Restaurants and Hotels

Compared with Prague, change has been slow to arrive in Moravia since 1990, especially beyond the major towns. The good news: food and hotels are priced lower. The bad news: Service—particularly finding staff that speaks a high level of functional English—truly lags behind. You're much more likely to find German-language menus in restaurants and German-speaking staff in both restaurants and hotels. On the plus side, hotel and restaurant workers tend to be friendlier in Moravia and a bit more attentive than they are in Prague.

Cuisine in Moravia leans toward heavy and old-fashioned. Choices are limited to pork, chicken, and duck dishes, usually with lots of gravy. Pizza places are also widespread, but the fare is a bit bland. In mountainous areas, inquire locally about the possibility of staying in a chata (cabin). These are abundant, and they often carry a bit more of the Moravian spirit than the faceless modern hotels. Many lack modern amenities, though, so be prepared to rough it a bit.