sue

Thanks to this bunch my trip is taking <BR>shape..one week to go...now I just know <BR>you guys know this best way to get from <BR>the airport to Wenceslas Square...Has <BR>anyone heard of the Hotel Jalta??...any <BR>comments and help are much appreciated..thanks, <BR>sue

Christina

I haven't heard of that hotel. I'd guess best way depends on budget, people seem to have widely differing opinions on time/money tradeoffs on transportation from airport. I'm in the camp that upon arrival from overnight trip, jetlag, confusion, exhaustion, nervousness about upcoming trip, I want no hassles, only speed and comfort and usually take a cab from airports to my hotel (probably wouldn't in London); to me, it's worth every penny and I don't usually even split the cost with a companion. Lots of people want to spend minimal possible regardless of hassle and time. I took a cab from Prague airport, it was extremely cheap compared to other cities as most things are there, and much to my surprise, the driver spoken fluent English (much better than my Czech which is minimal but I could ask questions and tell him my desires in Czech) and had a very nice, well-equipped cab. It cost about 550CZ which is only about US$12-15 and took about a half hour probably. Actually, the car I took was a cab-type service with a meter but the logo on the car said something about airport service, so I think it was a cab service solely for airport transport. There are also regular cabs at the airport (AAA is one company as I recall), and special shuttle vans but I think you may need to wait for those to fill up or something, I didn't inquire. Anyway, that's what I would do -- as you walk out the door at Prague airport to the taxi etc stands, regular cabs are lined up at your far left; the shuttle vans are on the far right and the airport cab I took are kind of in the middle. Many hotels (at least 4star) will also arrange for a private driver service if you ask with a flat rate. My hotel did that (rate was 500CK) but I declined for arrival as I was worried if my plane were late, etc, how that would work--I did take it upon departure from the hotel and that was very nice. Your hotel does have concierge services that mention transport, you might ask them about that if you are worried about other cabs (a lot of people are in Prague, I had no problems as I said).

sue

dear Christina...i thank you so much <BR>for your reply...i tend to take the <BR>taxi's too...tho, everyone has said <BR>to take a train from brussels airport <BR>to town central. Anyway, i really <BR>appreciate your reply and it will <BR>accompany me...now, I wish someone will tell me about this <BR>Hotel Jalta...it should be near the <BR>Europa which people here said is <BR>in disrepair...thanks...sue

David

Sue <BR> <BR>Cab drivers in Prague are notorious for ripping off tourists and it's been very well documented on this site previously. The State run white volkswagon mini vans directly outside the terminal will take you directly to any Hotel in Prague very cheaply. Okay they usually take a couple of people but the despatchers are very efficient and group people going to hotels near each other - I have used them numerous times and have always got to various hotels quickly - you can also book them for the return journey

Christina

Sue, you have seen your hotel's web site, haven't you? It seems pretty good and I think mentions the concierge service to arrange transport or transfers. It is www.jalta.cz I've also heard Europa is very rundown but I did eat in their outdoor cafe which is a good people-watching spot.