Prague is a city that annually accommodates over four million tourists, so there are a lot of places to choose from, but that doesn’t always mean great bargains for visitors. Every month there is a new hotel opened, which is surprising when hotels claim they sold only 50% of rooms last year. New openings in recent times include the Augustine, a wonderfully relaxed but luxurious place to stay in a renovated Augustinian monastery in Lesser Town, the Kings Boutique Hotel, an exclusive five-star hotel in a perfect location that offers promotional bargain prices, and the latest European outpost of the Buddha-Bar Hotel empire. Or try the Kempinski Hotel or the Jury Inn Prague close to Wenceslas Square.
When looking for accommodation, you should check both the price and the distance from the town centre. Sometimes it is better to find accommodation further from the centre because compared to other world cities Prague is quite small, and public transport is very effective (but check different hotel offers; you may find a good hotel deal in the centre). If you plan to stay in private accommodation, it is advised to view the property before handing over any money. Often the number of stars does not correspond with international standards because sometimes the owners classify their businesses themselves.
Nearly all hotels set prices depending on the season. Obviously, prices will be highest during peak times (generally up to 20 per cent higher in summer compared to during the low season). But it is not unusual for some hotels to double prices. One way around this is to search the Internet for special offers, which can often considerably undercut the exorbitant rack rates.
Be Aware
Recently most people search for their accommodation via the internet. Try to book accommodation with reputable companies; it is not uncommon that when booking with small travel agents, you will receive very poor service, and your credit card details could be misused.
Internet Capability
Most travellers who look for hotel accommodations also require internet capabilities. The problem here is that some lodgings advertise their modem connections. They are not referring to Wi-Fi capability. This is a consideration when you are travelling with a laptop. Some guests will want to access the hotel’s computer. In most instances, there is only one computer per location. Business hotels may have the most to offer in this category.
Based on Mattresses
Many visitors look for double bed in their lodgings. In many cases, these are not double mattresses. They are twin mattresses pushed together to achieve this size.
Air-Conditioning
When you look for lodgings in Prague, luxury accommodations provide air-conditioning. This is not a guarantee for other lodgings. This is not a major problem in that this resource is not required for most of the year.
Complimentary Breakfast
Upscale hotels offer luscious breakfast displays to their guests. Less expensive lodgings tend to provide more modest breakfast offerings. These often include only bread, spreads, and a few other treats.
Accommodation Prices
Depending on the season, we advise you to book well ahead. Prices are high, especially over Christmas and Easter and in the summer. Everything might seem cheap in Prague, but accommodation might be a big surprise.
There are more and more hotels where you can stay at reasonable prices, ranging from 1000 CZK per person outside the city to 2,500 CZK close to the city centre. The majority of rooms have en suite bathrooms, TVs, phones and usually continental breakfast included in the price. Some budget hotels, especially those in Prague’s suburbs, still offer shared facilities. Top hotels usually charge 7,000 CZK or more per person per night. There are also quite a few serviced apartments or pensions fairly close to the city. They usually offer quite good value with special weekly rates starting at 1,000 CZK a day for a double room. The usual check-in time is midday or 13.00 and check out time 11.00 or midday.
Best Prague Hotels
The Telegraph has recently run an article on the best places to stay in Prague: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (for luxury), Hotel Neruda (for intimacy) and Hotel Josef (for design).
According to the Lonely Planet guide following hotels are best for:
The best Luxury Hotels are Hotel Aria, Le Palais, Radisson SAS, The Augustine, Mandarin Oriental.
Best Petiete & Boutique Hotels are Residence Nosticova, Domus Henrici, Savic Hotel.
Most Romantic Hotels are Alchymist Grand Hotel, Golden Well, Hotel Casa Marcello, Residence Nosticova, U Krále Karla.
Best Designer Dens are Dahlia Inn, Hotel Josef, Hotel Perla, Hotel Sax, Icon Hotel.
Private Accommodation (pensions)
It can be a much cheaper alternative compared to hotels. You can find agencies offering this type of accommodation all over Prague, including at the main train station, Holesovice. Rates start at around 400 CZK per person per night. (read more)
Compare Hotels Prices in Prague
Listed below are the most reputable sites
Booking.com – (discounted hotels, instant confirmation, pay upon arrival)
Advice: Airport to Hotel taxi. Everyone tells you not to trust the Czech taxi drivers especially to and from the airport. A simple solution is to book and pre-pay for your taxi through Prague-Airport-Transfers.co.uk. “Service was superb” (source TripAdvisor.com, December 2007)
Unpleasant Personnel, Unsatisfactory or Poor Service
If during your stay you are unsatisfied with the level of service at your hotel, restaurant or travel office, try to solve your complaint directly on the spot with the manager or director of the given establishment. In this case, you will still always have the possibility of obtaining better service. In contrast, after your return home, you may only ask for redress circuitously from the senior manager of the institution. If need be, you can also contact the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (www.ahrcr.cz) or the Association of Travel Agents (www.accka.cz).
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