I don't know about the specific hotels you mentioned, but here are my notes from our visit to Prague last June with our two teens. Maybe it will help you.

A personal aside-- I wouldn't choose the business district, or Wenceslas Square (we didn't think that area was especially charming). You will be able to walk all over Prague and it's so much nicer to be in a central location from which you can easily come and go -- like in old town or Mala Strana, near the Charles Bridge. Although it will be crowded with tourists there, too, that's half the fun.

We stayed in a pension in Prague last June, called the U Lilie, that I wouldn't highly recommend simply because it's slightly shabby-- but it is clean, with a cold breakfast buffet included, and a bargain for a family 'suite'-- also a wonderful location right near the Bridge. It certainly has 'local flavor.'

One pension people here like is the Dientzenhofer. You might check it out, http://www.dientzenhofer.cz/ I know they have family rooms and were only slightly more expensive than the U Lilie.

I did collect brochures from three unique hotels I wanted to remember in case we returned: The Hotel Neruda, the Hotel U krale Karla, and the Grand Hotel Bohemia.

The Neruda is on the hill going up to Prague Castle. It has a nice cafe on its rooftop, for views of the city below. Its brochure calls it four-star, an historical building reconstructed. Lobby had a nice, contemporary feel, clean and well-done. Rack rate is 220 EUR in high season for a double. It's website is www.hotelneruda.cz

The U krale Karla is in a gothic building, rebuilt in 1639, renovated in 1993. It had more an old Prague feeling to it, old elegance. In Lesser Town, also near the Castle, only 16 double rooms and 3 suites, high season rates for double room deluxe is 6900CZK. Website: www.romantichotels.cz

The Grand Hotel Bohemia is a five-star, in Old Town next to the Powder Tower (also a good location), 78 rooms and suites. It's a classic, old, elegant-looking place that looked charming, too. (No rate sheet in their brochure.) Website: www.grandhotelbohemia.cz

Also, try the Living in Prague website (I think that's the name). It's the work of a local, Jason someone, who gives good reviews on places in Prague. Google or search this site for the URL, I can't find it.

You will love Prague!

Found it: http://www.livingprague.com/hotel.htm

Maureen, thank you for your helpful reply. I will check into the Dientzenhofer and the other hotels that you referenced for availability and rates. I also visited the livingprague.com site, and ordered the 'headstart' kit -- detailed map, vocab sheets, recommendations.

As I reflect on this, I agree that staying in a poor location isn't a wise idea, even if the price is good. I'm going to concentrate my search for more centrally located hotels.

Are they guaranteeing the prices to you in $US, or are those your conversion prices from koruna?

Wenceslas Square is a pretty central and convenient location. It does lack charm (I just stayed there myself) as opposed to staying in Old Town, which I prefer. But Wenceslas Sq would still be preferable I think to any remote location or one that is deserted at night. WS is just a 10-15 minute walk to Old Town Square.

I have no personal experience with those hotels (never heard of suitehome), but know those areas a little. I wouldn't stay in Smichov, it's a little too inconvenient. IF you are very near the Andel metro stop, it could be okay for convenience, but I still wouldn't stay there myself.

I stayed in the JOsefov area which I like a lot, but I think there are plenty of hotels in the central area at the rates you are considering, especially if you are willing to pay up to $200.

I know I saw the King George (U Krale Jiriho) which is a 3* in a good location near Old Town Square at just around US$175 for three people, at least on www.marys.cz There are lots of hotel web sites for Prague, that's for sure. that's just one example. Isn't the Alta in a worse location than the St George?