I always like to stay in the centre of town within easy walking distance of the sites. But my reading so far seems to indicate that the location I would choose-the Old Town, is very touristy and busy. Any suggestions and comments appreciated

We stayed in Mala Strana a few years back and loved the area. Prague is small so it was within walking distance to most sites. We stayed at Penzion Dientzenhoffer near to Kampa Park and a short walk from the Charles Bridge. Highly recommend it.

i lived in karlin whilst working in prague. it is (or was) a working class neighbourhood that is being renovated...it was hit hard with the floods so many old, beautiful buildings are being redone. it is very convenient to the centre of prague.

I don't think you understand how large an area the section called "Old Town" in Prague covers. Of course there are a lot of tourists right around the major tourist sights (the bridge, Old Town square), but it's not that bad in much of the district in terms of being very touristy and busy. I'm not sure what the busy part is you are worried about -- that you won't be able to find a place to eat because they are all full, or something? Well, but there are more businesses and things to choose from, and more service, in areas that have a lot of clients, so it evens out. It's like any city, you can't be within easy walking distance of sites, and not want to be in the central area, which is almost always where the "old town" is in any city as it's where the city started. As long as you don't stay in the absolute worst areas, that shouldn't be a problem, nor noise, if that's your concern. The worst areas would be a hotel right near the bridge or on the main street leading from the bridge.

ita, we spent a week in Prague last year, had an apartment through Untours, in the Jewish Quarter of Old Town. We loved this area, away from the crowds and noise yet easy walk to the center of action. We often walked past Hotel Maximillian (Hastalska street), looked very nice but may be pricey.

Quaint local (moderately priced) restaurants in the area, "Chez Marcel",
"U Cerveneho Kola", "Au Gourmand" (Patisserie).

We visited in October and the center of Old Town, particularly between Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge, was very crowded. It was nice to walk home to our quiet location.

Prague is beautiful, have a wonderful time.

Kampa Island is an ideal location. It is quiet and peaceful yet just under the Charles Bridge (there are stairs going up to the bridge and a ramp to the foot of the bridge in Mala Strana). There are a few hotels on the island. We liked the Hotel Kampa Garden. I would call it high end budget. It has excellent, well kept modern (Ikea type furniture) rooms and bath. The entire hotel is non smoking. It is next to a park where in the evening you can sit on a bench and look across the river and see the city lit up - delightful. There are some very nice restaurants within 100 yards around Kampa's square and also elswhere on the Island. We particularly like the one at 15 Kampa on the square. From Kampa it is a quick and easy walk to the center of Old Town, Jewish Quarter, etc. We liked being right at the Charles Bridge and the excitement of Old Town, yet in a peaceful setting. Two other possibilites for hotels: The Three Ostriches, just at the foot of the Charles Bridge on the Mala Strana side -it is more upscale and expensive than the Kampa Garden, and the Hotel Metamorphis, also more upscale, in a small fairly quiet square just behind the Tyn Church.

We stayed at the Bellagio Hotel in the Old Jewish Quarter and enjoyed both the hotel and its location very much.

Kampa Island looked nice, too.

thank you all for your input. We definitely want to stay in the Jewish quarter. Cindy, thanks for your info. The apartment agency you told me about has a minimum of 2 weeks and we only plan to stay for 10 days. I am finding hotel prices very steep. I will post a message asking for help. When looking at accomodation online how do I know if it is in the Jewish Quarter?

The Jewish quarter is called Josefov. You can also use a mapping website like www.viamichelin.com to get the precise location of your accomodations in Prague.

I have good reports about Pension Dienzehoffer on this site. It is in our price range. Does it match my criterion of not being in the midst of crowds. Naturally when you are visiting tourist sites you will be with other tourists, but it is niced to be based in a little more quiet place yet within walking distance to the centre. I haven't found anything yet in Josefov. Would it be better to pay more and be in that area?

Ita -have you checked out any more websites? Not all have a minimum stay.

www.travel.cz

www.athos.cz

www.marys.cz

www.happyhouserentals.com