I have traveled to Prague once a year for five years, and like Hotel Na Kampe, but am wondering about other hotels that have a close location to the city centre and are reasonable and are "European" and not "Western" hotels. Any recommendations?? I also will be travelling outside of Prage and speak Czech any recommendations beside Krumlov for a stay??<BR><BR>Thanks/ dekuju

Of course, it depends on how long or how far you want to go outside of Prague, but these are all closer than Krumlov: I like Ceske Budejovice, Konopiste, Kutna Hora, and Plzen.

Have you tried staying in a Czech House? Lots of locals let parts of their homes out to tourists. We stayed with a family of musicians and it was indeed special. We went back a few weeks ago to stay with them again after three years. <BR><BR>In those weeks, we also stayed in Hoffmeister and Ambassador as the family had their apartment booked up. At the end of it all, the best place to stay still ended up being their apartment. And yes, it is very central, in Mala Strana.<BR><BR>-brownie

We enjoyed Karlovy Vary. It's a spa town and was interesting for that reason. We stayed two nights, about right. Permitted a full day to just walk the town. The Russian Orthodox Church on the hill above the town is amazing--such blue rooftops. Just driving in the Czech countryside is wonderful. Very unspoiled. You'll love Cesky Krumlov.

Brownie,<BR><BR>I am intrigued with the idea of staying with a family. I speak some Czech might enjoy this experience. How do you find out about how to link up with a family?

Hey Joe, <BR><BR>On our first Prague visit 3 years ago, I booked an apartment through Tom's travel and found this place. The whole family are musicians and we would hear them practise. And they were most helpful. We were looking for a laundromat and so we asked them (after giving up looking) and the wife just said that we should give the washing to her .. so we did and she did our washing - and would you believe it, even ironed our stuff. That was a real surprise considering we were backpacking around. They wouldn't take anything for it so I ended up getting her some flowers at the end of our stay. <BR><BR>Onthe last day, the husband mentioned that he will be part of a small chamber music group playing on the day we were actually leaving. So we ended up staying an extra day and that's when we realised that half of what we paid the agent, they got. So we ended up going with him to his concert which was really good ... and then walked back with him. It was a real enjoyable time. <BR><BR>I must point out that we didn't "stay" with them as in share with their meals or anything. We could come and go as we pleased from their really nice apartment. ($60/night - sleeps 5)<BR><BR>This time we went back again and they're still as nice as ever. And since we booked directly with them (we had their number), we only paid 1/2 what we would pay the agent. <BR><BR>-brownie <BR>

Brownie,<BR><BR>So if I understand correctly, you stayed in an apartment that they own? I would be interested in this arrangement. Could you tell me more about where the flat is in Mala Strana and if you would, email me directly some more information. ([email protected]).. Thanks Brownie...<BR><BR>Joe

Brownie,<BR><BR>If you could be so kind, you may be able to help me with the other leg of my trip. I will be traveling with a friend and teaching in Moscow. I would like the name of the agency that set you up with an apartment.<BR><BR>Thanks.<BR><BR>Joe