Prague: Old Town vs. Little Quarter
 

Finalizing my hotel in Prague for the end of October. Waiting to hear from a couple hotels. Have heard from one - Metamorphis, just off the Old Town Square - for $125 a night. They also just opened a new hotel - Constans, located between Charles Bridge and the Castle for the same rate. Any preference / comments / suggestions regarding the Old Town vs. Little Quarter?<BR><BR>My interests include art nouveau architecture and dining out. <BR><BR>Any suggestions are appreciated, thanks.

Mark, We are going next month and were lucky to rent a 4 star apartment in an excellent Old Town location for 3750CZ per night(around $111.)It has photos on their website and it looks very nice with both a tub and shower, fully furnished (not that I'm going to cook)but we'll make coffee for sure,even has a washing machine, a balcony and internet access. We've found that we love having the extra room when we stay for several days in a city even though it's just the two of us. The price includes breakfast and airport pickup when we arrive. I was told that it is an excellent, very central location. If you'd like, feel free to email me. It came highly recommended to me by someone else who stayed there. Marcie

The Hotel Metamorphesus is in an enclosed square in front of the Tyn Church. In front of the enclosed square where the Hotel Metamorphesus is, is the Old Town Square, where the Jan Hus statue and Astrological Clock is. The area is very lively, and can be on the noisier side in the evening. However, being that the Hotel Metamorphesus is in an enclosed square, I probably would not worry too much about the noise, as it should be buffered, but I wanted to bring it to your attention. I didn't stay there, but I did consider it. It seems to be a very nice hotel, but it has a restaurant underneath, and there is also a lounge with music, so that could possibly be a noise concern. It is however, very well located. If noise is a concern, and you want to get a restful night's sleep, look at the hotels in the Mala Strana district - on the castle side of the river. The Mala Strana district does have restaurants, but not any night clubs, so the noise level is much lower. Saying all of that, I stayed at the House at the Charles Bridge (Na Kampe 15) on Mala Strana, and it was perfectly situated and a great hotel. I would definitely stay there again.

I'm sure you can have a nice time either way, but I would prefer Old Town myself because I think it's more central. For me, it's more central, but that may be partly my interests, of course. I think you can see art nouveau architecure while sightseeing around Prague, and be sure to go to the Alphonse Mucha museum. I prefer to stay near the Jewish Quarter myself, or in-between there and Namesti Republicky metro stop, because it's quieter than right in Old Town square or around Charles Bridge (where I don't really like, at least on the Old Town side). There are lots of art nouveau building specimens in the area I stay, actually, which is around place Hastalska. I don't think I'd want to stay right at Tyn Church, but my fears could be wrong--I would just think it might be very noisy. Up near the castle seems somewhat inconvenient to me for public transportation and because it's so hilly. Have you checked out exactly where that hotel is in relation to a metro stop? I wouldn't want to depend on that one tram line that goes to the castle.

Thank you for your comments.<BR><BR>Constans is supposedly 300 meters from Charles Bridge. I've also sent a request to Certovka Hotel (which is facing Kampa island), The Golden Well and Na Kampe 15. I was surprised to learn that the end of October is still considered high season. <BR><BR>Got "Avant Guide, Prague" - good reference and rec's.

I take it you haven't been to Prague before. We went last Fall and my sense is anything in the Old Town area will do fine as far as your ability to get to everything. You'll love the Art Nouveau which is prevalent all over the city--I second the Mucha Museum! I would probably opt for a hotel on the other side of the river from the castle. Enjoy the beer, food and real old world architecture! By the way, noise is a part of life in Prague what with late night drinking and cobblestones which magnify everyone's footsteps--I always say, "If you can't beat them, join them".

We too were able to rent a 1 bedroom apartment while in Prague. It was Fantastic and just 2 minutes from Old Town Clock. We had twice the room as a hotel room and it only cost us $90.per night which included breakfast. Go with the apartment if you can, you'll love the roominess. Email me and I'll be happy to look up the info and contact(we were there during 2001). You don't have to rent for a whole week like some cities in Europe. We've stayed in lots of upscale hotels throughout Europe; but this was the best of all our finds. Tommi

To several of you that recommended an apartment, I'd love to hear from you. This sounds like a wonderful idea. We would like to stay in Old Town. Even a studio apartment would work for us....as long as it has a coffee pot for my mornings. A washing machine would be an added treat as I normally do some hand washing in the bathtubs. Also, I like the idea of a balcony. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you, Ida

I've gotten a couple replies that are quoting $225 a night ( for that I'll stay at the Four Seasons). My avant guide says to ask for the "best corporate rate". While I like the idea of an apartment a friend has decided to join me ( it's his first time to Europe ) so I think a hotel would be better. The Intercontinental is quoting $180 a night but I'm not interested in staying in a chain (it's really ugly architecture on the outside). I've also gone through a couple hotel brokers and their quoting lower prices compared to when I talk to the hotel directly. I'm going to try an haggle - I'll let you know.<BR><BR>Once again, thanks for the suggestions and I'll share what I find as I go along.<BR><BR>Czech Airlines is offering $525 rd trp ($588 including taxes) direct from NYC to Prague, during October.

Anyone checked out this url<BR>http://www.budapesthotels.com/

$225 a night does seem rather high to me, in general, except for the top hotels, of course. Some European cities have high seasons in Fall due to lots of business, conventions, special shows, etc., it's not just related to tourists. In Prague, Sept-Oct are the highest rate seasons in some places, higher than August. Low season starts at the very end of October (ie 10/29) from rates I've seen.<BR><BR> You didn't ask about the hotel I prefer, but if you're interested, it's the 4-star Hotal Maximilian. It's a Golden Tulip property, but that doesn't mean anything regarding chain style, as their hotels are small, individually owned properties. This hotel is wonderful and the rooms are absolutely huge; it is very comfortable and charming (it's a renovated older townhouse). I really like the location because it's within walking distance to Old Town square (and the Jewish Quarter), near public transportation to easily get other places, but it's in a quieter, less touristy location. There are good Art Nouveau buildings in surrounding blocks, and several terrific very cheap restaurants nearby (continental, French bistro, Greek, local Czech, etc). I am paying about $175 end of May. If you would consider the Intercontinental (and I agree it's ugly), this is in a more convenient location IMO. You can book them through Utell (if it works), but I book with them directly. They are on lots of web sites so maybe your broker has them if you have any interest; they might have corporate rates also. Here is one web site with descriptions and photos<BR>http://www.hotelsprague.org/maximilian/

Try [email protected]<BR>We booked a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with large livingroom, apartment in Old Town through them (but this is for 2 couples). They probably handle Hotel rentals as well. They're SO EFFICIENT with quick reply. Jill

Mark,<BR>I just realized that I gave you their email address (previous posting) and not the website. The website is www.travel.cz<BR>I just checked it out and they do book hotels as well as theater tickets, transfers, guided tours etc. It is one stop shopping. Good Luck!

Thanks for all the suggestions. <BR><BR>I'm also looking into arranging a couple personal guided walking tours - one specifically focused on art nouveau architecture. Being that this is my friend's first time to Europe I don't want to be doing a lot of hand holding - it is after all, my vacation also. Has anybody arranged a personal guided tour while in Prague?

Leslie Strauss (knows Prague very well and has posted on Fodors) highly recommended her guide named Sabina. We have her booked during our stay. She will email you detailed choices. I believe the rate for 2 of us is approximately $9 per hr. Sabina's email address is: [email protected]

Hi Mark<BR>We have a son in Prague - visited with our 2 daughters at the end of march. Two things - Prague is small, you can walk anywhere and, second, be sure you bring thick soled, comfortable shoes - all streets are cobblestone. I would go for Mala Strana - much quieter and easy access over the Charles to Old Town. We stayed in an apartment at the base of the bridge www.lunborg.se Planned our trip with Peter (Czech)[email protected]. he was helpful. <BR>Prague is very inexpensive, beautiful and the Czechs readily speak english. For those of you who haven't booked yet, check out(no pun) the Czech Air specials.

My co-worker, who worked in Prague for 3 years, highly recommended the area between Malna Strana and Stare Mesto. I was surprised to learn that scenes from Amadeus and Les Miserable (sp?) were filmed in this area. My co-worker felt that Stare Mesto had become a bit too touristy - a bit too trafficed. <BR><BR>The Avant Guide, Prague has proven to be very useful.

I second the recommendation for Sabina. She is wonderful! She is an international studies graduate student, speaks perfect English, and has great knowledge of art, history, etc. We just returned yesterday and wish we would have booked her for longer tours! She beats the price of the organized tours and gives personal attention! Her e-mail is [email protected]

Mark,<BR>This may be posted too late for you and you have already booked, but I can thoroughly recommend the Constans. Its located on Bratislavova some 200yds uphill from the American Embassy. Very handy for everything, but just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist routes to ensure that it remains relatively calm. I was there early June this year

Thanks Jay - <BR>I decided to go with Constans. I don't go until October though. Now I'm trying to decide on restaurants and a personal guide.