Help me determine if this Prague hotel is in a good location
 

I found this Prague hotel on Trip Advisor. It is called The Icon Hotel (http://www.iconhotel.eu/en/)and gets great reviews. We are planning to spend 4 nights in June - travelling with our kids (ages 12 and 16). My one concern is that it is apparently located near Wenceslas Square, and I have read several comments that WS is not a good place to stay in. None of the reviews ever mentioned anything negative about the neighborhood, but thought I would ask some Fodor's Prague experts their opinion. Here is the link on their website to the map: www.iconhotel.eu/en/directions.php

I'm not exactly familair with V Jame street where the hotel is located but have been to nearby places often. For example got on and off the tram on Vodickova street, been to a nice bar that serve nice inexpensive Thai food, many times.

Good points about that location are there are many possibility for dining, many sites are easily walkable (5 nminutes or so walk to the old town square), or a tram stop is close. Also a historically famous Lucerna Palace shopping mall (with the famous upside down horse) is really close by, I think. Modern, big shopping malls are mostly around this area (that doesn't appeal to me). Depending on your taste of course but overall a very convenient location.

Downside is as you noted Wenceslas Square and its surrounding area are Prague's central for adult oriented places, bars, casinos, perhaps strip clubs, etc, that's ideal for stag party people but not so much for family travellers (from your screen name, are you one?). If you are really interested in this hotel, however, I think you can go for it, just avoid being near the square at night. It's not a problem in the daytime and not that bad at night either. It's just there are quieter, "nicer" areas, such as different parts of the old town or Mala Strana area (under the Castle, on the other side of the Charles Bridge). On tripadvisor Prague forum, the "local experts" usually say similar things. Funny the hotel reviews don't mention it. Perhaps they are all first timers who can not tell about other "nicer" area of Prague? Perhaps they were so happy with the hotel itself that forgot about the minor inconveniences?

Mala Strana is my favourite. Quieter compared to Wenceslas square, yet many possibilities on interesting sites, both by foot, by tram (and Petrin Funicular). If you are a family interested in such, perhaps you want to look up on Residence Mala Strana 3*. They have only junior suites (for max.3 persons) and Senior suites (for max.4 persons). No luxuary but very good price/quality.

Ok, I read your post again. You are a family of 4.

strip joints and jazz clubs mainly. There are nicer places to stay but you will not run out of shops

Thanks for your help. There are two local Prague experts on the TripAdvisor forum who have walked by there, so I may ask them some specific questions. Thanks for the link to Residence Mala Strana. I like the fact that the rooms are all suites - I will keep it in mind if we decide against the Icon.

You might like to read a recent review on Icon Hotel. Might contain useful info.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...e_Bohemia.html

Thanks for the link. I actually saw that review last night.

I had also asked a "local expert" on TA and this is what she said: the Icon is great! The location is fine, yes the square is always busy with tourists, pick pockets and some hookers as night, but not too concerning. If you take care of yourself and do not look like an easy victim, you will be fine. My office is very close and I have not problems whatsoever.

We have travelled a fair amount but really try to avoid the "hookers" so while everything else about it looks great I think we are going to pass.

We are now considering Hotel Josef....

The Hotel Josef is in a fabulous location, in the Old Town a few blocks from the clock tower (and close to the Jewish quarter), but far enough away so you're not right in the throng of tourists.

But I don't think Wenceslas Square is all that bad. It's not my favorite area of Prague (Mala Strana would probably win), but it's not as bad as some make it out to be either. It's just busy and modern and commercial and not as attractive as the older areas (Old Town and Mala Strana). I agree with your friend that said it's "not too concerning."

There is nothing wrong with Wenceslas Square. The famed Prague Opera House is right off of the square. Yes, there are some strip clubs, but you are in a BIG city so get used to seeing things you don't see in Idaho.

The great thing about Wenceslas Sq. is that you can take the Metro from Muzeum Station on the square.

In my opinion, the Charles Bridge is more dangerous than WS. Countless people have had their wallets/purses stolen on the bridge and it is in Mala Strana.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus