We're tentatively planning to stop over in Cesky Krumlov for a couple nights at the end of October -- we'll be coming from Vienna and heading to Prague. Do we need reservations or do you think its OK to just look for a hotel when we arrive? Anyone out there know if its crowded there that time of year? We'll be there over a weekend -- not sure if that makes any difference or not. I'm getting more and more concerned about the weather and maybe if it turns really cold and rainy it might not be worth stopping over. Any comments or advice? Thanks!

I never really quit understand why people want to avoid maiing reservations. Check out Pension Barbakan - - or read http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34521012

Best wishes,

Rex

I know....I hate not having reservations either but my reasoning is that if the weather is bad (cold, rainy, etc.) it might not be worth all the trouble it is to get there (4-5 hours). I'm kind've figuring that it might be nice to leave it as an option and if we just don't want to deal with the hassle of getting there we could add a night to Vienna and Prague instead or maybe stop somewhere else in between that's more convenient. If it does end up raining -- are there still things to do and see there?

DH and I will be there Oct 22 through 24. We'll be coming from Prague and heading for Munich. The prospect of cold and rainy doesn't bother us. We have a rez at the Barbikan, thanks to Rex' recommendation.

Where are you staying in Prague?

I would probably make reservations. It is a popular town, and you could probably find a place on the spot, but you never know if there is a special event or group in town, so I would be on the safe side. I have been there in the pouring rain, and just did shopping & the castle tour. There are also a lot of concerts there, and some museums.

I think it would be ok to go without reservations. We were there the first of November last year and would have been ok. I made reservations ahead, and we were the only ones at our hotel (Dum U Vaclava). The restaurants weren't full then either.

I don't know how the end of October compares to early March in terms of visitors, but when we were there earlier this year, we could have had our choice of any place in town that was open. We had reservations at U Maleho Vitka, but we certainly didn't need them. I don't think we saw twenty-five other tourists during the two days that we were there. There will probably be a few more visitors in October since the castle is open; from November through March, it is closed. By the way, the Maleho Vitka was nice-- about 30 meters off the main square toward the castle, relatively inexpensive, with a good restaurant.

Thanks for the replies. I think I might cancel our reservation and just play it by ear. I've reserved at Pension Anna but had to get a suite -- they said their standard rooms have one bed and as we're two women traveling together we want separate beds. Anyone stay at Pension Anna? I'm thinking there might be better options. We're really not that picky -- we just want comfortable and convenient but most importantly two beds and inexpensive.

Betsy, we're going to Prague after CK and have rented an apartment (probably more like a studio) through Prague Rooms for approx $108 US per night. Its in Mala Strana on Nerudova St. I'm a little nervous about it but I'm sure it'll be just fine. Anyone have any comments about that area? I'll be sure and write up a report about it when we return.

If you are just looking for a simple place to stay in Cesky Krumlov, I'd suggest Pension Na louzi right in the center of everything. We ate lunch there and I checked on the rooms, there were several available and they were very inexpensive.

My husband and I stayed at the Pension Anna in Oct 2004. We did not make reservations in advance and had no problem finding a room. There are plenty of places on Rooseveltova Street. You can either stop at the tourist center and have them call around for you for availability or just walk to Rooseveltova, knock on doors and find a place. The Pension Anna did not charge for parking as some of the other places. I thought the place was fine.

Correction to previous post...Stayed at Pension Anna in 2003.

Hi CollK -

I see you went with an apartment over House Avalon! I took a look on the website and it looks great! Nerudova street is an excellent location as it is the main street that connects the Charles bridge to the Castle.

It looks like the building is centrally located near Malostranska namesti - a great location as you can see St Nikolas church from the rooms. This street is very well travelled at all times so I would not have any concerns about wandering around at nightfall.

Please write a trip report on the apartments - they look perfect for a longer stay.

Hi Hana, thanks for the information about the Prague apartment. We lost House Avalon because the booking agent didn't tell me that he needed the control number on the back of my cc so by the time I sent it to him the Avalon filled up. At the time I was really annoyed but I'm sure what we have will turn out just fine -- the location seems a little better. Of course its more expensive ...oh well. I'll definitely write up a report when we return.

Cesky Krumlov has an excellent Infocentre right at the Svornosti (main) square = Namesti Svornosti.

INFOCENTRUM Cesky Krumlov
Namesti Svornosti 2
381 01 Cesky Krumlov
E-mail : [email protected]
Tel. +420 380 704 623
Fax +420 380 704 619
They arrange accommodation on the spot, have a large album listing all properties and with photos. They also help you with travel and seightseeing info. They are a young team (age-wise), very enthusiastic and helpful. I dealt with Miss Matejkova over Internet, then personally and was most impressed by the help she and her colleagues gave us.
By the way, there is a great little restaurant next to the Infocentre, down a little tunnel -like arcade, called Mastal. Great food, freshest salads, large serves and cheerful service. Whatever you do, do avoid a restaurant directly across the main square from the Infocentre (you see it when you turn your back at the Infocentre). They have an outside "garden" - as do others, but have a picture menu just near the entrance. All meals look lovely on the photos, but the food served is awful, the service slow and the staf very un-enthusiastic.

I don't know how far you have gone in making reservations in Cesky Krumlov, or if you are just going to wing it. LLC's comment above reminded me that we stayed at Pension Na louzi a few years ago. It is a very, very old building and was very interesting to stay in. The food at the restaurant was WONDERFUL! Even if you don't stay there, consider eating there. Be sure to have the fruit dumplings! They made them special for us one evening about 10 p.m. We had had our dinner there, but were too full for dessert at that time! Hope you have a wonderful trip and that you'll be sure to do a trip report for us.