Am going to be staying at the Hotel Olympyk which is outside Prague in Karlin. Has anyone ever stayed there? Is it far from the city? Should I stay right in the city? Would it be too much of a hassle to get to the city from this hotel? What about the City Center Hotel which would be another possible choice for me?

Hi, Pup! <BR> <BR>Don't know much about these two hotels. Wife & I were in Prague a couple of weeks ago for vacation and stayed at Hotel William Garni in Mala Strana section. Nice place but room was somewhat small. Lots of street construction in this area also. <BR> <BR>Wherever you wind up should be convenient to the city if indeed you don't find something right in the city itself. <BR> <BR>Bob

I haven't stayed in either one, but they are both probably about same level quality (which is not high, they are budget hotel) but diff. styles. Hotel Olympik is one of those cheap modern Prague hotels from bygone Communist era, older and showing it. The City Centre is perhaps cheap and modern on inside but is a renovation in an older building, and newer, so probably in better condition; it's smaller, also, I think the Olympik is large and caters to large tour groups. I would definitely stay in the City Centre with that choice. It is an excellent location right near one of the main metro stops and a short walk to Old Town Sq, banks, dept store, the art nouveau Municipal House, etc. It is a great location and right on a tram line, also. The other is billed as being right next to a metro stop, I haven't been there -- but that is a suburb, Karlin (very old suburb, BTW, first one in Prague), and so you will not want to do anything around your hotel probably and have to get to/from other spots. It would be a hassle to me, but I don't know your preferences on that -- probably 10-15 min subway ride but add in the time in the station, waiting, etc. I've heard the metro can be dicey late at night, also, so be on alert for that. That hotel is used by some budget tour group, Summit, I think, and I read some customer comments on it in the Frommer's daily newsletter (one very negative regarding service and quality, as I recall--you can search their newsletters and perhaps find it). Oh, Karlin is an ordinary decent suburb, I believe -- I think I was out there once by mistake actually as I took the tram the wrong way, so there's nothing wrong with it, I just always think it's a mistake to not stay as close to city center as you can when traveling.

Pup, I would suggest taking Filip's advice by not choosing the Olympik. We went to Prague late last year using Summit Tours and we decided to not use the Olympic, instead going with the Cloister Inn. We were glad that we did, nice hotel, good location. It cost us a little more, but was worth it. Being in Old Town or the Mala Strana is probably best.<BR><BR>Prague is a great city and easy to get around in. Great restaurants and terrific sights.

Pup, which hotel did you finally choose?<BR>I'm also planning a trip to Prague in early April and have seen the hotel accommodations offered through Summit Tours - Hotel Olympyk and City Center seem to alright. I'm leaning towards the Cloister Inn as Lee suggests, but still looking. Anyone have suggestions for the Old Town or Mala Strana areas?

I would definitely get a hotel in Old Town area. Make sure if you are driving the hotel has off street parking. I saw tons of cars with wheel locks in the morning that were parked on the street. <BR>We stayed at the Cloister Inn and felt that for the money it was a very nice hotel and the street was quiet. The room was as large as any economy hotel in the US. You were within walking distance of everything and the staff spoke English very well and were extremely helpful.

Been too 3 hotels in pragu. I now stay only at one. It is called the Hotel Julian. Very near the charles bridge , the Opera house, and 5 minute walk to the Vlata river.<BR>Smaller hotel but staff is great. Has airport pick up for small fare and also they can take you on tours easy.<BR>I have stayed there 3 times and a friend has stayed there 5 times. we both will stay at not any other there.<BR>Price is good and comes with a breakfast.<BR>Staff speaks excellant english and has website.<BR>drop me a line and i can send you the website.<BR>Just came back at the end of November and am going back in jan . Same hotel .<BR>Dan

For the latter posters, we stayed at Penzion Balbin on Balbinova near the Muzeum Metro & Wenceslas Square--5-10 minute walk to just about anywhere, reasonable price, good buffet breakfast, clean room with shower & toiilet, nice English-speaking staff.

we just returned from Prague where we stayed at the last minute at the Hotel Paris near the old town. Can't say enough about the room and location. For $150 US, the hotel is an art deco gem. The room was large, the bath huge and elegant; the restaurant excellent. After a night train from Wurtzburg, we were so grateful when even with our early arrival, our room was ready. Strongly recommended.

Hi Susanne,<BR>I read your comments regarding hotel Paris, do you think you can provide me with any telephone number and the website??<BR>thanks a lot, Luz Maria from Mexico

Another vote for the Cloister Inn. Amazing full breakfast, helpful staff, perfect location for walking to Old Town, Charles Bridge, etc. Ask to visit its sister property, Pensione Unitas, in back to see the cell where President Havel was detained. We were lucky enough to see him at the palace during a state visit by the Prince of Spain! Find Bohemia Bagel,up by Hradcany--great fun value and all the ice you'd want. Loved Prague. Best beer--Pilsner Urquell. Never had a bad meal. For trips outside Prague, email Alena at [email protected]. The best. Would go back to Prague tomorrow!

That name is Hotel Pariz in Czech and here is its web site:http://www.hotel-pariz.cz/hall_en.html<BR>It's on a lot of hotel booking sites, also. It is a very nice place and a great location.

Seems like the Hotel Paris in Prague gets thumbs up. Anybody have any other ideas?

If you want to spend $150. Since I am only in the hotel room to sleep, I want a safe central location, clean, restroom facilities in room, comfortable bed and a good breakfast. We were in Prague in November, 1997, and paid $35 for 2 at Penzion Balbin. I think it is up to $55 but is a couple of blocks from the Muzeum Metro & Wenceslas Square. It is on the top floors of an apartment building with locked door to outside (elevator after 1st flight). There is parking outside on a side street. The staff is friendly and English-speaking. The guests are from all over Europe, the buffet breakfast is one of the best in Prague (according to the local guide). You can get more information at nethotels.com or www.avetravel.cz

There are so many hotels in Prague. safety is not a problem. I personally think that it is alot of money for a hotel there if you pay $150. There are many that are much much cheaper that can be suggested. all safe.<BR>I have been to prague 6 times in past 2 years and am going back for a couple of days on my return trip from cyprus.<BR>I like it that much! <BR>Dano