Am planning a trip to Prague in Nov for a 40th birthday celebration. Would love the 4 Seasons, but that is a little too $$'s. Am looking at the Riverside Hotel, Le Palais and Palace. Any recommendations on what is a true 4/5 star experience?

Top this. I am also looking for a great place to stay next summer.

I have no idea what you consider a little too $$s, but the Bellagio is nice. We're staying there in November at 102 euro a night--rack rate is around 180 for a double.

I'm checking prices now and then to see if they go any lower.

I just stayed at the Hotel Pariz in July, and that was a true 4* experience. It was a wonderful hotel, and has an excellent location not far from Old Town square. I much prefer it's location to any you have named, even the Four Seasons, but that is personal preference, of course.

I have stayed at the Riverside Hotel several times, and always enjoyed my stay. I think it is a great choic if you don't want to stay at the Four Seasons The hotel is right on the river, across the street from the "Dancing Building" (Fred and Ginger Building). It is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Charles Bridge. The rooms in the front and on the right side of the building (as you face it from the street) have great views, esp the rooms on the top floor which are large junior suites with balconies and a fantastic view of the castle. The hotel is small and quiet and the staff is very attentive. It is mabye 3 years old and decorated in a modern style, but not sleek and cold, lots of bright stripe fabrics and big furniture. Bathrooms are great. You can walk across the bride to the tram lines running to the old town and Jewish Quarter, or walk a few blocks behind the hotel to the tram line running to Mala Strana. Drawbacks are that there are no restaurants or shopping in the area (other than the restaurant in the Dancing Building, the Perle de Prague, which is excellent, Laperle.cz).

Here are my notes on the various rooms at the Riverside Hotel:

605 – junior suite with balcony, great castle and river views. Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Has a round "bulls-eye" window framing the castle.

604 – junior suite with balcony, great castle views. Combined tub/shower, less closet space than 605 but still adequate. Also has a round "bulls-eye" window framing the castle.

505 and 504 – large rooms, no balconies. 504 is a corner room with good river and castle views.

405, 407 – large standard/deluxe rooms, nice views, better view is from 405

404 – nice room on river front, but small size, would be better for one person.

Thanks for the recommedations, I am booking at the Riverside. I like the idea of being a little out of the way and having a nice view of the river on top of it. Will let you know how the trip goes!