mohun

My wife and I will be visiting the tri-cities (Budapest, Prague and Vienna)in July. We've secured reservations for Pest and for Vienna, leaving Prague.
I've read the many Fodorite experiences in this subject category and I'll go back today to re-read all those at least for 2006 and 2005.

We definitely want to be in a hotel in the Old Town, near the square or at least within a few hundred metres. Some of the hotel websites have decent maps, some are incomprehensible.

We've got Rick Steve's book which only notes the limited number of hotels he recommends. On his map, Josefov appears to be adjacent to and not far from Old Town Square. Perhaps there are appropriate hotels in the southern part of the Jewish District (this area is not covered by the Steves map), which we should consider.

First question: Are there comprehensive, web-based maps which clearly place the hotels so we can see the relative and/or absolute distance to the Old Town Square?

We are of fairly modest means and would like to keep the cost down to not more than 140 euros, which is about 10 euros over what we're paying in Vienna, but we are not necessarily looking for the cheapest (we are in out fairly vigorous 60s, but are more ready for American-level 3-stars, rather than hostels. We also prefer to not stay in a modern building (at least on the exterior), or in a US-related luxury chain like the Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, etc). Included breakfast would not be a major element of the hotel--in fact, it might be more fun to look for breakfast each day in Prague (as we've done in Paris, for example).

Second question: Hotels.com seems to offer some good prices (significantly better than dealing directly with the hotels) so it may be that Hotels.com has optioned rooms at lower than market prices much as Expedia has done from tiome to time (although this seems less likely for Europe). Is Hotels.com a secure and reliable web site for arranging a room?

cherylforeurope

On our recent trip I decided to stay in an apartment in Prague after reading threads from this forum. We had a great location a few steps from the square (we were there every day) and Charles Bridge. I loved it...I always am up first and could be in the living room having coffee or getting ready in the bathroom without disturbing my husband. It's not fancy and there's no TV if that's important, but I enjoyed staying there. We had arranged a transfer from the train station to the apartment (and back to the airport for the flight home) by the same company and they were wonderful. Through Athos Travel...recommended on this forum. We had the small apartment.

http://www.a-prague.com/apartment-zatecka

Happy travels.

risab

We were in Prague two years ago and I can recommend Pension Deinzenhoffer in the Mala Strana side of Prague. They have a website and it is really charming- very old world. The owner is very hospitable and can arrange car service from train or airport for you. Their breakfast was great and they always made us a nice cheese platter w/o meats since we're vegetarian. Mala Strana is a really quaint area. When we were there they often had a bowl of fruit, cookies, and some chocolate left out during the day for guests. It is in the Kampa Park area and a lovely walk over the Charles bridge to Josefov. Prague is not large so it would be an easy and lovely walk.

dec528

I was in prague last year. I stayed at the hotel maximillian which I believe has been recommended many times on the fodors website. Perfect location, in old town, less than 5 minutes from the center of town. hotel was remodeled early 2005 and they did a great job. Rooms are great, beds are very comfy, wonderful bathrooms, and a great restaurant, also service from staff was excellent. I think I paid around 140 euros. the website has pictures. enjoy your trip - I did the same cities also...

amyb

I also have stayed at the Maximillian and highly recommend it (although I think it has been re-done since I was there in 2004). I thought the location was excellent. It seemed to be a quiet and almost residential neighborhood. It was far enough away from the square itself not to be teeming with tourists and noise. But close enough that you were only about 5 minute walk from dinner and the sites in the square and Josefov.

MaggieOB

This past October we visited Prague for the second time and stayed at Hotel Kampa Garden which is on Kampa Island at the base of the Charles Bridge. You can find it at www.accomprague.cz/kampagarden.

I forget exactly what we paid but I know it would fit well within your price range and while not in Old Town square it is an easy walk. As others have said, Prague is VERY walkable and nothing is that far away. There are other much higher end place on Kampa Island (an island in name only since it is connected by roads and walkways) but the Kampa Garden met our needs and my guess is it would yours too.

Old Town is great but at the end of the day the quiet of Kampa was perfect.

I think Hotels.com is probably fine to deal with. we booked through an iternet site that specialized in Prague hotels and had no problems and got a better deal. If you google Prague hotels you'll find several sites. Good luck--you will LOVE Prague.

Andrew

Josefov is very close to old town; last fall, I stayed at the northern tip of Josefov at the Intercontinental (won on Priceline) and it was an easy walk to Old Town. The downside was, the hotel was not directly at an underground stop (but not horribly far).

Speaking of Priceline...if you are really trying to save money you can get some nice but Marriott-like chains you wish to avoid for some good prices, especially in Vienna if the time is right. I know you'd prefer a hotel with some charm and not a Marriott but you should at least consider it an option.

Andrew