elaine

thanks for the info
which hotel did you choose?

Amelie1

We went budget, so it will be Denisa "or similar." I've read reviews of Denisa here and on tripadvisor and it sounds just fine, and though it's not central it's right on the metro line, which is good. We're the types who are never at our hotel anyway, so I think it will work out well.

Amelie1

What did people think of the Cubist houses? Worth taking a look at? Any favorite cubist architecture stops? Oh, also - what are some great places for photography (not necessarily snapshots)? Obviously the whole city is amazing, but I wondered if anyone found some particular gems. My list of potential day trips keeps expanding...now underconsideration: Karlovy Vary, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov, and Dresden. Have looked through other posts, and hear good things about each. Help!

Diane17

We are going to Prague through Nordique over the Thanksgiving holiday (yes, I know it's going to be cold) - the deal was too good to pass up! We will be staying at the Hotel Denisa. I'll let what it's like when we return.

h2babe

For anyone who booked the tour already, could you explain more of how the tour is going to be structured. Are we on our own, without a tour guide? (Which is probably better for me since I like to wander on my own) I think Amelie1 said that the customer service wasnt the best?

I checked out the promotion and was shocked of the awesome deals that they have. I am in the process of looking for a destination to go during Xmas break, so this might be my answer.

Mucky

Hi Amelie1,
Last week we were in Prague and took the Funicular tram up to Petrine Hill, there is a mini eiffel tower to climb with great views over the city.
Then when that is done on thr way down there is a bar/restaurant on the half way tram stop to have a beer whilst looking over the city of Prague in all its splendour.

Muck

Amelie1

Diane17 - thanks! I will look forward to hearing about your trip. Mucky - thanks for the tip. We'll definitely have to check out that view. Sounds like a place not to miss, and a great photo op.

H2babe - the package is totally freeform. What you buy is the airfaire and hotel (which includes daily breakfast). There are no organized tours or anything, so exploring is all you. That's the way I like to do things, too.

Re: my customer service comment - The price is incredible, but it is difficult to get through to folks on the phone (you will probably have several tries with a busy signal each time you call. Also, the first person I talked to was exceptionally rude (literally from the point he answered the phone). I opted to gather the background info I needed from him, choose my dates, and call back later on the hopes of working with a better rep. I don't know if they are on commission or anything, but honestly despite my love for travel and the fantastic deal, I don't know if I could have dealt with that first rep for another 2 minutes. Anyway, the second rep was better, not stellar, but fine. He has also been pretty good about keeping in touch with any additional info I needed to provide, and is relatively accessible by email. I try to cut them some slack because I know they must be receiving non-stop calls day in and day out because of these great deals they offer.

Diane17

Amelie1 - You're welcome!

h2babe - just a quick note about booking a tour over the Xmas holiday - make sure that the sites you wish to see will be open. We are going over T-day holiday and have already noticed that a number of places (mainly outside of Prague) are closed - either for the season or repairs during the winter months. As for booking the tour, I agree with Amelie1, be patient with Nordique. I have also found that after you make initial contact with someone there, make sure you get that person's email address. I have had much more luck in getting them to respond via email.

lwinokur

Amelie: Ive just returned from a year of living in prague, and have already sent some of my parents friends, with full recommendations on hotels, day trips, restaurants, ones specificly good for dinner/lunch, etc. If you're interested in more info, email me at [email protected] as i dont come on here too often. Hope I can help, I'd love to!

australena

Marktynernyc, I could not help but wonder why recommending a French restaurant in Prague ahead of so many excellent Czech restaurants?

kittrdg

Charles Bridge at sunrise and sunset and then again after dark when all the building are lit up. A true living fairy tale. Dinenr at Kampa Park restaurant for a fab meal in a nice setting - somewhat hit by the Prague flood they did a ton of work but they also now have a big water barrier that sort of messes up the view but still it's a great ambiance and the waiter's there were so nice when I was traveling alone on business. Chatting making suggestions, etc. Also like the Big Wenceslas Square- sorry my spelling

AHaugeto

australena- Because the restaurant is so gloriously Art Nouveau, in one of the most painstakingly redone Art Nouveau buildings in the world, that if you appreciate how the surroundings and atmosphere may enhance a dining experience, or if you're an architecture buff like Mark, then dining there is an absolute must, even if it's only for a beverage at their bar (ahem!)...

australena

Yes, I do appreciate the atmosphere, i am Prague-born and just came back having spent about eight weeks in Prague and Czech republic. I was not too impressed by the Municipal's House blatant grab for the tourist dollar and having scanned the menus at both the French and the Pilsen restaurants, we decided to give them a miss. But I certainly do recommend to go their cafe for an afternoon tea in the elegant Art Nouveau

australena

Sorry, I managed to send the message off before finishing it. I do recommend the Municipal House elegant Art Nouveau cafe as the place to for a morning or afternoon tea.
A place for a great view while having a snack or drink is the Cafe Slavia on the river end of Narodni trida, right at the opposite corner to the National Theatre. It is rumored to serve the worst coffe in Prague, but it comes with the best views over the Vltava River from its large panorama windows: the Petrin Hill and its miniature Eiffel tower look-out, Hradcany Castle and the Charles Bridge to the right.

AHaugeto

Very true, australena - and the painting of the green fairy is great!