Page 186 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

184  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO STAY

Since the “Velvet Revolution” of 1989, Prague rates as competition grows intense. Several
has become one of the most visited cities in are centrally located and even feature designer
Europe. Thanks to investment in new hotels, touches, as well as good service. Cheaper
helped by huge injections of foreign capital, hotels tend to be old­fashioned places in the
Prague has developed enough accommo­ centre of the city, or smaller, pension­type
dation to meet every tourist need. Many hotels located in the suburbs. Staying in a flat
old hotels have been rebuilt, while others or a room in a private home can also save you
have been fully refurbished. It may be hard money. This type of accommodation is usually
to find inexpensive accommodation in the booked through an agency (see p186). Hostels
city, however, there are a good number of and campsites offer other budget options
hotels offering surprisingly reasonable (see p186).

along the embank ments away may have good facilities, but
from the city centre. These can they can be as expensive as their
be a good option for budget equivalents in the centre, with
travellers and make for an the added inconvenience of
unusual stay. travelling time and cost – bear
Over Charles Bridge, in the in mind that the metro stops at
Little Quarter, you will find a midnight, and taxis can become
handful of interesting hotels costly. Parking can be difficult; if
in delightful surroundings, but you have a car, make sure the
there are far fewer by Prague hotel you book has parking
Castle in Hradčany. Further places available. It’s usually
north of this area, there are better to find a hotel slightly
some large and particularly out of the centre if you plan to
unappealing hotels. drive, as these are more likely
Two areas close to the centre to have available parking.
worth considering are Vinohrady
The tastefully decorated lobby of Lindner and Anděl. Quality facilities, How to Book
Hotel Prague Castle (see p190) plus a variety of restaurants
makes these neighbourhoods To reserve a room, you can
Where to Look interesting options. The city’s telephone, email or book
As Prague is such a small city, it is suburbs too, have a number of online (the best deals are often
best to stay near the centre, close rather nondescript places. These found online). It is advisable
to all the main sights, restaurants
and shops. Many hotels are
found around Wenceslas Square.
Here, you are at the hub of every­
thing, and the prices of some
of the hotels reflect this. Other
popular areas include the nearby
Náměstí Republiky, and the area
around Old Town Square, a few
minutes’ walk from Charles
Bridge. Hotels here include large,
international establishments,
hostels, and some small, much
more exclusive hotels.
To the south, in the New Town,
there are several cheaper hotels
only a few metro stops from Old
Town Square. But the area is less
picturesque, and some of the
streets suffer from heavy volumes
of traffic. For a view of the river
Vltava, stay in the Jewish Quarter,
although most hotels here are
expensive. There are also a few
botels (floating hotels) moored Well-appointed room with city views in Riverside Praha (see p191)
The quaint café in Hotel Europa (see p147)

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