Pension Recommendation in Prague

Old Jan 9th, 2013, 10:22 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Pension Recommendation in Prague

Dear All,

After a lull, I am back to planning our first trip to Czech Republic in May 2013. Would welcome pension recommendations for Prague (6 nights) and Cesky Krumlov (2 nights).

Have been reading a lot of reviews and feel quite overwhelmed. For clarity can someone recommend the must-do attractions of Prague and CK. Which entrance tickets are good value? We are 2 adults and 2 kids of 12 yrs & 11 yrs. We would like to keep it mixed i.e. palace excursions and few museums. Not interested in too many museums. Is any other town / village worth stopping for a night or more? Also, must-do day trips from Prague and from Cesky Krumlow?

We will not be having a car so will be dependent on public transport in these cities and also for moving from one city to the other. Are there family tickets which we can opt for local transport and for inter-city transport?

Await all your recommendations.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  
Old Jan 12th, 2013, 10:02 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dear Fodorites,

Await your recommendations for pensions in Prague and CK.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2013, 07:31 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.livingprague.com/
have a look at this website, lots of great info there,on the left hand side of the page are links to accommodation reccommendations..
http://www.prague.net/
this link will give yopu lots of info on what to do and see,some of the prices are a bit out of day but gives you a rough idea.
I will be in Prague in may for the Beer festival and can reccommend you making a visit there, not just beer but lots of other drinks,good food and live entertainment.
http://www.ceskypivnifestival.cz/en/
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2013, 12:08 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Why does it have to be pensions ? Budget reasons or others?
kappa1 is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 06:46 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Unclegus for the info. Understand you are pro for Prague. Can you recommend some real good hearty must eats. We love pork.

Kappa1 - yes we are looking at pensions for budget reasons as I understand they would be cheaper. If we can get a family room for approx. Euro 100-120.

Do we need to book the Student Agency bus and buy tickets months in advance before we reach Prague for travelling from Prague to CK? Please advise.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 08:35 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ok, then you can try the following:

http://www.garzottohotels.cz/en/

Go to above and choose : Prague - Residence Mala Starana 3*.
I can recommend this place for its quality, central location, tram lines nearby, etc. They have larger rooms consisted of 2 rooms, called senior suites that can take 2 - 3 persons in the bed room and 2 in the living room that has 2 convertible bed. I have stayed there many times. Not ultra modern maybe but quite good neverthless. Last time was I stayed there at Christmas few weeks ago and now they had flat screen TV ( not that that's important ). For a May date, I put 2 adults + 2 children and got €76 for 4 persons. Curiously the site shows also a junior suite room ( that's only one room and smaller than senior) for 3 persons but the price is more expensive € 91. In any case, it would be worth a try as the rates are well within your budget.
Happy planning !
kappa1 is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 08:37 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the living prague website has a section about czech food
http://www.livingprague.com/food.htm
lots of places to eat.Jason that runs that website is a good friend of mine and we often meet up to enjoy a beer or two and a bite to eat when we are both in the city.Once you decide on where you are staying i will try and make suggestions ,but have a look at this blog for info on lots of resturants
http://czechoutchannel.blogspot.co.uk/.
http://www.nadkralovskouoborou.cz/
this is one of my favourite places,specialises in Game but it is a bit hard to find and you will need to walk from the tram stop about 600 yards or so,worth it in my opinion.

as to accomodation worth looking at an apartment option ,should be able to get something for that price, look at this company I have used them a couple of times.
http://www.travelcook.com/
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 08:46 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry, Mala STRANA.

Has many inexpensive restaurants nearby but one good place for Czech food is Olympia ( of Kolkovna Group), a brasserie like, large and clean place. Lots of pork choices I suppose. Soup from CZK30 (about 1.30€), Pilsner beer also from about CZK30. Quite inexpensive. Just 2 blocks away from the hotel.
http://www.kolkovna.cz/index.php?place=12&show=hot
kappa1 is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 08:53 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I will second Olympia, been a whiles since i was last there but very good food.
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 15th, 2013, 09:50 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,947
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We used this company in Poland and were very happy with the selection.

http://www.bedandbreakfastworld.com/...89,12.495145,5
Michael is offline  
Old Jan 16th, 2013, 07:45 PM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks kappa1 and unclegus for your replies. Will definitely check out these sites.

Since we will be in Prague and CK for more nights what are the must do day trips you recommend from Prague and CK that can be done using public transport.

Also, what are the grocery stores and butcher shops called in Prague and CK for the picnic food on the go? Is there a chain of stores that has its presence all over Czech Republic?

Have heard about Telc and Olomouc a lot? Can it be seen as a day trip and which is the better one? Any info is welcome.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  
Old Jan 16th, 2013, 11:48 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
main supermarkets are Tesco, Billa and Alberts. loads all over the place and no problem getting picnic food, you will even get ready made sanwhiches/rolls in many of them.
Kutna Hora is probably one of the easiest places to visit by public transport and I can highly reccomend visiting there, Plzen is about 90 minutes away by train and has the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery there which is worth a visit (I have been 5 times so far) they do have a special eductional tour for kids but I think that may only be for school groups).
a lovely little town is Tabor again about 90 minutes away by train A lovely Tower,medieval museum, Hussite Museum,underground passageway you can tour, carp farm and nice ,nice square and even a Whisky Bar. I think Olomouc and Telc are to far for a day trip but possible.
My number once secret thing to do with the kids is whilst visiting tha castle is to go in the armoury musuem in Golden lane and a have a go at the old fashioned crossbows there, great fun.
there are also some open air markets at Namesti republiky, Karlovy Namesti and Jihiro Z Podebrad (all metro stops) where you can get artizan breads and poastries, cooked meats and cheeses as well as fresh meat and chicken and lots of other stuff.The open airmarket at Havelska has a great selection of fresh fruit and veg.
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 17th, 2013, 12:14 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Whilst I still have my thinking cap on this resturant may be of interest to you.
http://praha-en.vytopna.cz/
all set round a train set and your drinks get delivered to your table by train, great fun and the food is pretty decent ,it is near the top of Wenseslas square and the prices pretty good for the area, can get really bust with kids parties at the weekends ,but worth seeking out.It has been over a year since I was last in there.
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 17th, 2013, 06:29 PM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Unclegus. Please keep the info coming in. Any must eats and new things to try are always welcome. We love soups, meats and pastries. Is langos also czech variety of bread? If yes, where can we get it? In which area are the street vendors more concenterated in? What are the must eats from them? What are the things we must take home?

Currently, we are looking at staying in Prague, CK. What are the places we can visit using public transport from CK? Is Hubloka Castle closer to Prague or CK? Can this be done using public transport?

Which other place can someone recommend which we can keep as a base and see the area? Very keen on staying in Dresden for 4 nights to see the area as I have heard a lot of wonderful things. But, not sure how to go about it. The website for Dresden is in german with no english option available. Any ideas?

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  
Old Jan 17th, 2013, 06:53 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi SKPKCP11,
We stayed here in Prague in the one bedroom. It's just a couple blocks from the Charles Bridge in Mala Strana area. It's exactly as pictured on the website. www.homeaway.co.uk/p85711

We ate here one night and loved it. So much food. Two could easily share one dinner. http://www.uzelenehostromu.eu/EN/main
michele_d is offline  
Old Jan 17th, 2013, 11:38 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have never had langos but I have sen it getting made in some of the street markets/festivals I have been to.When I was visiting in October there was a food festival on in Wenseslas Square doing the Langos, just not the type of thing I go for but the czechs do a great variety of bread my favoyrite one is a type of rye bread with carraway seeds (you get lots of carraway seeds in the CR)
You get lots of street vedors in the tourist area but mainly around wenseslas Square, every variety of sausage going with bread and cabbage but my favourite from street vendors is the deep fried cheese,really delicious.the oyther nice thing is trdelnik,it is a sort of pastry rolled into a tube and cooked on a spit like contaption,usually served with cinamon sugar, great with a coffee for breakfast.
You will see huge hams being cooked over wood fires, this is delicious but be warned it is expensive and you will see prices like 85kc, but thats per 100g and not per portion so it can get quite pricy but it truely is delicious.
There are some great soups to be had one experience to look out for is Goulash soup served in a bread bowl, you can even eat the bowl, spicy filling and delicious., the mushroom soup is also a must try item,they even do garlic soup,I tried it once and it was ok but didn't hit any high spots for me
can't coment of foods to take home as I don't know where you are from so there may be legal issues there ,but I always arrive home with smoked hams and fresh bread, bread and potato dumplings and lots of beers I just can't get in the UK.
I don't know the CK area so really can't make comment so maybe someone else can help there.
Again Dresden is another area I don't know, other parts of Germany yes but not there ,I spent a lot of time in southern Germany nearly 30 years ago as i was engaged to a german girl but all my info for that area would be well out of date.
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2013, 03:24 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Would you consider staying in an apartment - it might be better when you have children with you. We have stayed three times in this apartment - http://apartments-in-prague.org/rent...ent-vlasska-6/

The Apartments in Prague people are very helpful and the apartments in the Vlasska Building are in a great quiet location - in the Mala Strana near the American and Irish embassies. There are shops nearby for provisions and it's a short walk either to the Castle or to Charles Bridge, and there is a tram stop nearby if you don't feel like walking.
ter2000 is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2013, 04:19 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
other pork food to try is Koleno (Pork Knee)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWhbVpdXzp0
this youtube clip will show you it,I think this was filend in U Vejvodu a very good pub in the Old town and where I first tried Koleno,it can be a bit mutch for one person so worth sharing one with the family just to try it.
http://www.restauraceuvejvodu.cz/?page=home&lang=EN, there are a couple of good places nerby U Vejvodu to try.
U Medvidku
http://www.umedvidku.cz/index.php?op...=article&id=60
it is always a must stop place for me when I am in the city, good food ,decent service and fantastic beer.
A new place is this U Tri Ruzi.
http://www.u3r.cz/en/
it is a fairly new place ,makes their own ber and the food is excellnet,mor bistro style than pub style but bloody good and the beer really is quite superb.
A nice cafe in the same area is cafe Louvre.
http://www.cafelouvre.cz/en/
a bit more upmarket but prices are very good.I love the Cowboy Breakfasts/brunches in there,I have never had an evening meal in there though ,it is usually where I meet my mate Jason who does the Living Prague website I mentioned earlier.
hope this is all giving you some ideas.
unclegus is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2013, 06:53 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
+1 for Cafe Louvre and U Medvidku. Don't let the smoky atmosphere in U Medvidku put you off - there are non-smoking areas as well. Similarly the restaurant in Cafe Louvre is non-smoking but there is a smoking area in the Cafe part.

We tried the beer in U Tri Ruzi last November - gorgeous! This place is also a good bet for traditional food, but you need to book - www.malostranska-beseda.cz/en/
ter2000 is offline  
Old Jan 20th, 2013, 08:11 PM
  #20  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dear Fodorites,

Thanks for the lovely info. Unclegus I am looking forward to the Koleno, sausages and deep fried cheese.

Any info on Hubloka Castle? Since we are using public transport, should we do it from Prague or CK?

Is Telc worth visiting or staying overnight? How is the public transport from one city to the other in Czech Republic? Is it safe? Are the trains reliable? Do we need to get tickets in advance?

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
SKPKCP11 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -