Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and Apartments

My husband and I stayed for 3 nights at Pension 44. We did find it basic, but essentially clean, friendly and convenient. Here are the main points:

- Pension 44 has a good location - within 2-4 tube stops from all the main sights, and the nearest tube is literally around the corner. The centre of Prague is not too far to walk, and there are some nice parts of town to see on the way, but some routes are not easily passible for padestirans (due to some closed pavements on main roads), so check a map for alternatives incase you get stuck. As a previous reviewer mentioned, the airport is only 30 mins away and is easy to get to and from. There are some bars and places to eat near by, including a 24hr bar - we chose to go out in other parts of prague, which isn't a hassle because of location.
The surrounding area was quiet in the evening, with few people around, but there was some noise in the mornings due to some renovations on the houses accross the road - this probably would not bother you if you had a room facing a different direction.

- Pension 44 is clean and spacious with good basic facilities - The twin bedded room we had was large, simply furnished and decorated and had a mini-fridge. there was no TV, clock or radio so you might want to bring something to listen to the world service on 101FM on or some of the local radio stations. there are no tea or coffee facilities, but the hotel stocks some soft drinks and snacks to purchase at reception and the tap water is drinkable (and if you have bottles you can put them in the fridge! - great after a night on the old pivo!)
The bathroom (showerhead but no hook or shower curtain, seperate toilet room) was clean and obviously recently decorated in a simple but elegant style. Don't expect toiletries - we each got a small bar of basic soap and a towel most would consider the size of a hand towel - perfectly adequate, but you might prefer to bring your own. There is also no hairdryer in the room, and i had not brought the correct adaptor with me - so check that out if you need it (two pin with a hole for protruding earth pin - i didn't know there were different types of two pin plugs, anyway...I'm sure reception could help, but i didn't ask).
There is no daily housekeeping, but you can ask if you want anything cleaned or replaced at no extra charge.

- Breakfast was simple, continental but very adequate . there was a range of bread, cheese, meats, cereal, yogurt and boiled eggs and of course juice, tea and coffee (i would recommend you mostly avoid coffee in prague unless it is a brand you trust, i found it to be quite rank in most places i tried!).

- The staff speak good English and are knowledgeable and helpful from asking about taxis to places to go. the reception is 24hour and you have to be buzzed in, but you can take your key with you, so its not a hassle to come and go.

We were plesently surprised, having had thoughts of previous nightmare budget hotels we had stayed in. All in all a very good place to get washed and rested, but not a luxurious hotel by any standards. given its basic nature, i think it is an incredibly good place to stay, and i would stay there again if on a budget (as we were this time). in the grand scheme of things though, i couldn't give it more than an average rating as it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi (well i do know, but you have to pay more money to get it!)

Recommended for budget travellers.

Stayed here March 2006. It was a true pension--spartan but very clean, roomy, and comfortable. The breakfast was a nice assortment of sliced meats, cheese, bread, cereals, coffee/tea, juice. I met Czechs, Scandinavians, Brits, and Germans all in one breakfast room.

The room had 2 twin beds (push together if you want). The curtains were thin--bring a sleeping mask if early morning light bothers you. It's an easy 10 min walk to Wenceslas Square. I rarely took the trams or metro because it's such a great walking city. No shower curtain, but did have a nice deep bathtub with endless hot water and a handheld sprayer.

Try the excellent nearby restaurants in this neighbohood (much cheaper than the touristy areas). I especially liked Pizzeria Grossetto, 2 blocks away on the main circle across from the church. Huge dance club called Valentino's is a blast, 3 blocks away on Vinohradska (mixed gay/straight)