After watching this board for several weeks, and searching the net, am still unsure what to do--book an apartment or try for a 5 star hotel on Priceline? Have never rented an apartment before but the hotel prices are giving us pause--especially when you consider that rates for a barebones room in a hostel for two people is about the price of a priceline room. Rates for July/August on Priceline for a 5 star hotel (e.g., Marriott, Hilton) are going for about $74-79 US per night. A 1 BR apartment next to Pachtuv Palace, Old Town is $95 US per night for rent by owner. A 2 BR studio located near the castle for about 86 euros per night. Is air conditioning needed or desirable early August? Do you really use the kitchen facilities when in Prague? What about comparable location for these hotels and apartments? Hassle factor of getting keys, not having someone to ask questions etc.? Thanks so much.

Two or three years ago I would vote overwhelmingly for Priceline, but now that Shatner's on TV 24/7 I find it's not the bargain it once used to be. I never get 5 or even 4 star rooms for under $100 a pop anymore. Are the numbers you're coming up with from Bidding.com? I don't trust what's posted on that site any longer.

I've actually had better luck with Booking.com. I'd consider the apartment route, but I would greatly miss those Eastern European bounteous buffet breakfasts. And I loved the food in Prague. Half the fun for us was eating out at the many beer joints or Pivos.

A big thing to keep in mind if Prague is that if you have a car, it is really rough trying to find a parking space. If you find one, don't use the car the whole time you're in town. And check it continually for break-ins or vandalism. They have a real problem with rented vehicles with out-of-country plates.

Why not try Priceline, look at www.betterbidding.com and if you don't get a bite on your maximum bid go for the apartment.

I like the services most 4-5* hotels can give when in a foreign country, but many don't care. Just asking questions daily and coming home to a made bed is luxury to me!

I LOVE Priceline but do a lot of research ahead of time. Only recently in London I opted for a bought hotel when I had to keep bidding higher than I wanted . Good luck with your decision.

I used Priceline and got a 5* in Athens at $70US, plus tax for July 2nd.

Always do best bidding 5* 4* bidding priceline.

Usually Meridens Marriotts Sheratons from $80

Puts everything else to shame valuewise

Otel.com out of Istanbul good budget moderate

they give you a voucher for best lodging of the night

and rebate you $5-40 back after you check out

to use on a future booking.. one fee no tax extra charges

my secend fav way to do it if you do not want to bid

Priceline/Hotwire.

Apartments many scammers usually do not work out cheap for me

unless a group... never wire money beware Craiglist.org

insuremytrip.com always wise...

Happy Hunting,

Actually we have already bid successfully for Amsterdam for mid August, 3 nights for $85 plus tax: NH Amsterdam Centre. The Total Room Cost: $295.17 (USD). We found the information on the boards to be accurate as to how much the hotels were going for on Priceline. Supposedly a 4 star hotel near the museums, 4 circle reviews on Tripadvisor. The hotel lists for 195-206 PER NIGHT on their and other websites. That was our very first experience with Priceline. I just don't know for Prague whether priceline is the way to go, or an apartment.