where to stay - Prague
Dec 20th, 2015, 10:57 AM
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where to stay - Prague
It looks like there are 3 good choices of where to stay in Prague... Old Town, Castle District, and Kutna Hora. My wife and I will be (driving) there in May and could use some help in deciding which district is best...
Dec 20th, 2015, 11:51 AM
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Well, Kutna Hora is not in Prague - it's a town an hour or so away. It's a cute town, maybe worth a visit but I wouldn't spend a night there myself. (I thought the bone church was OK but a little underwhelming - it's quite small).
Mala Strana is the neighborhood in Prague below the castle (which is up a steep hill) on the west side of the river. I've stayed in Mala Strana twice and really like the area. You do have to walk across the river to the Old Town, but it's not a bad walk (though the Charles Bridge is mobbed with tourists by mid-morning; there are other bridges). I've also stayed near the Old Town - a convenient location but I'd prefer Mala Strana myself.
You probably won't need a car in Prague unless you are arriving there from somewhere else. It's a great walking town - compact and charming - but also with good buses, trams, and a small subway system.
Mala Strana is the neighborhood in Prague below the castle (which is up a steep hill) on the west side of the river. I've stayed in Mala Strana twice and really like the area. You do have to walk across the river to the Old Town, but it's not a bad walk (though the Charles Bridge is mobbed with tourists by mid-morning; there are other bridges). I've also stayed near the Old Town - a convenient location but I'd prefer Mala Strana myself.
You probably won't need a car in Prague unless you are arriving there from somewhere else. It's a great walking town - compact and charming - but also with good buses, trams, and a small subway system.
Dec 20th, 2015, 01:32 PM
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take a look at The Three Ostriches <i>(U Tri Pstrosu)</i>
smack on the Charles Bridge. We stayed there twice and liked it. They were both off season (a snowy early March) and I imagine it will be much more crowded/noisy during summer.
My pics below of Prague may help you get a feel for the city which is quite walkable.
smack on the Charles Bridge. We stayed there twice and liked it. They were both off season (a snowy early March) and I imagine it will be much more crowded/noisy during summer.
My pics below of Prague may help you get a feel for the city which is quite walkable.
Dec 20th, 2015, 01:38 PM
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...cenesOfPrague#
Interesting note:
My late wife's name was Judith Tower. The smaller building at the Mala Strana entrance to the bridge is called "The Judith Tower" (named after a Bohemian Queen c.10th century). Are we royalty? Nah!
Interesting note:
My late wife's name was Judith Tower. The smaller building at the Mala Strana entrance to the bridge is called "The Judith Tower" (named after a Bohemian Queen c.10th century). Are we royalty? Nah!
Dec 20th, 2015, 02:41 PM
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I also wondered why you thgouth Kutna Hora was part of Prague, but I don't think too many people actually recommend the Castle area. It's up a hill and wouldn't think it that convenient -- there aren't really that many hotels up there anyway.
Many people do like Mala Strana, however, below the castle. I'd pick that or Old Town. I myself prefer Old Town, just find it more convenient and I like it better, actually. It's more central to everything.
Now if you intend to park a car, all bets are off, however, I don't know where that would be good or even possible (I don't think it would be in many places in Old Town, at least not easily or at the hotel). PErhaps Smichov (Prague 5). I had a friend who drove from Germany and she stayed there for that reason. This was the place, it is convenient to a tram stop and has parking http://www.hoteljulian.com/ Of course you must reserve the parking. It isn't that close to a metro stop, though, but there are some hotels near Andel in Smichov which could work.
Many people do like Mala Strana, however, below the castle. I'd pick that or Old Town. I myself prefer Old Town, just find it more convenient and I like it better, actually. It's more central to everything.
Now if you intend to park a car, all bets are off, however, I don't know where that would be good or even possible (I don't think it would be in many places in Old Town, at least not easily or at the hotel). PErhaps Smichov (Prague 5). I had a friend who drove from Germany and she stayed there for that reason. This was the place, it is convenient to a tram stop and has parking http://www.hoteljulian.com/ Of course you must reserve the parking. It isn't that close to a metro stop, though, but there are some hotels near Andel in Smichov which could work.
Dec 20th, 2015, 04:13 PM
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We like to stay in the Old Town since it's the easiest to walk to many things. There are trams up to the Castle entrance and also to/through Mala Strana.
A car is a nonsense in Prague since many areas are for pedestrian only and you will need to garage it for your stay.
We were not overwhelmed by Kutna Hora and would not bother unless you have lots of time in Prague.
Be sure to visit the town hall first thing to get info on all of the musical activities (from grand opera to many church concerts to jazz clubs, etc) and first pick of the many walking tours that they offer of different neighborhoods to explain the history/architecture.
A car is a nonsense in Prague since many areas are for pedestrian only and you will need to garage it for your stay.
We were not overwhelmed by Kutna Hora and would not bother unless you have lots of time in Prague.
Be sure to visit the town hall first thing to get info on all of the musical activities (from grand opera to many church concerts to jazz clubs, etc) and first pick of the many walking tours that they offer of different neighborhoods to explain the history/architecture.
Dec 20th, 2015, 08:38 PM
#10
We stayed twice on Kampa Island at a hotel called Kampa Gardens. We would stay there again. Kampa Island is directly below the Charles bridge with easy access to the bridge by stairs or ramp. I like to describe it as a quiet oasis in the middle of the Prague excitement. There are good restaurants on the Island , a square, and a small park where you can relax while watching the old town light up at nightfall.
The hotel Kampa Garden is what I would call a high end budget hotel. The rooms are nice and many of the rooms in front have great views of old town. From the rooms at the back of the hotel, there are views of the Castle and park. The buffet breakfast is decent. It is an easy walk to most any old town location. There is a nearby tram up to the castle. Ride up and walk back.
http://www.kampagarden.cz/en/
The hotel Kampa Garden is what I would call a high end budget hotel. The rooms are nice and many of the rooms in front have great views of old town. From the rooms at the back of the hotel, there are views of the Castle and park. The buffet breakfast is decent. It is an easy walk to most any old town location. There is a nearby tram up to the castle. Ride up and walk back.
http://www.kampagarden.cz/en/
Dec 20th, 2015, 09:15 PM
#11
We drive our personal vehicle to Prague for most visits, and have safely parked at the Palladium Mall. The garage has 24 hour access (with your parking card). https://www.palladiumpraha.cz/en/for-motorists/
Dec 21st, 2015, 12:14 AM
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If you have a car, get rid of it and stay in the old town. You won't be sorry.
Here is my web page on our recent trip to the Czech Republic, including Prague. Maybe it will help you in your planning.
http://www.travel.stv77.com/czechia/czechia.html
Here is my web page on our recent trip to the Czech Republic, including Prague. Maybe it will help you in your planning.
http://www.travel.stv77.com/czechia/czechia.html
Dec 21st, 2015, 09:04 AM
#13
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We have stayed twice at the Hotel Lippert in the Old Town main square area. Some rooms have direct views over the square of the Tyn church which is beautiful lit up at night. The hotel is quite nice, has a lovely breakfast and very reasonable rates. I recommend highly. view it on Booking.com
Dec 21st, 2015, 10:35 AM
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<<It looks like there are 3 good choices of where to stay in Prague... Old Town, Castle District, and Kutna Hora.>>
Hoo boy. In baseball, you're fine; in any other sport, you've done terrible - you're one for three.
As Andrew said, Kutna Hora is not in Prague. So much for that.
The Castle District is too far from anything but the Castle. You're better off in Mala Strana as close to the river as possible, or Kampa Island.
Hoo boy. In baseball, you're fine; in any other sport, you've done terrible - you're one for three.
As Andrew said, Kutna Hora is not in Prague. So much for that.
The Castle District is too far from anything but the Castle. You're better off in Mala Strana as close to the river as possible, or Kampa Island.
Dec 21st, 2015, 11:34 AM
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Kampa Island is a nice idea too...it was quite beautiful in fall and an easy walk or tram ride to all tourist destinations but a bit quieter than Old Town. I was not a fan of Old Town and only really visited the key places there and got out...too many segways...tacky bars and restaurants and crowds but for some that can be fun.
