We will be spending one night in Cesky Krumlov in October. The Hotel Dvorak appeals to us but it appears it is not available. Can someone recommend another similar hotel - location near river and not more expensive than the Dvorak. The Dvorak was gong to be a splurge on our budget.
Also please recommend how to book hotels. The rest of our trip was booked for us so this is the only time we will be booking on our own.The Czech language sites intimidate me.
Thank you!

Would you be interested in a B&B or guesthouse? I have never stayed in a hotel in CK so cannot comment on them but have stayed in several B&Bs that are really good. Many sites are in English.

Will you have a car? I'll check out the ones I remember, after I know if you need to park a car.

We stayed at Hotel Old Inn and made
reservations on their website. It was on the square in old town and
very convenient to the castle and all we wanted to see. CK is a not to miss fairy tale place.

I've only been to Hotel Ruze, and it is fantastic. Don't know the price range now, but it is not cheap. It is really awesome, though. October might be cheaper. Look for it on www.travel.cz under "hotels outside of Prague".

Travel.cz lists other, also. Just send them an email & ask for help. They have people online 24/7.

Thank you for all the suggestions.

An inn, B & B, or a guest house would be fine with us. We are looking for "charming." We want to be near the center of things and would love to be close to the river.

We will not have a car as we are taking a bus or a train from Prague.

We have already ruled out the Ruze as it is out of our price range.

Hi Kibby, we are considering staying in this pension after having a recommendation from another poster.
http://www.naostroveck.cz/?artid=1&l...mp;mode=normal

It seems very reasonable, is right on the river. This is quoted from Fodorite Grayer:
"We stayed at Na Ostrove Pension and would stay there again. It is newly renovated, very clean and a good price. We stayed in the apartment on the top floor and had a view of castle. There are lots of steps, so be aware if that is an issue for you. The owners were polite, but not overly friendly. The breakfast was served in their ground floor restaurant. It was a continental spread and it was very generous and more than adequate."

"Castle View" has gorgeous rooms and is smack dab in the centre of the old town. Very pretty. About 15 feet away is a restaurant but it closes early so there is not a noise problem - believe me, I am picky about noise!

"Ve Vezi" is really neat - located in an old stone tower so sort of medieval in feel. Outside the old town but literally 3 minutes' walk.

"Skala" is nice with HUGE breakfasts (we just could not get over the platters and platters and platters of food). However, it is located on the main drag and about 10 minutes' walk from the old town.

"Kapr" is on the water in the old town - lovely rooms. Superb location. "Kadlec" is very good, too.

My first three picks would be "Castle View", "Kapr" and "Ve Vezi". The rooms are all about the same price, about 60 euros or so.

We are staying at the Pension Barbakan in December and all the reviews we have read are very positive. We booked directly with the pension and it was well handled.

http://www.barbakan.cz/index.php?nid=5344&lid=EN

Both the Dvorak & Ruze are very nice but I'm not sure either are worth the $$$ (comparatively speaking). I'd try & spend more than one night as well. I like the Old Inn right on the main square. Take a look @ cesky-krumlov-hotel.cz.

Ah, yes - Barbakan. Although I have not stayed there I have been there and it is nice. Very nice location, too.

Several years ago, my husband and I absolutely loved Mysi Dira (Which translates as "Mouse Hole" !!) I'm not sure of your price range... but it was quite inexpensive and our room looked directly onto the river rushing below us, with the park just beyond that. The room was basic but very clean . The staff was helpful. It was a 4 minute walk from the central square. What a cute town-- and beautiful countryside just beyond.
kawh