Prague - 4 Seasons or Marriott
 

Fom the searches I have done it seems like these are two good hotels to stay in (providing the 4 Seasons will have flood damage repaired by May). I THINK I have narrowed the choice down between the two of them, but I am wondering which has the more convenient location to the main sights of Prague.<BR><BR>Thank you in advance.

I forgot to also include the Maximilan Hotel as a possibility.<BR><BR>Thank you

ttt

They are both pretty convenient, but I suppose some folks might think the Four Seasons as it's right on the river near Charles Bridge. The Marriott is near Namesti Republicky metro stop which isn't far from the center at all, either, but you would have to take the metro or walk much farther if you wanted to go around the bridge or to Mala Strana, the part of town on the other side of the river. I don't want to be around the bridge that much myself, because that's where it is most crowded with tourists and hawkers, but that's my own thing (I don't like crowds).<BR><BR>I've stayed in the Maximilian twice because it's such a nice hotel and in a quieter, less touristy area near several good local cafes/bakeries. It's very near a tram stop and bus line, and about 4 blocks from the Namesti Republicky metro stop. I like the area a lot and find it convenient and pleasant, but strictly speaking it would not be the most convenient one by that measure. I prefer hotels that are not in the busiest tourist spots, whereas other folks prefer to be in the crowds just outside the door. It depends on what you plan to do in Prague, also. I think the Maximilian and Marriott are more convenient to some things that I like doing (Municipal HOuse, some music shops I know, day-tour bus company pickup points, some favorite cafes and restaurants of mine, etc.).

We were in Prague the end of October, and stayed at the Maximilan. We were very pleased with it. The room was well furnished but a little small, the bath modern, great breakfast and helpful and professional staff. We were pleased with the location. It's about a 5 minute walk to the Old Town Square. The street is quiet but there are several restaurants and nice bars close. If we return to Prague, and I hope we do, we will stay there again.

The Four Seasons is closed until next spring 2003, due to flood damage. AT least that is what they told me when I called last week to make a reservation. Have fun

Prices?? on Maximillian???

The Maximilian is a Golden Tulip hotel and you can find into on that web site (which also links to Utell, I think). They imply they want you to book directly through Utell, but I FAXed them myself because UTELL said there were no vacancies during my desired dates--I got a room when FAXing directly. I think the prices were no different, though. I did book through UTELL the first time and that went fine.<BR><BR>In peak season, I think rooms range from about 160-225 euro. They are very nice rooms and larger than many European hotels (in my experience, I was surprised someone else on here said they thought the rooms were small--if you book at the lower end of the range, they are smaller, I think). They used to be a lot cheaper (about $50 per night) when they first started just a few years ago (the mgt company bought and renovated an old town house), unfortunately, I guess they got very popular. They have had some good writeups and have been recommended quite a bit (like in the NYT Sunday travel section, etc). You can now find them mentioned on several other general hotel booking sites, also, I think.