luggageoverweight

We are going to be in Prague for the first time this April. I am trying to decide between the Mandarin Oriental and the four Seasons.

Which is a better location for first timers?

Is the Mandarin Oriental in Mala Strana walking distance to most attractions?

We will have some guided tours but wish to be able to explore freely on our own as well, especially restaurants and cafes.

We are middle age but quite fit.

Also would appreciate restaurant suggestions.

travelhorizons

The two hotels are not that far apart, and you'll probably want to spend time on both sides of the river, so either should be fine.

Here are hotel reviews of each hotel (plus The Augustine) that I posted on FlyerTalk: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ls-prague.html

Bottom line: I love the Four Seasons in Prague, one of the best in the chain, and the recent renovations were very successful. The Mandarin Oriental has more charm, but I would only book a Deluxe Garden category or above.

Reminder that you can get value-added amenities by using a Four Seasons Preferred Partner or Mandarin Oriental FAN Club agency to make your booking (free breakfast daily, $100 credit, and more).

Christina

The Four Seasons ios better located for a first time tourist.

IN theory, yes, of course you can walk everywhere from there, but that means miles and miles of walking per day because of its location which is not in the center of the city. If you haven't looked on a map, just look and you can see that it is not centered to tourist attractions. You probably won't want to walk up that hill to the main castle, but you can, it's about 1 km. It is also about that to the nearest metro stop, north of Karlov Most (famous bridge). It's about 1.5 km to the other side of the river, the main center square or 2 km to the Mucha museum. At least it is near a tram stop, which you can use to get to the castle or across the river going over the bridge down near the National Theatre (most Legii).

So it wouldn't be my choice of location, but if you are willing to use the tram system, it is workable (or walk miles and miles every day).

Christina

oh, sorry, my above paragraph on distances was referring to the Mandarin, not the Four Seasons.

fourfortravel

Are you seeking the luxury equivalent in restaurants, as well? Is it Czech cuisine you desire, or an upscale dining experience in general?

Not knowing your preferences, I can only suggest Casserol and Deer. Both are newish restaurants (Casserol since 2015? and Deer since November 2016) that offer modern preparations of traditional Czech dishes. We travel often to Prague for one reason or another (we live "down the road" in Vienna) and although we appreciate a well prepared goulash or pork knee on occasion, these two restaurants stand out for their fresh take on the classics. The wine selection at Deer is wonderful, too.

I hope this is helpful.

luggageoverweight

Thank you Christina and fourfortravel. I was kind of feeling Four Seasons may be a better location. I have the option of a nice suite at both.

I will also look into the restaurants.

This forum is wonderful.

Masterphil

We stayed at the Four Seasons. It was nice. The location is fantastic with easy access to Charles Bridge and Old Town. We ate one night at their restaurant (outdoors..kind of in an alley). Food was ok, but the best food we had came from local restaurants. We spent so little time in the hotel (because Prague is a fantastic city) that we could have stayed anywhere, in retrospect. Enjoy!