Can anyone suggest a boutique-style hotel for a stay over Christmas - I'm thinking something along the lines of the U Pava or Krale Karla, but without the painful prices! Does such a thing exist?

Also, any suggestions for a restaurant for Christmas Day?

Many thanks

I was in prague for christmas in 2001.

I can't help with the hotel but I can tell you that in Prague Christmas day itself is not as important to them as christmas eve. That's when they have their big meal (they eat carp) and exchange presents etc. Most restaurants in the city centre will be open, as will the more upmarket hotels.

Prague is fantastic at Christmas - it's like being in a christmas carol - you'll have a lovely time.

Search www.travel.cz or www.marys.cz and look for prices by date.

how about trying priceline for prague...i just recently got the savoy hotel near the castle for $110....

I really had enjoyed a nice little 4* hotel, tucked into the hill leading to the caste: Hotel U Zlaté studnì, which has a web site. Do not confuse this hotel with the one having the same name and located in the middle of the town.

I stayed at this hotel both pre- and post-flood. Pre-flood, it was marvelous...burberry toiletries, individually decorated rooms, amazing top floor restaurant overlooking the city, with made-to-order breakfasts included on white linen table cloths.

After the flood, there were no more burberry soaps, my room safe did not work, and the made-to-order breakfast was cut-off. It was still nice, but not nearly as special as pre-flood. Obviously, the hotel had suffered big from the down-turn in tourists.

You may give them a call to see if things are back to normal. If so, highly recommended for about 150 Euro per night (double)

Hello,
We have reservations this month at the Pension Deintzenhofer (sp?) located in Mala Strana. I believe the cost is about $120 for a double, includes breakfast. It is located in a 16th century building, former home of a famous Czech architect. They have a website where you can view a photo. I think it looks cute and very European! Other posters on this board have recommended it.

We just stayed at the Hotel Certovka, a boutique hotel in Mala Strana, situated right next to the Charles Bridge. Our rate was 164 Euros per night, but I believe better deals are now available. It was recommended by TimeOut.com, and I would easily stay there again. It is not as luxurious or old-worldly as the U Pava, but I found it intimate, tasteful and modern and we had a romantic view of the bridge and canal below. However, they do not have a bar or restaurant (except for the morning breakfast). Their website is www.certovka.com.

I also checked out the Bishop's House (my other choice), a block away from the Certovka. Couldn't view the rooms but the public rooms downstairs were very nice.

Also try www.travelcook.com. They post discounted rates and are an excellent booking resource.

Wherever you end up, do walk across the Charles Bridge at daybreak, when the gaslights are still on. It is simply magical.

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. We now have reservations at the Golden Star, which I believe is part of the same group as the Bishop's House - website is www.hotelgoldenstar.com. Any comments on this?

And can anyone recommend a restaurant for Christmas Day?

The Golden Star is located at the top of the hill next to Prague Castle. A very atmospheric location but you'll have to walk up and down the hill each day to get to the nearest tram or to Mala Strana/Charles Bridge in general. It's a 10-15 minute walk to the Charles Bridge. I personally would stay closer to the bridge.

We had a lovely dinner in Mala Strana at the U Maltézskych rytír<caron>u? (At the Knights Table), which is recommended by most guide books. The cellar room is intimate and romantic. Our dinner for two with wine was under $50. The taverna and restaurant in the Municipal House in Stare Mesto has fantastic art nouveau style decor but we did not get a chance to dine there.
Most restaurants are small so do make reservations way in advance.

You'll have a marvelous time.

rhkkmk

The Savoy hotel in Prague for $110????? That is amazing!!! Unless they are renting a broom closet somewhere in the hotel that I don't know about. We recently stayed at the Savoy Hotel and it is GREAT, but the visa bill that I am staring at right now is shocking.

We just returned from Prague & stayed at the Golden Star.(Hotel Zlata Hvezda) Very comfortable, I highly recommend it. Nice quiet neighborhood. Be sure to ask for one of the large rooms--some rooms are a little tight & the large ones with the spacious bathrooms are what you see on their site.

We too are thinking about Prague and environs over the holidays. Has anyone experienced any problems with things being closed, it being more difficult to get around, etc.?