus include a central location, close to shops and historical sites. The famous Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are just a few stops away by tram.
Click here for more info and to book.
Saturday 2nd May 2008
5 days before departure...
Well it's Saturday morning and I'm getting very excited about my week in Prague leaving this Thursday. I thought I would take the opportunity today to do some shopping for my trip and get some last minute items like clothes and comfortable walking shoes for site seeing. I can't see me getting that far in my high heels :-).
But hmm, what sort of clothes will I need? And will I need sun tan lotion for Prague in May? I have absolutely no idea! I'm going to have to look into what the weather is like in Prague in May. I suppose it would usually be mild but judging by the UK weather this year I'm not taking any chances.
Also need some batteries for my camera for sight seeing shots and maybe a guide book. I have been before but it's been a while and I'm hoping to explore areas of Prague I haven't seen before as well as the usual tourist hot spots like Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.
Also really looking forward to checking out the nightlife as I somehow didn't seem to induldge in this on my previous visits.
Carlton Hotel
The 3 star Carlton Hotel offers excellent value for money and outstanding service. Set in a very pretty area of Prague centre you will be just a couple of miles from all of the main tourist attractions which are easily accessible using public transport.
The hotel facilities are very good for a hotel of it's class and include a bar, restaurant, patio, picnic area and even a private beach! Other facilities include a pool table, internet access and a dry cleaning service, as well as a 24 hour reception desk.
The rooms have luxurious stylish marble bathrooms and are equipped with a hairdryer, satellite TV, mini bar, air con and tea/coffee making facilities. In fact this hotel has everything you need to make your stay in Prague hassle free and enjoyable. It is highly recommended as a 3 star hotel.
Sofia Hotel
The 3 star Sofia is a basic hotel, a good choice for those wanting simple, clean and comfortable accommodation as a base for exploring. The Sofia is positioned near to the Vinohrady residential area which is within easy reach of the famous Wensceslas Square which is where all the action is! You will find a host of bars and places to eat there. You will also be close to many other site seeing attractions.
The hotel offers internet access to all guests from the lobby area. There is also a pleasant dining room where meals are served.
The guest rooms have ample facilities including a hairdryer, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. A fantastic choice if you are looking for value for money in a good location.
Globus Hotel
The Globus hotel offers excellent value for money and is located in an idyllic setting in a peaceful park in Prague within the Horni Roztyly City Quarter.
This hotel would be a good choice if you are looking for a 3 star hotel in a pretty, quiet location as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. A lovely retreat you can retire to at the end of a busy day.
The Globus offers plenty of amenities including a 24 hour reception, currency exchange, a selection of shops, cafe, bar and air conditioning - a must in the height of the Prague summer!
There is also parking available if you decide to hire a car.
The rooms themselves are decorated in a basic but comtemporary style and each room comes with a direct dial telephone, satellite TV and radio.
If you are looking for somewhere a bit different in a beautiful setting, the Globus is recommended. Click here for more info.
Mecure Praha Centre Hotel
The 4 star Mecure Praha Centre Hotel is a charming hotel located right in the heart of Prague within walking distance of the main tourist attractions. Just a few minutes on foot you will come across Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square where there are many sites to see and bars, restaurants and shops to visit.
If a central location is top of your list then this hotel is for you. It's perfect if you like exploring on foot and want to be close to all the action.
The hotel has a 24 hour reception desk and also a useful currency exchange desk. The guest rooms are comfortable and stylish with satellite TV, safe, mini bar, internet access and radio.
All in all this hotel is the perfect choice if you are looking for a comfortable central base to explore this beautiful city.
The Inter-Continental Praha Hotel
The 5 star Inter-Continental Praha Hotel provides a luxurious and romantic base for a Prague city break, perfect for that special occasion such as an anniversary, or just quality time away together with your other half.
The hotel is based in the historical centre surrounded by old romantic, historical buildings and close to the major tourist attractions. This hotel is also easily accessible by public transport.
The en suite rooms are stylishly decorated and have satellite TV, mini bar, safe and air con, all the luxuries you will need for your romantic stay. What sets this hotel apart from others for a romantic restful holiday are the general facilities on offer including an indoor pool, massage services and a sauna, perfect for leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. There is also room service for your convenience.
And when you want to enjoy an evening meal head for the first floor Panorama restaurant where they serve a range of delicious cuisine.
The The Inter-Continental Praha Hotel is highly recommended for a romantic break for two. Click here to see pictures, check availabilty and book.
Ibis Praha City Hotel
The 3 star Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square hotel is a new hotel centrally based in business district of the beautiful city of Prague. Within the Ibis hotel you will find an air conditioned restaurant and bar. There is also a car park available at an extra charge, useful if you decide to hire a car.
If you're looking for a central budget hotel, the Ibis would be a good choice. The guest rooms are designed in a contemporary style and provide a clean and comfortable base for your stay.
And there are plenty of facilities in the rooms too including a direct dial telephone, satellite TV and air con which is a must in the summer months.
Ibis are a well known hotel chain with hotels all over the world and we think you won't be disappointed with this new Prague addition.
Aria Hotel
The 5 star Aria Hotel is one of our favourite hotels in Prague. Set in the historical district you will be close to all of the major attractions including Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.
What makes this hotel different is that it has been designed with a musical theme and each floor of the hotel has a different musical style including Contemporary, Opera, Classical and Jazz.
The musical theme continues into the rooms themselves with each room individually designed and dedicated to a different artist or composer.
The stylish rooms have a hairdryer, bathrobe, satellite TV, CD/DVD player, internet access and mini bar. you could also upgrade to a junior suite upon request.
Within the hotel there is also a winter garden, library, music library and lovely roof terrace offering views of Prague.
If you are looking for a break with a difference then the Aria hotel is for you, unusually designed in an excellent location.
The Hilton Prague Hotel
If you're looking for 5 star luxury, the Hilton Prague is the place to be. Set in a lovely position overlooking the Vltava River you will have enviable views of the city.
Just a 15 minute stroll away you will come to the Old Town which is full of beautiful architechture and historical sites. Close to the hotel itself, you will find the New Town which is excellent for shopping.
Within the Hilton Hotel itself, the rooms are stylish and you could even upgrade to an executive room for that special occasion. This upgrade would give you executive lounge access.
All of the rooms at the Hilton are equipped with high speed internet access. You will be spoiled for choice for things to do here with a casino, bar, nightclub and 3 restaurants to choose from! The hotel also has a 24 hour reception and a selection of shops.
The Hilton is highly recommended for a luxury break to Prague. Click here for more info.
Maximilian Hotel
The Golden Tulip Maximilian Hotel is a stylish place to stay, well worthy of it's 4 star rating. In a peaceful setting in a quaint Old Square you will be close to many famous attractions including Old Town Square.
There are 71 rooms in total and the hotel has a helpful reception desk, open 24 hours for your convenience.
The rooms are elegantly decorated and contain a telephone, satellite TV, mini bar, internet access and safe.
What makes this hotel stand out from other 4 star hotels is that each room comes with a handy kitchenette, making it a great choice for families.
Adria Hotel
This is a charming 4 star hotel in a perfect location for exploring the historic city of Prague. The Adria is centrally located close to the famous Wensceslas Square where you will find numerous bars, restaurants and shops, including local boutiques.
The major tourist attractions are within strolling distance including Charles Bridge and Old Town Square where you can see the Astronomical Clock Tower.
As far as hotel amenities go, the Adria has much to offer including a hairdryer, Satellite TV and a mini bar in all rooms as standard.
All in all this hotel is recommended because of it's excellent location and great value for money.
Anna Hotel
The Anna hotel is set in the historical centre of Prague in a charming stylish building, The hotel is just a 20 minute walk from Wenseslas Square. You will find many home comforts here in the spacious rooms including a hairdryer and satellite TV, The rooms are also equipped with a safe. The Anna has a pleasant breakfast room where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast to set you up for a day's sight seeing.
The reception staff are friendly and efficient and can provide information on flight conformations and excursions amongst other things. Business travellers will have access to a fax, email and translation service.
There are some excellent customer reviews of this hotel, some from customers who have stayed at the Anna a number of times. The reviews mention that the hotel is very clean and the staff friendly.
Astoria Hotel
The 4 Star Astoria hotel offers a peaceful place to stay in central Prague. The Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square are all within walking distance just 5 minutes away on foot.
The Astoria hotel has a choice of bars and restaurants close by, or you could dine in the hotel's own fine restaurant serving a range of international cuisine. The rooms are comfortable and stylish and offer a quiet retreat after a busy day shopping and visiting the sights Prague has to offer.
The Angelo Hotel
The Angelo Hotel in Prague is a stylish, contemporary choice and good if you are looking for lively nightlife. This hotel is surrounded by pubs and bars, based in the Smichov district of Prague.
The bedrooms offer top of the range facilities like plug and play high speed internet access, Plasma TV, DVD/CD player and heated bathroom floors. The Angelo Hotel Jazz bar is a perfect place to unwind after a days shopping or sight seeing.
You can enjoy a drink beside the open fire, great for winter visits to Prague! This hotel would appeal to young couples and groups of singles looking for a trendy base to enjoy their stay.
Hotel Adlon Prague
This is a four star hotel located in one of Prague's 5 historical boroughs, Novo Mestro. This hotel is just 800 meters from the National Museum and Wenceslas Square. You will be very close to transport links, just a 5 minute walk from the trams and metro. Other areas of Prague such as Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square can be reached in about 20 minutes. The Adlon Prague hotel building is Neo Classical style and was built in the 19th century. The building has been carefully restored and now makes a comfortable base to explore Prague. If you want a romantic meal head for their ancient cellar restaurant. Customer reviews of this hotel are favourable and reviews mention the friendly staff and good location of this hotel.
U Prince Hotel in Prague
This hotel is in one of the best locations possible in Prague, right in the heart of the Old Town Square directly opposite the famous Astronomical Clock where people gather every hour on the hour. The hotel building itself dates back to the 12th century although the hotel was rennovated completely in 2001 creating a luxurious and stylish place to stay. The bedrooms contain antiques and offer elegance mixed with comfort. You can enjoy a drink on the hotel's own private roof terrace or choose a snack from their Grill menu. The roof terrace is open all year round and offers outstanding panoramic views of Prague and Prague Castle. In the evening head for the cocktail bar where they often have a Jazz band playing. The U Prince has achieved some excellent customer reviews. Although some reviews mention that the breakfast is not up to 5 star standards, most agree that the location, roof terrace and Jazz band outweigh any negatives.
The Golden Gate Hotel and Suites
This luxurious Prague hotel is situated in an impressive 19th Century building close to Prague centre. The central location makes this hotel a good base for sight seeing. There are 69 suites all individually designed with climate control, Satalite TV, internet access, phone, DVD player, kitchenette and en suite bathroom. The Golden Gate hotel has it's own restaurant. There are some very favourable customer reviews written by former guests which refer to the excellent breakfasts, warm welcome by the hotel and comfortable, stylish rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel in Prague
The Four Seasons Hotel in Prague is another excellent choice for a luxurious stay. This 5 star hotel is positioned on the banks of the Vltave River and has the bonus of overlooking both Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge. Close by you will find the old Town Square, with it's historical sights and buildings, and the Josefov Jewish Quarter is also near by. The rooms are decorated in a luxurious and stylish manner and come with king sized beds, lounge chair and marble bathroom. You will also find luxurious deep soaking baths. Food lovers will be in their element with an A La Carte restaurant and other facilities include a bar, terrace, dining room, well equipped spa and fitness centre. The 4 Seasons Hotel in Prague is highly recommended for relaxing Spa breaks and special occasions.
Eurostars Thalia Hotel
This hotel is a good choice if you want a luxurious base from which to explore the lovely city of Prague. It is centrally located and close to major attractions, within walking distance of Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle. It is also within easy reach of public transport links.
You will like this hotel if you are a Theatre lover as it is very close to the National Theatre. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary style and is based in a classical style building. There are plenty of facilities and you will find in your room a bathrobe, mini bar and plasma TV, The hotel breakfast is also to a very high standard with plenty of choice.
There are some excellent customer reviews of this hotel which is important as these views represent recent and honest opinions of the hotel. Depending on which room you are allocated you may be lucky enough to have views of the Castle. If you are traveling for a special occasion it might be worth requesting one of the castle view rooms. Another good point about this hotel is that the staff are very helpful and English speaking.
About Prague
Prague is fantastic choice for a city break and has become more and more popular over recent years with couples looking for a romantic getaway, and also groups of singles searching for a lively holiday.
The buildings are spectacular and there are some fabulous sights to see including Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge. The nightlife has something for everyone and the restaurants are very good quality and exceptional value for money.
Many people choose to visit Prague in the winter when the city looks beautiful covered in a blanket of snow. However Prague is a lovely city to visit at any time of the year and summer is perfect to do the sight seeing tours especially the ones which feature a boat trip as part of the tour.
Getting Around
Prague is a city full of history and culture and there are a number of museums and churches to visit. We would highly recommend a visit to Prague Castle and of course the famous Charles Bridge which dates back to the 13th century.
The bridge is always busy with tourists and Czechs alike. You must also visit the renowned Astronomical Tower in the square in the Old Town. Other sites of interest are Wencelas Square and the Old Jewish Quarter.
You can get around most of Prague on foot and an organised walking tour is a good way to learn about the history and find your way around.
There are also 3 hour tours organised which include an hour by bus, an hour on a boat and an hour on foot. We would recommend this tour in the Summer when the weather is warm.
Pubs and Clubs in Prague
Most clubs and discos play Euro pop and MTV hits. If your music tastes are more specific you may have to search harder for something to your liking but i am sure you will find it as Prague has something for everyone. Clubs open at 9pm or 10pm and close at around 5.00am and are frequented by local and international DJs. Thanks to budget airlines operating cheap flights to this city, Prague has become a popular destination for hen and stag nights in Summer. For an alternative night out visit the Theatre or Ballet, or go to see a Jazz or Rock band.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the most popular of all the sights to be visited in Prague.
The hotels surrounding this area offer the best views and scenary because of their location near the castle and surrounding hills.
It has been said that Prague castle is the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and it consists of:-
* St George's Basilica
* St. Vitus Cathedral
* Prague Castle Museum
* Monastery
* Viewing Towers
Prague Castle today is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. The Changing of the Guard takes place on the hour every hour, at the front gates of the castle. At noon this ceremony includes a fanfare and it is definitely worth visiting at this time.
Wenceslas Square
This is a very lively area of Prague and a popular place to stay. Just a 5 minute walk from Old Town Square, this area is full of hotels, apartments, bars and restaurants. A great choice if you like shopping, entertainment and nightlife. There
is a statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse at the top of the square. Good king Wenceslas was murdered by his brother over a thousand years ago and is now a national hero in Prague.
In front of the statue are two plaques which are in memory of those killed during the communist era. Sites we recommend seeing in this area are:- * The National Museum * Prague State Opera * Statue of St. Wenceslas However, is is possible to walk to any site in central Prague, from this location.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is probably the most photographed part of Prague and you simply cannot visit Prague and not walk over this bridge.
It links the Old Town with the Mala Strana area. By day the bridge is full of tourists crossing between the different areas and the sides of the bridge are full of tourist stands selling Prague souvenirs.
You will also find a number of street musicians on the bridge. On my last visit to Prague there was a very entertaining Jazz band on the bridge, which you should look out for. At each end of the bridge stands an imposing tower.
There are 75 statues on the bridge, although most are now copies, the originals having been destroyed over the years by floods and other disasters. There are some fabulous restaurants that overlook the bridge and you can sit outside in the summer.
The Old Town
The Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in as it is right next to many of the historic sites making it a perfect base to explore Prague.
Visiting Old Town Square itself is like stepping back into time. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe and you will be in awe of the fabulous buildings and beautiful churches.
Old Town Square actually dates back to the late 12th century. The sites in the Old Town we would recommend seeing are:-
The old Town Tower and Astronomical clock
St Nicholas Church
The Church of Our Lady before Tyn
As well as visiting the amazing sites mentioned above, be sure to stop and have a coffee at one of the many restaurants surrounding the square and take in the atmosphere of this amazing city. It's also a great place for people watching.