Neighbourhoods, Places to Stay

There is a wide choice of accommodation in Prague, from intimate, romantic hotels based in historical townhouses, to international luxurious chain hotels, such as the Ibis, Hilton and Crowne Plaza. There are also B&Bs and budget hostels, as well as smaller boutique hotels. Furthermore, a new trend has emerged of renting a Prague apartment for a short-term period, which is particularly popular among bigger groups who prefer more self-catering and privacy. [pullquote]Accommodation prices in the city are not dirt cheap anymore, as they once were during the 1990s when the country first started to embrace travellers from the west. Rather, they are comparable with other areas, such as nearby Vienna.[/pullquote]

Hotel Prices

In the centre of Prague, a mid-range hotel will cost about 150 EUR during the high season. Away from the centre, this may fall to approximately half that price. A top-range hotel will cost 150 EUR upwards, with the top luxury hotels charging more than 200 EUR. Budget hotels charge under 80 EUR for a twin or double room. However, this is only a guide. Check the online offers because many hotels always have special offers available, apart from during the Xmas and Easter holidays. Generally, the high-season rates will cover April-June, September, October, and the Xmas / New Year holiday period. July and August are mid-seasons, while the remainder of the year will be classed as low-season. During this period, the rates can be 30% or 40% lower. Even the rates during high season can increase by as much as 20% on specific dates. This is particularly true during Easter, New Year and throughout the Spring festival in Prague. It is also true over weekends (Thursdays to Sundays) in May, June and September.

The price for a short stay in a self-catering apartment will be similar to a room in a mid-range hotel. This ensures reduced transportation costs, good access to inexpensive food locally, and the ability to come and go whenever you please.

Hotel Locations

Many hotels are found around Wenceslas Square in New Town. It is the hub of everything, and the prices of the hotels mostly reflect this. Other popular areas include the area around Old Town Square (a few minutes walk from Charles Bridge) and the area near Náměstí Republiky (near the Palladium shopping mall). Hotels here include large, international establishments, old-fashioned Czech places, and small, much more exclusive hotels and holiday apartments.

There are several cheaper hotels to the south and west in New Town, and only a few metros stop from Old Town Square. But the area is less picturesque, and some of the streets suffer from heavy volumes of traffic.

For a view of the river Vltava, stay in the Jewish Quarter, although most hotels here are expensive. There are also a few botels moored along the embankments not far away from the city centre. These can be a good option for budget travellers and make for an unusual stay.

Over Charles Bridge, in the Little Quarter, you will find a handful of interesting hotels in delightful surroundings, but there are far fewer by Prague Castle in Hradčany. A good choice is Nerudova street, leading to Prague Castle.

But you do not necessarily have to stay in historical quarters; other nearby neighbourhoods like Vinohrady, Smíchov and Žižkov are just a few tram stops (5 to 10 minutes) from the Old Town, but you might get a much cheaper deal. Those locations offer good parking options and excellent restaurants, clubs and shopping.

Staying in the city’s suburbs is not greatly recommended. You will spend extra time and costs getting to the city centre. The suburban areas might not have good facilities and restaurants nearby. The hotels in the centre and public transport might not be very convenient, considering that the last metro stops at midnight.

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Hradčany and Prague Castle

This area is convenient for castle access and normally a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood. However, there is a restricted selection of restaurants, only a few bars, and a steep uphill trek from the nightlife in Lesser Town. Possibly the best selection is on Nerudova Street, which has nice views but fairly high prices. For a quaint and quiet area, try the New World (Novy Svět), several hundred metres away from the Castle.

Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

In the middle of everything, near Charles Bridge, lots of affordable clubs and restaurants close by. The Old Town is an easy walk away, or you could take the tram. Often, the accommodation is in picturesque historic buildings and remains in high demand throughout the year. Mainly, hotels are quite pricey, but you still may find a good deal. Possibly the best option if you have the money to spend.

Old Town (Staré Město)

Right in the centre and conveniently located for visiting most attractions on foot; lots of hotels in historic buildings. However, it can be crowded and loud during peak season. Also, it is quite a long walk to the closest tram stop because public transportation is restricted on the pedestrianized streets.

New Town (Nové Město)

Centrally located with good transportation links and a large selection of eateries, night clubs and convenient for the main metro station. However, the area surrounding Wenceslas Square is a renowned location for stag parties. Also, there are many adult nightclubs; thus, it can be loud at night and rather seedy in some areas. Hotel prices may be slightly lower, compared to the Old Town.

Vyšehrad

Hotels are cheaper here. Good metro connections, only a couple of stops from the centre of the city. However, it is not easy to walk from here to the main city attractions, and some areas have a bit of a rough feel to them.

Vinohrady

This is an upmarket neighbourhood that boasts some accommodation which is elegant and spacious. This includes several privately owned short term let apartments, great restaurants and some cultured nightlife. There are no major attractions in the immediate vicinity, and it is a fair distance from the centre of the city. Generally, the accommodation prices are affordable.

Karlín and Žižkov

Accommodation is priced very competitively here, although it feels rather off the beaten track and is certainly one of the less appealing neighbourhoods. It is roughly four stops on the tram from the city centre. Great local bars can be discovered on each corner. Some areas appear a little run down and rough, and it can be loud on the major streets: many long staircases and steep hills, lots of hotels without lifts.

Smíchov

Smíchov (Anděl) is close to the centre, with good public transport, and is definitely worth considering. Quality facilities, plus a variety of restaurants and shops, make this neighbourhood a good option.