Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and Apartments

I booked this hotel for my two sisters and myself for a short break in April. The flight and taxi transfer went very smoothly and the hotel looked ideal when we arrived - However, as soon as I gave the receptionist the hotel pre paid voucher, she said that she had no one booked under my name (she did however, have my reference number under another name)- She spent a good 15 minutes looking at her computer and then rang someone (not sure what she said was not speaking English). She then said that she was going to place us in the neardy residence. I \'stood my ground\' and stated that I had deliberately paid extra for a room in the main building. She then went on the phone again ( for a long time), and then upgraded us to a suite with two seperate rooms leading onto a small living area and a bathroom. The room was lovely and well worth the wait.
The hotel was ideally situated, clean and comfortable and I would recommend it, as long as you are guaranteed a room!
We had a great time in Prague and would definately go back there, but probably use another hotel- just incase it happened again !!

We thought the Waldstein was a great find. It wasn\'t too pricey, but you got all the character you want for a hotel in Prague for your money. The location is great - in a quiet area with cobbled streets and right below the castle. It was nice to have to walk over the Charles Bridge into the main part of Prague - you can never get enough of the bridge! The rooms at the Waldstein were spacious, and decorated charmingly. Although centred around a courtyard, noise didn\'t seem to be a problem, and the hotel appeared to be quite full over the Xmas period we were there. Breakfast is served in a charming
old cellar, and was quite substantial with a nice buffet of both hot and cold foods. We never go for expensive hotels, so the Waldstein to us was quite a find and if we were ever to return to Prague we wouldn\'t stay anywhere else.

Our arrival to Prague for a special romantic weekend for our wedding anniversary was soured by good old KLM airlines cancelling our flight from Amsterdam (apparently due to staff shortages) and then losing our luggage! So we arrived at the Ave Waldstein later than expected and without any suitcases! First impressions were a sweet hotel in a very cobbled courtyard. Reception was small, and the staff friendly enough.
We were led by a porter resembling Manwell off Faulty Towers to the Annexe to the main hotel which we have heard others talk about. Immediately I was disappointed as had asked to be in the main building but because we had also requested a bath this was where all the rooms with baths were (only five have them). The annexe is around the corner on the main street and is basically an apartment block. Our room was on the first floor and I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. You walk into a hallway, which has a washing machine, the new looking bathroom is opposite with a small double bedroom leading off it. In the main room is a kitchenette and what should be a double bed but is in fact two single\'s pushed together.... great start to our romantic weekend but made us laugh after the day we had just had.

The kitchenette has everything you could need if you were wanting to cook but we headed straight for the well stocked and comparitively cheap mini-bar. There is a TV but limited English channels (actually we could only find one) and a table. Bearing in mind we had no luggage so couldnt really go out so we got showered, got in bed watching CNN, drinking Champagne and eating chocolates like the old married couple we are... actually we\'re not but it felt that way!

Next morning we headed for breakfast which was in the main building in the cellar. Very good selection and you can really fill your boots. Our luggage then arrived so we were able to finally get changed and head out into Prague for the first time.

Prague is such a beautiful city. So many gorgeous buildings you can almost get architectural overload. TAKE COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I cannot stress this enough, everywhere is cobbled and there is alot of walking. Even if you make use of the metro/trams you will want to walk and see the sites. Top of our list were Old Town, particularly the Old Town Hall, go up the Tower and see the city from there, fantastic. St Vitus\'s cathedral, its worth climbing the 287 steps up the tower views are out of this world. Charles Bridge is a hive of activity. Wencesles Square to us was a bit disappointing... its a very modern street with all the latest high street shops... great if you want to do some retail therapy but not very cultural. Don\'t waste your money in the sex museum either, we went in for a laugh but it was over rated! Food was quite expensive in the touristy areas, its worth walking out a bit and finding some of the cafes/restaurants a lot cheaper and food delicious. Best for me was a game goulash in loaf of bread with the middle cut out..120kc. superb all washed down with a pint of beer costing about 30kc (thats about £4) - can\'t beat it.
We took £200 with all for four days and that was plenty. Most shops are selling glass, Russian Dolls, puppets and amber/garnet jewellery. Check out the markets though, we bought our toddler some lovely wooden toys and have the price in the shops. One point, the duty free at Prague airport is expensive and disappointing, not to mention the fact that KLM cancelled our flight going back but thats another story!!! Enjoy!