Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and Apartments

We stayed here for 3 nights as part of a Tour. I thought the Hotel was very nice. It\'s smack in the center of town. We had room 165 which was a large room with a small sitting couch and a separate dressing area. The windows open as there is no air conditioning. Of course, with the windows open, you do get noise from the square below. The bed was very comfortable and clean. There was no safe in the room but you can keep valuables at the front desk. I found the people at the front desk very nice and helpful. Breakfast was very good, especially the scrambled egg and very good coffee. The restaurant has a nice little deck where you can have your meal outside while people watching. Regardless of where you stay, do not miss this town. It is fairy tale perfect. Lots of little shops and restaurants abound. We also went rafting with our group, lots of fun. Try an Egglenberg Beer. You can only purchase it in this town. Very good. We had dinner at a restaurant called Don Julius, within walking distance of the hotel. Great food, huge proportions. Try the Grilled knuckle of pork. Total cost in US dollars was $25.00 for 2 entrees, 2 beers, 1 water and tip. Another great local restaurant is U Duao Maryl #62, right on the river, a bit tricky to find the entrance off the street. Lots of traditional Czech food and cheap prices. Excellent service and can watch people rafting down the river. Only cost $20.00US for 2 entrees, 4 beers (Regent Dark, very good), 2 desserts and tip.

We stayed two nights at the Old Inn, and we should have known better when the travel agent recommended we might want to stay at the more expensive Hotel Ruze up the street (in reality it’s only 100m away). The Old Inn’s location is great, but the rooms were not very clean – hairs in the bed and bathroom. A throw back to the 1970’s – they haven’t done much in upgrades since the Soviets left. The staff obviously did not enjoy their jobs as they were gruff and seemed annoyed when asked a question. Whereas the location is great, try to avoid the front of the building… even though you may read that cars are not allowed in the center of the town there was heavier traffic than expected that lasted late into the evening. Be careful walking the streets because taxi drivers think they’re driving in Manhattan.

That being said – the town of Cesky Krumlov should not be missed. The town and castle are amazing and you’ll enjoying sitting at the cafés on the river watching vacationers flip their canoes through the causeways. Make sure you walk through the Castle and to the gardens in the back. We had a personal tour guide that our agency set up who gave us a great overview of the city, and provided us with his personal experiences of living in the Czech Republic before the Velvet Revolution. If you can afford it – take a car from Prague (about $200) rather than the train ($35). It’s about two hours quicker and you won’t find yourself “stuck”. We took a car to Cesky, but took that the train back only to be randomly dumped at a train station and placed on busses that randomly placed us at another station down the line (thanks goodness those in the carriage we were sharing spoke English and translated what the announcer was saying).

In all, plan for a day in Cesky, but if you’re looking for a get away with your spouse find a different hotel. If you’re backpacking through Europe with your college buddy – the Old Inn is probably a good fit.