I am planning a four-night stay in Prague next September, and am considering these two hotels and the Cloister Inn. We will be a party of four seniors.<BR><BR>Can anyone with personal experience of these places advise on the choice.<BR><BR>Thanks.

The 3 Ostriches is quite homey and the most charming, in an old-fashioned way. I was there a few years ago and enjoyed it, but some of the rooms were small. Suggest you ask to see the room before checking in. You can simply ask for a larger room when you reserve, but that won't guarantee it. I had difficulty getting them to respond to my reservation requests, but I understand they have improved since then and have also made some renovations to the hotel.

I stayed at the House at the Charles Bridge, which is the one that I think that you meant. It is perfectly located on Na Kampa Island, which is a small island on Mala Strana. I had Room 10 which is a very large room with a king sized bed, and a view of the river and the Charles Bridge. The buffet breakfast is excellent, and service is impeccable. My room was cleaned by 10am each morning. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and they all speak fluent English. There is also an excellent restaurant, pub, and outdoor cafe at the hotel. My only suggestion is that you bring your own hair dryer, as the hotel only has a few, and you might not get to borrow it when you need it. The staff arranged a number of tours for me and also arranged pick up at the hotel. Also, you have no fear about noise at this hotel. It was extremely quiet while I was there. I really can't say enough nice things about this hotel. By the way, Na Kampa means Island for Lovers.

I stayed at the Three Ostriches and thought I had figured out their system from their web site. Some rooms have spectacular beamed ceilings so I requested a top floor room thinking it would not only have one of those great ceilings, but would also be high above the noise of the bridge. I never realized there was no elevator, so that fifth floor room became a bit of a climb. Also the top floor rooms are sort of attic or dormer rooms -- not nearly as nice as some of the others. And the bridge "noise" was not really a problem at all.<BR>I'd still stay there but opt for one of the larger rooms on more of a middle floor.

Leslie, did you book the House at Charles Bridge through Cook Travels or did you book it directly? Also, how far of a walk is it to the sites? Thanks.

I booked the hotel through a booking agent, but not Cook Travel. The hotel is 50 meters from the Charles Bridge, and I found it an ideal location to walk to the sites in Praha 1 and 2.